Finish line in sight for GC2018 volunteer applications

Published Wednesday, 22 February, 2017 at 02:55 PM

JOINT STATEMENT

Premier and Minister for the Arts
The Honourable Annastacia Palaszczuk

Minister for Education and Minister for Tourism, Major Events and the Commonwealth Games
The Honourable Kate Jones

 

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has urged Queenslanders to put up their hand to volunteer at the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games (GC2018), with registrations closing soon. 

At the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre in Southport today, Ms Palaszczuk said the Games Corporation (GOLDOC) had already received a strong response, but more applications were needed before Monday 20 March.

“Time is running out to be a part of this once in a lifetime event – the best Commonwealth Games ever – right here on the Gold Coast,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

“Volunteers are critical to our ability to deliver a successful Games, from 4 to 15 April next year, as they will help to ensure everything runs smoothly.

“We need the best volunteers helping us to deliver a great Games and a terrific experience for the 6,600 athletes, officials and hundreds of thousand spectators and visitors to GC2018.

“The response we’ve had so far from across Queensland, Australia and the rest of the world has been overwhelming, but we still need more volunteers to sign up.

“This is an opportunity to meet new people, contribute to the success of the Games and with all training provided by TAFE Queensland, learn new skills.”

Minister for the Commonwealth Games Kate Jones said 70 per cent of volunteer applications received to date had been from Queenslanders.

“This will be the largest event ever held in Queensland so we need an army of volunteers to help us deliver a successful event,” Ms Jones said.

“We know Queenslanders love sport and major events and we have a reputation as being great volunteers.

“Local volunteers from Brisbane in 1982 and Sydney 2000 still talk about their Games experience and many are putting their hands up again to help out at GC2018.

“The volunteer application process ensures we can give as many people as possible the opportunity to put their hand up to get involved.

“To date we’ve had applicants aged between 16 – 91 from across the globe and from all walks of life.

“However, young Queenslanders are underrepresented so I’m putting out the call to all high school seniors and university students to get involved.”

To apply visit gc2018.com/volunteer before 20 March.

Media Contact:  Geoff Bruesch 0417 272 875