Green, gold and maroon – Welcome Queensland Olympians and Paralympians home

• Welcome Home celebration for Queensland Olympians and Paralympians
• Celebration will also be attended by the greater Australian Olympic and Paralympic swim team
• Held at South Bank - Saturday 14 September 2024 from 10:00am - 12:00pm
• Celebrate the homecoming and success of Queenslanders who are part of the Australian Olympic and Paralympic team
• 191 Queenslanders competed in the Australian Olympic and Paralympic teams

The Queensland Government and Brisbane City Council will co-host an Olympic and Paralympic Welcome Home event following Australia’s success at Paris 2024.

On Saturday 14 September, Queenslanders are invited to South Bank to celebrate the achievements of the homegrown sporting talent who captured the hearts of our nation.

The official proceedings will commence with the athlete’s arrival at 10am at the Cultural Forecourt South Bank.

Not only will Queenslanders be able to cheer home their Olympic and Paralympic heroes, but live entertainment, food and other activities will also be on offer.

That evening, Queensland Premier Steven Miles will host a formal Welcome Home Dinner.

The Queensland Welcome Home celebration will be held in conjunction with others around the nation.

For more information visit qld.gov.au/welcomehome

Quotes attributable to the Premier:

“I, along with everyone else in Queensland, have watched Paris 2024 play out and been filled with so much pride and excitement.

”Here  in Queensland, we are home to some of the greatest sporting talent– not only in the nation, but in the world.

“At the close of the Olympics, we can reflect on the participation, sportsmanship and success of the Australian team and call-out the Queenslanders who so proudly represented their nation in green and gold.

“I’m looking forward to cheering on our Paralympians before welcoming both teams back home and celebrating their joint achievements at Brisbane’s South Bank.

“This welcome home from Paris 2024 puts us one step further down the green and gold runway to Brisbane 2032, when our athletes will have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to complete against the world on home soil.”

Quotes attributable to Mayor of Brisbane Adrian Schrinner:

“Brisbane is beyond proud of our Aussie athletes’ performance in Paris and every single competitor deserves to be celebrated. 

“Australia has had an outstanding performance and we want to bring our athletes home with a green and gold studded ceremony so the whole community can celebrate their achievements.  

“Over the past few weeks their talents and triumphs have been showcased and undoubtedly inspired local residents and the next generation of aspiring Olympians and Paralympians.

“There’s no better place to celebrate our athletes than right here in the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games host city and I encourage everyone to come along and get involved.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Tourism and Sport Michael Healy:

“Our Queensland athletes are truly amazing. Over the past two weeks they have given us so many moments to be proud of. They have inspired a nation and as members of the Australian Team, played a huge role in contributing to our countries most successful Olympic Games.

“The show of their success is far from over, as we look ahead to the Paralympics later this month where we will see 49 of the state’s best athletes compete in Paris.

“The Queensland Welcome Home celebration is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate their achievements and thank them for the unforgettable performances on the world’s biggest sporting stage.

“The impact of their extraordinary success goes far beyond the closing ceremony. They now bring their stories home to inspire the next generation of Olympic hopefuls who we will see coming up through the ranks in the lead up to Brisbane 2032.”

Quotes attributable to AOC CEO Matt Carroll:

“We thank Queensland Premier Steven Miles and his Ministers for their support of the welcome home event for the Australian Olympic and Paralympic Teams in Brisbane.

For the first time we’re excited to welcome home the Australian Olympic Team and the Australian Paralympic Team in joint events bringing together the two Teams in celebration after the Paris Games. 

The series of welcome home events across the nation are something for all Australians to honour their athletes in representing Australia and inspiring us all. We’re excited to bring the entire community together in celebration of our athletes, united by the power of sport.”

Quotes attributable to Paralympics Australia Chief Executive Cameron Murray: 

"As the Paralympic Games approach, there's a palpable sense of excitement and optimism surrounding our Australian Paralympic Team. We’re hoping the team can carry the momentum of our Olympic success into Paris and make Australians proud with some extraordinary performances.

"Bringing together our Australian Paralympic and Olympic teams for a joint celebration after the Paris Games will be wonderful. These athletes, across both teams, inspire the nation  and it’s fitting that we honour their achievements together, right here in the heart of Queensland.

"We are grateful to the Queensland Government and Brisbane City Council for their unwavering support and for co-hosting this momentous Welcome Home event. Their commitment to celebrating our athletes’ achievements will ensure the entire community can join in honouring Queensland’s outstanding contribution to Australia’s proud record at Paralympic and Olympic level.”

ENDS