Queensland celebrates Team Australia after sensational GC2018 performance

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has described Australia’s triumphant Commonwealth Games team as ‘an inspiration’ and all athletes deserved gold medals for helping to stage an event ‘fit for a future king’.

Addressing the crowd gathered to acclaim the Australian athletes at the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Team Celebration at King George Square in Brisbane, the Premier said Team Australia deserved a huge congratulations.

“Their achievements have shown what can be accomplished through desire and dedication, and they are an inspiration to us all,” the Premier said.

“After eleven days of fierce competition featuring some of the greatest competitors in world sport, one nation was standing head and shoulders above the rest in the medals table.

“Our total of 198 medals with 80 gold, 59 silver and 59 bronze is testament to the skill, courage and stamina of our team, and it’s fantastic that Queensland was leading the charge with athletes from our state contributing 36 of those 80 golds, either as individuals or in a team.

“What a statement that sends to the world about Queensland as a centre of sporting excellence!

“For those of us cheering from the grandstands or at home watching on TV it really didn’t matter to us who won or who lost.                                                                                                                    

“It was the how you played your games that made us so proud.

“And we cheered equally. For everyone. And we loved every minute of it.”

The event was an opportunity for the Queensland public to celebrate Australia’s sports stars, but Premier Palaszczuk also paid tribute to more than 15,000 volunteers who donated their time to the Games.

“We couldn’t have done it without them, so they too deserve gold medals for being such champions,” she said.

“This was a fantastic team effort delivered in true Queenslander spirit, and our athletes led the way.

“Team Australia and Team Queensland you did us proud and we salute each and every one of you.”

For more information about the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games including a memorabilia auction, visit www.gc2018.com  

Media contact: Susan McGrady on 0488 996 667