Key Sunshine Coast Olympics legacy group members take their marks

As planning begins 10 years out from the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games Sunshine Coast Council has announced the stellar line-up for the Sunshine Coast Legacy Plan Community Reference Group (CRG).

The CRG will be chaired by two-time Paralympian and USC Public Health Lecturer Dr Bridie Kean.

It has been established to provide advice to council from the perspective of the community about local legacy outcomes and opportunities that should be pursued as part of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Dr Kean said she was pleased to see many areas represented on the panel.

“Collectively, this group will provide strong representation in many areas including Olympics and Paralympics, tourism, the community, disability, youth and education,” Dr Kean said.

“I look forward to the first meeting getting underway next month as the hard work begins.”

The Sunshine Coast Legacy Plan Community Reference Group includes:

• Dr Bridie Kean (Chair)
• Mayor Mark Jamieson and Cr Maria Suarez (Sunshine Coast Council)
• Blake Cochrane (Olympians/Paralympians)
• Chris van der Pol (Environment and Sustainability)
• Stan Garland (Business and Industry)
• Matt Stoeckel (Tourism and Events)
• Michelle Phillips (Community)
• Skye Parker (Arts and Culture)
• Mark Henricks (Sport and Active Recreation)
• Lisa Edwards (People with a Disability)
• Dr Peter English (Education and Research)
• Brian Warner (Traditional Custodian)
• Ashley Robinson, Danny Salzke and Peter Saba (Sunshine Coast venue delivery partners)

Sunshine Coast Council Mayor Mark Jamieson and Environment Portfolio Councillor Maria Suarez will also represent council as part of the CRG.

Mayor Jamieson thanked everyone who expressed their interest in joining the group.

“This is an incredible opportunity to create a lasting legacy that will benefit our whole Sunshine Coast and countless generations to come,” Mayor Jamieson said.

“Collectively, the CRG will provide a voice for our region that captures ideas, hopes and aspirations from a variety of backgrounds, industries and sectors.

“This is council’s first formal engagement with our community in respect to the 2032 Games and in particular, the legacy outcomes we are all hoping for.

“Importantly, there will be ample opportunity for the community and individual sectors and cohorts to be engaged in our Games planning moving forward.”

Sunshine Coast Council Environment and Liveability Portfolio Councillor Maria Suarez said she looked forward to working with the CRG.

“Brisbane 2032 will be the sustainable games and I look forward to this group carving a long-lasting legacy towards the Sunshine Coast being Australia’s most sustainable region” Cr Suarez said.

“Behind the scenes of Brisbane 2032 this CRG will be a collaborative partnership to develop a clear plan from which our community – our residents now and those who will live here in the future – will be the clear beneficiaries.”

For more information, please visit https://www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/Experience-Sunshine-Coast/Events/Olympics2032

Images: Blake Cochrane, Skye Parker, Ashley Robinson and Brian Warner are part of the new Sunshine Coast Legacy Plan Community Reference Group; a new dawn is on the horizon as members of the CRG take their marks.