GC2018 Volunteers: on your marks, ready, set…

The countdown is on - it’s International Volunteer Day and Queenslanders are being asked to consider giving their time as a Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games volunteer.

Transport and Commonwealth Games Minister, Stirling Hinchliffe today announced applications for the Games’ jobs of a lifetime would open on February 6, 2017 with volunteers also able to pre-register online.

“Queenslanders have a proud tradition of volunteering to support major events and there is none bigger in Australia this decade than the Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast,” Minister Hinchliffe said. 

“The 2018 Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast will need 15,000 volunteers with diverse skills and life experiences for crucial roles at multiple locations including Games venues, the Games Village and the Uniform and Accreditation Centre. 

“Recruiting volunteers is an important step in delivering the best ever Commonwealth Games, and it starts today – on International Volunteer Day.   

“Volunteering for GC2018 is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be part of a priceless legacy.” 

The contribution of volunteers has been crucial to the successful delivery of major events around the world and here in Queensland. 

Specialist training for GC2018 will be provided by TAFE Queensland at no cost to Games volunteers.        

Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Corporation (GOLDOC) Chairman, Peter Beattie AC, said volunteers will help make the Games great.

“The contribution of GC2018 volunteers will help promote the Gold Coast to athletes, officials and spectators who will attend the Games from across the Commonwealth. 

“Volunteering at the Games provides so many people with an opportunity to share the dream, which has been at the heart of the event since the Commonwealth Games began.”  

GOLDOC Chief Executive Officer, Mark Peters said he had been privileged to attend many international sporting tournaments both as a player and official. 

“Recently I have been involved in the Pan Pacific Masters Games on the Gold Coast,” Mr Peters said. 

“A common denominator for a great tournament and lifelong memories is the incredible enthusiasm, friendliness and performance of the volunteers.

“I’d encourage as many people as possible to apply to be a volunteer as this is a great way for locals to shape the Games and promote the Gold Coast.”   

Mark Grant was among the first to pre-register his interest in becoming a GC2018 volunteer, ahead of the opening of applications on February 6, and has had plenty of experience in the job. 

Mr Grant’s impressive major event volunteer resume includes Brisbane’s 1982 Commonwealth Games, the 2001 Goodwill Games, and the Sydney, Athens and London Olympics.  

“From the opening ceremony, I was not only a volunteer but an ambassador for my country. I was engulfed by an overwhelming sense of pride,” he said. 

“It is a great opportunity to be involved in an event like no other.” 

Queenslanders can register their interest in becoming a GC2018 volunteer and keep up to date with the latest news on the volunteer program at: www.gc2018.com/volunteer

Media contact: 0475 950 772