The Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games Organising Committee (Brisbane 2032) Board has assembled in Cairns for the first meeting since the Paris 2024 Games, to share learnings and hear local ambitions on what it means for Cairns to be a Co-Host City in 2032.
During a two-day visit, the Board will meet with a range of clubs and businesses, participate in a sporting program led by the Australian Olympic Committee and Paralympics Australia and visit local destinations that will benefit from hosting the Games across Queensland's own backyard.
Brisbane 2032 President, Andrew Liveris said the visit continued a commitment by the Board to meet with local communities across Queensland that would be part of the Games' overall success, including in the lead up to 2032 and beyond.
"Cairns is a proud Co-Host City and I'm delighted to be in tropical north Queensland for our first Board meeting following the Paris 2024 Games," Mr Liveris said.
"This region has produced some inspiring Olympians and Paralympians over the years, including Brisbane 2032 Board Director Patrick Johnson, Matilda's star Mary Fowler and a crowd favourite in recent weeks, Paralympian Grant 'Scooter' Patterson.
"There's lots to digest following the Games, with the Board now focused on integrating and prioritising the learnings from all of our stakeholders into our local context.
"I look forward to meeting with the community in Cairns to hear their aspirations for a Games that we will all share in and benefit from in 2032."
Cairns is expected to host preliminary football matches at a renovated Barlow Park as part of the Olympic Games in 2032, with members of Brisbane 2032's Board touring the facility during their visit.
"This region has so much to look forward to and offer – from tourism and sport, to business and natural beauty. Cairns will certainly be a sought after destination as part of our Games journey," Mr Liveris said.
Cairns Mayor Amy Eden said she was thrilled to welcome and host the first Cairns meeting of the Brisbane 2032 Board.
"The fact it's happening here so soon after the incredible success of our Olympians and Paralympians at Paris 2024 makes the Board's visit even more special," Cr Eden said.
"Cairns Regional Council is working closely with all levels of government and local sporting organisations to maximise our role as a proud Co-Host city for Brisbane 2032.
"Together, we're going to make the most of the exciting Barlow Park upgrades.
"These upgrades are a game-changer for Cairns. It's about more than just increasing capacity – we're making sure Cairns is ready to shine when the world's eyes are on us in 2032.
"It also furthers our vision to become the premier destination for women's sports in Australia, a place where athletes don't just compete, but excel."
Golden Goggles for 'Scooter'
As part of the visit, Cairns' very own Paralympian Grant 'Scooter' Patterson was presented with a pair of 'Golden Goggles' at a Civic Reception in recognition of his triumphs at the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games.
It represents all the golden moments he's given us in the past couple of weeks.
Known for his 'never say die' attitude in the pool and his cheeky antics on dry land, Scooter won bronze in the Men's 150 Individual Medley – SM3 and the Men's 50m Breaststroke – SB2.
The medals bring the three-time Paralympian's tally to 4, after winning silver and bronze in Tokyo in 2021.
Cr Eden said: "Scooter's journey has been nothing short of extraordinary.
"His hard work, resilience, and commitment is inspiring to us all.
"Scooter has made us so proud, not just in the pool but in every part of his life.
"He is a champion, and I was thrilled to present him with his very own Golden Goggles to symbolise all the golden moments he gave us in Paris."
