Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games volunteer army in bid to boost tourism

Thousands of Queenslanders are being recruited to build an army tasked with a special mission for the 2032 Games.

Mark Grant is calling for more volunteer friends. Picture: Adam Head

Thousands of Queenslanders are being recruited to build a volunteer army to greet tourists and event-goers to get visitors exploring the regions, to stay longer or even come back for another holiday.

The Brisbane Economic Development Agency launched the Brisbane Welcomes You program in 2023 to upskill tourism businesses and volunteers.

The program was designed to build readiness to host international guests and boost the city’s volunteer community and industry capacity in the lead-up to the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup and the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Thousands of tourism businesses and volunteers have taken part in the program, which is now being adapted and rolled out across the state.

It covers topics such as world-class hosting principles, knowledge of the region’s diverse experiences and tourism products, wayfinding, storytelling, accessibility and sustainability.

“Having a passionate and knowledgeable workforce of local volunteers to ensure visitors have a great experience in Brisbane is vital to successfully growing our visitor economy and hosting major events,” BEDA CEO Anthony Ryan said.

“We want to build on Brisbane’s reputation as one of the most inviting, friendly and inclusive cities in the world by going that extra mile for visitors to our beautiful city.

“This program will have a flow-on effect that encourages visitors to stay longer, see more, spend more and ultimately return, delivering dividends for our thriving $10.7 billion visitor economy.”

The Sydney Organising Committee for the Olympic Games recruited more than 40,000 volunteers, each of whom had their names subsequently immortalised on volunteer poles at Homebush.

Mark Grant was a Sydney Olympics 2000 volunteer and plans to go again in Brisbane. Picture: Adam Head

That volunteer culture has continued to thrive at events across Australia.

The International Olympic Committee said in 2020 that post-Games research found Sydney 2000 ignited an Australian volunteer culture, with the experience either initiating or rekindling a passion for volunteering among the majority of the “Games Force”.

One of Queensland’s most prolific volunteers has served at the 1982 and 2018 Commonwealth Games, the 2000 Sydney Olympics and the 2001 Brisbane Goodwill Games and is keen to be involved in 2032.

Mark Grant, who was just 21 during his first Games volunteering experience, will be 70 when Brisbane is on show for the world in 2032.

Mr Grant cherishes memories and merchandise from Sydney 2000, including his uniforms and a banner gifted to him after the Dutch hockey team he looked after won gold.

He said he recently turned down a $40,000 offer for his branded volunteer jacket.

“The biggest surprise and takeaway from Sydney was the meaning of a smile,” Mr Grant said. “I would encounter people who didn’t speak English and everyone communicated with smiles – the atmosphere was incredible.”

Mr Grant said the entire experience of Sydney 2000 was a treasured memento and volunteering again in 2032 was “very close to his heart”.

“I really want a legacy to be created, it’s a monumental event for Brisbane,” he said.

“Prior to Expo 88 the people in Sydney and Melbourne looked on us as the country cousins.

“I hope we have the legacy in 2032 and prove to the world that we are a world class city that has amazing facilities, dining, culture and education.”

Brisbane is tipped to thrive during the 2032 Games.

Mr Ryan said Brisbane had a packed calendar of major international events, where international visitors would be coming to the region in droves, some for the first time, and we want them to have a memorable experience and trip of a lifetime.

“Next year Brisbane will host two matches of the British and Irish Lions Tour, with around 30,000 fans expected to travel from the northern hemisphere,” he said.

“This will provide a significant boost to the local economy, and our volunteer workforce will be a big part of ensuring they enjoy the action on and off the field, soaking up everything our beautiful region has to offer from our vibrant lifestyle precincts, world-class dining, wildlife and incredible nature.

“Collaboration is at the heart of everything we do, and we look forward to working with the tourism industry and major events organisers to build an army of volunteers to welcome the world to Brisbane.”

Originally published as Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games volunteer army in bid to boost tourism