Brisbane 2032 organisers can build on a decades-strong legacy and channel Australia’s volunteer spirit, an opportunity missed in Paris, according to one of the many observers analysing this year’s Games.
GHD’s Mega Event Pre-position Lead Max Goonan said organisers of the Brisbane Olympics and Paralympics should look back to Sydney 2000, as opposed to the volunteer effort in France.
In Paris as an observer for the global professional services firm to capture event and legacy learnings applicable to Brisbane, Mr Goonan said volunteers were an essential part of the spirit of the event.
He said it was disappointing that on a number of occasions volunteers in Paris were unable to provide advice or support.
“This wasn’t through a lack of willing, suggesting that the quality of the training and information provided to volunteers was part of the issue.”
Mr Goonan said even though mobile apps today were more efficient in providing directions, what they couldn’t deliver was “a broad, engaging smile that really helps elevate a visitor’s experience”.
He said with Brisbane needing a volunteer workforce of at least 60,000 leading up to 2032, organisers could learn from the Sydney experience.
“Many Sydneysiders, some 24 years later, still present their volunteer uniforms with pride, knowing what the volunteer force did in contributing to the success of Sydney 2000.
“At its core Brisbane is a welcoming, hospitable place to live and visit. There is an extraordinary opportunity to deliver what could be seen as the friendliest Games ever.”
In a special Insights piece for GHD, Mr Goonan also identified opportunities around social legacy, urban mobility, leveraging natural assets and cultural engagement.
Read all his insights in Perspectives.
