Think Tank: Gold Coast’s Duncan Free of Griffith Sports College

IT’S easy to understand why Griffith Sports College director Duncan Free is passionate about sports and the benefits a strong sporting culture can bring to a city.

Former Olympian and director of Griffith Sports College Duncan Free. Photo: David Clark

IT’S easy to understand why Griffith Sports College director Duncan Free is passionate about sports and the benefits a strong sporting culture can bring to a city. The four-time Olympian, who won a rowing gold in Beijing in 2008 and bronze in Atlanta in 1996, now spends his days mentoring elite student athletes, helping them balance the demands of study and training through the college. Mr Free has just seen off 24 Griffith University students and alumni to the Rio Olympics — the biggest ever Olympics contingent from the university. Another four are competing at the Paralympic Games. With the 2018 Commonwealth Games looming, Mr Free sees huge potential for the Gold Coast to become a major sporting heartland.

What do you love about the Gold Coast?

“The Gold Coast has the best training environment in the world for any sport. I love the coastline as it’s a big part of my life.

“I love the coastline as it’s a big part of my life.”

“I regularly cycle up in the Hinterland and down the Coast, and there’s nothing better than having breakfast or a coffee overlooking the beach at a surf club or cafe after a ride. I also still row and that’s when there’s time for reflection in the peace and quiet of a still morning on a Gold Coast canal.”

What do you think can be done better on the Gold Coast?

“Australians and Gold Coasters love sport, but sometimes we forget how to show it. I think Gold

Coasters could support their local teams more by filling the stadiums at the Titans and Suns home games.

“I know this will come over time, because historically we haven’t had national teams to cheer on.

“We also need to support major events such as the rugby sevens when they are held here to ensure that they stay here. I’m sure the Gold Coast will get behind the Commonwealth Games, which I think will be a kick-starter for a change of culture.”

In your travels, what have you seen being done elsewhere you think could work well here?

“I love the Gold Coast as it is and I don’t want to change it much. I don’t want to see it

overdeveloped.

“Even though development is part of our future, I don’t want to see us get too big too quickly. “The Broadwater is a bit of a hot topic and I think we need to acknowledge it as a great resource, especially for recreation and for sporting competitions.

“I certainly don’t want to see the Broadwater overdeveloped, but it does need to be maintained.”

“I certainly don’t want to see the Broadwater overdeveloped, but it does need to be maintained. “It could then host all sorts of events such as sailing and offshore boating, including the America’s Cup.

“We still have to be mindful of the environment and all users, such as scuba divers and recreational fishers, who love and enjoy the Broadwater.”

If money, laws, time and approvals were no issue, what is one big project you’d undertake

tomorrow?

“It would be awesome to have a massive sporting and cultural precinct in the heart of the city.

“I know we have separate precincts being developed at the moment, at Bundall and Carrara. “However, to have it all in one location, along with a vibe created by a street food or bustling dining precinct, would be awesome.”

The Commonwealth Games Village under construction at Parklands.

What conversations should Gold Coast movers and shakers be having?

“We need to think outside the box when it comes to attracting major, big-ticket sporting events to the Gold Coast.

“The conversation is already being had in regards to the legacy of the Commonwealth Games, including plans to possibly host the 2028 Olympics in the region.

“We certainly want to take advantage of the Commonwealth Games by increasing participation and drawing new events to the Gold Coast using the facilities we are creating.

“These facilities are a great coup for the city. I don’t think they’ll be empty after the Games and I’m confident it will increase local participation in sports.”