Join the party to welcome home Olympians

Surfer Jack Robinson at the Olympic opening ceremony. (ISA)

An Olympic and Paralympic Welcome Home event will be held in South Bank following Australia’s success at Paris 2024.

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

The official proceedings will begin 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.

Minister for Tourism and Sport Michael Healy said, “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.”

Paralympics Australia chief executive Cameron Murray said, “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.”

For more information visit qld.gov.au/welcomehome