Melbourne’s homecoming parade for Aussie Olympic Games heroes in doubt

An Olympic homecoming parade — which usually draws thousands of proud Victorians to the CBD to hail our sporting heroes — is in doubt.

The Olympic homecoming parade is in serious doubt. Picture: Ian Currie

Melbourne’s traditional homecoming parade for Aussie Olympic heroes is in doubt with the state government unable to say whether it will happen or is even being planned.

Sports greats and Lord Mayor Sally Capp called for the feel-good ceremony to go ahead, suggesting a Covid-safe event would help kickstart Melbourne’s CBD reopening.

“The Tokyo Olympics has provided great inspiration for so many people back home at a time of great uncertainty,’’ Ms Capp said.

“We will need to watch the Covid situation but we do want to hold an event that recognises the achievements of our local athletes after the Games.’’

Former Aussie Olympic flag bearer Andrew Gaze said risks should be considered but “if it’s possible to be done, let’s do it. There would be a desire from all concerned to do it, and clearly the overriding decision has got to be based on whether there are any risks there and you’ve got to make those calculations accordingly,’’ Gaze said.

“I think, with this sort of decision, you put your faith in the authorities.’’

But the popular event, which usually draws thousands of proud Victorians to the city to hail their sporting heroes, is in doubt.

Cate Campbell with a fan at the 2016 parade. Picture: Ian Currie

Sports Minister Martin Pakula refused to say whether the parade would be staged or when a decision would be made.

Instead, a government spokesman said: “We’ll make sure the magnificent efforts of our athletes in Tokyo are recognised at the right time and in an appropriate manner”.

Australian Olympic Committee spokesman Strath Gordon said there was “a volatile environment back home and the team coming back is still subject to ongoing discussions with federal and state governments’’.

Gold medallists Kyle Chalmers and Chloe Esposito were among the Rio Olympic heroes feted by fans in Bourke St Mall in 2016.

After the 2008 and 2012 Games, homecoming ceremonies, which included parades along Swanston St, drew thousands to Federation Square.

Parades and public receptions were also staged in Brisbane, Hobart, Perth, Sydney and Canberra after the last Olympics.

Athletes in Tokyo will have two weeks of quarantine after this year’s Games, casting doubt over hopes of a homecoming party.