Department of Tourism, Major Events, Small Business and the Commonwealth Games

Transcription

1 Department of Tourism, Major Events, Small Business and the Commonwealth Games Development of a legacy plan for the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Final Report Prepared for: Louise Stariha, Department of Tourism, Major Events, Small Business and the Commonwealth Games Colmar Brunton Contact: Corey Fisher, Managing Director Phone: corey.fisher@colmarbrunton.com Issue Date: 29 November 2013 Project number:

2 Contents 1. Introduction Background Research objectives Methodology in brief Findings Awareness and perceptions of the GC Positive benefits of the Commonwealth Games being held on the Gold Coast 4 Concerns regarding the GC Awareness and perceptions of legacy... 7 Meaning of legacy in general... 7 Meaning of legacy in the context of the Commonwealth Games... 9 Positive benefits of the GC2018 in the lead up to the event Positive benefits of the GC2018 during the event Positive benefits of the GC2018 following the event Extension of the legacy of the GC Legacy projects and initiatives Projects or initiatives to encourage involvement in healthy activities Projects or initiatives to help make local communities stronger Projects or initiatives to help the environment Learning about other countries and cultures Volunteering Communication around legacy projects and initiatives Appendix A: Qualitative discussion guide Appendix B: Word cloud images ii

3 1. Introduction Colmar Brunton was contracted by the Department of Tourism, Major Events, Small Business and the Commonwealth Games (the Department) to undertake research to inform the development of a legacy plan for the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games TM (GC2018). This report presents the findings of this research. 1.1 Background On Saturday 21 November 2011, the Gold Coast won the rights to host the 2018 Commonwealth Games 1. From the 4 th to the 15 th April 2018 the Gold Coast will host the 21 st Commonwealth Games. This will be the fifth time Australia has staged the games, the second time that it will be held in Queensland and the first time that it will be held in a regional city. The Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games TM (GC2018) venues have been planned so that 80% of the venues are within a 20 minute journey of the Commonwealth Games Village which is to be built at the Parklands site at Southport. Two sports will be conducted at Brisbane based venues which include the track cycling at the Sleeman Sports Complex at Chandler where a new indoor cycling velodrome is being built and the shooting events at the Belmont Shooting Centre. In addition, the preliminary rounds of the men s and women s basketball competition will be held in Cairns and Townsville 2. Across these locations the GC2018 will be staged in a combination of 21 newly built and enhanced existing venues with almost 80% of the venues required already built 3. As part of the GC2018, the Queensland Government in partnership with the City of Gold Coast is developing a legacy strategy and plan. For the GC2018, legacy is about creating positive and lasting benefits that can be leveraged off hosting the event to the immediate and surrounding community in the lead up, during and after the event. While the legacy strategy and plan will have a focus on the Gold Coast as the host city for the Commonwealth Games, the strategy and plan will also be statewide. The strategy and plan s development is being informed by consultation with community members, local councils and other key stakeholders across business and community groups 4. It is expected that the Legacy Strategy and Action Plan will be released later this year and will provide an outline of Queensland s vision for the lasting benefits from the GC2018 and include details of some of the programs that have already been developed across the community 5. 1 Commonwealth Games Federation [2011]. See 2 Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Corporation [2013]. See 3 Department of Tourism, Major Events, Small Business and The Commonwealth Games [2013]. See 4 The Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Legacy Plan [2013]. See 5 The Queensland Cabinet and Ministerial Directory [2013]. Media Statement: Full steam ahead for Games legacy planning. See 1

4 1.2 Research objectives Qualitative research comprised of 20 focus groups conducted across key locations in Queensland was required to inform the development of a legacy plan for the GC2018. Specifically, the research was required to identify: The awareness of legacy and its meaning; Expectations around legacy; Possible legacy projects within the community; How the community can be involved in legacy projects; and How the community would like to receive communication around legacy initiatives. 2

5 2. Methodology in brief A focus group methodology was employed to identify participant s awareness, expectations and suggestions for a legacy plan for the GC2018. A total of 20 focus groups were conducted with participants from key locations as per the following table: Location Gold Coast Number of groups Coolangatta / Tweed 2 Central (Southport to Robina) 2 Beach strip (Burleigh to Main Beach) 2 West of M1 2 Coomera, Labrador and Hope Island 2 Brisbane North 2 South 2 West 2 Other Cairns 2 Townsville 2 TOTAL 20 Target audiences years 40 years and over years 40 years and over years 40 years and over years 40 years and over years 40 years and over years 40 years and over years 40 years and over years 40 years and over years 40 years and over years 40 years and over All groups were conducted between Wednesday 11th and Thursday 26th September All groups ran for 90 minutes on average and participants received $70 to cover the costs of attending the session. A detailed discussion guide for the sessions was developed in close consultation between Colmar Brunton and the Department. The final qualitative discussion guide can be found in Appendix A. 3

6 3. Findings 3.1 Awareness and perceptions of the GC2018 All participants in the Gold Coast sessions were aware that the Commonwealth Games is being held on the Gold Coast in There was also quite high awareness in Brisbane. Awareness was lower in Townsville and Cairns where approximately half of participants were not aware. There was however much lower levels of awareness among all participants of the month and date that GC2018 are being held. Almost all participants were very positive and supportive of the GC2018 being held on the Gold Coast. Some Gold Coast participants were aware that some of the events will be held outside of the Gold Coast area and mentioned Brisbane, Cairns and Townsville. This was a surprise to many as they had assumed all events would be held on the Gold Coast. Many Gold Coast participants suggested that there appears to be lot less involvement of the Gold Coast than originally anticipated and questioned the need for events to be held outside of the Gold Coast. They felt it is the Gold Coast s Commonwealth Games, not Brisbane s or Queensland s. The majority of Brisbane, Townsville and Cairns participants also assumed that all of the events would all be held on the Gold Coast. Though, they hoped that events would be spread around so that everyone in Queensland would have a chance to be involved and attend. Overall, participants were interested in the GC2018 and hoped to be able to attend some of the events. However, they noted that tickets would need to affordable, available and accessible for this to occur. Almost all Gold Coast participants and most Brisbane participants said they would attend. Most in Cairns and Townsville said they would not travel to attend events, but would be interested in local events if there were any (note that most believe there wouldn t be events in North Queensland). Positive benefits of the Commonwealth Games being held on the Gold Coast Participants were asked to identify the positive benefits or the good things about the Commonwealth Games being held on the Gold Coast in Positive benefits identified by participants included: Exposure of the Gold Coast to the rest of the world and an opportunity to put the Gold Coast on the world map to encourage future visitors and tourism; Provides an opportunity to change people s perceptions of the Gold Coast being seen as a party or schoolies destination with crime and bikie problems as currently portrayed in the media. They believe the Gold Coast has more to offer but many don t know it; Employment benefits through job creation in the lead up to and during the GC2018. Many participants specifically mentioned job creation in 4

7 building and construction due to the new facilities and venues that will be needed on the Gold Coast; Economic benefits with money and business coming into the area; New and improved infrastructure such as facilities and venues that will be left for locals to utilise after the GC2018 and which can also be used to attract future events; Improvements to transport and roads, with a particular focus on improvements to public transport and a better transport network across the Gold Coast (including connections to the main railway line from Brisbane); Catalyst to physically clean up the Gold Coast and address erosion on the beaches, rubbish, graffiti and areas considered to be run down or shabby; Inspire people, especially younger people, to become involved and participate in sport and make healthier lifestyle choices; Increased membership to sporting club, facilities and teams; and Opportunity to bring the community together to assist in creating a positive experience for visitors during the GC2018, with many participants commenting that the Olympic Games had this impact in Sydney. Concerns regarding the GC2018 In addition to identifying the positive benefits of the GC2018, participants were also asked to identify any concerns they had. Concerns regarding the GC2018 identified by participants included: Coordination and management of the GC2018 was being conducted by people and an organisation based in Brisbane. Gold Coast participants expressed a desire that this should be done by people and an organisation based on the Gold Coast. Other participants in the Gold Coast sessions indicated that they felt the Gold Coast had done the hard work to win the GC2018 and it was now being taken away. Infrastructure and facilities being finished on time. A few participants commented on the negative media portrayal of previous Commonwealth Games cities, in particular Delhi, where there were issues with infrastructure and facilities being finished on time and indicated they do not what this happening with the GC2018; 5

8 Employment and business opportunities created as a result of the GC2018 going to interstate and / or multinational companies with locals being overlooked or missing out; Safety and security during the GC2018 was mentioned by many participants. There were concerns about crime, violence and an increased threat of terrorism; Traffic congestion and the ability to move around the Gold Coast during the GC2018 (for both locals and tourists); The financial viability of hosting the GC2018. Gold Coast participants were concerned their rates would go up. Participants in Cairns and Townsville were concerned that funds would be directed away for North Queensland to benefit the South; Empty seats at GC2018 events. Participants cited other major sporting events where there were a lot of empty seats. They want tickets to be affordable and available to everyone, not just sponsors; Participants from the sessions held with residents of Coolangatta and Tweed Heads specifically mentioned that they wou ld like GC2018 events to be held in their area as they considered that while they are part of the Gold Coast they are often forgotten or left out. Participants also questioned what would happen with the GC2018 facilities and venues after the event and indicated that this needs to be considered now to avoid potential white elephants being created or developed. Some participants commented on the delay experienced with the redevelopment of the Expo 88 site in Brisbane and indicated that they do not want this to happen with the GC2018 facilities and venues; and There was also a concern with the level of information available about the GC2018. Many participants desire more information to be shared about the planning and activities that are taking place in the lead up to the GC2018. They feel that not all that much has been communicated since the original announcement. 6

9 3.2 Awareness and perceptions of legacy During the focus groups participants were provided with a self-complete exercise which asked them to consider and respond to a series of questions regarding the meaning of legacy in general and in the context of the Commonwealth Games, as well their perceptions of what they would like the positive benefits of the GC2018 to be in the lead up to, during and following the event. Once the exercise was completed at an individual level, discussion took place among participants in the focus groups. One of the key objectives of the research was to understand what legacy means to people in Queensland. In particular, what legacy means in the context of the GC2018. The definitions being used by the Department to date is: something that is handed down from one period of time to another. For the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games, it is about creating positive and lasting benefits that can be leveraged in the lead up to, during and following the event Meaning of legacy in general The word legacy means a lot of different things to different participants. Most participants understood the term, but not all. Whilst not everyone understood it and there were diverse interpretations, there are some common themes that emerged. A sense of historical events or people or memories having an impact: Memories of something. Something passed on Something future generations benefit from Something to leave behind for others to remember The impact a legacy has is lasting and not just short-term. A legacy impacts the present and the future. Something that flows on from an action or activity and continues to have an impact after the event has finished and has a long term ongoing effect into the future. A lasting, tangible thing that is left for future generations to enjoy, build on and utilise. Something that will live on forever and people will talk about for generations to come. Impact on history. Most felt that legacy had positive connotations. They felt legacy was the positive impact of an individual, community or event. Legacy for me means leaving behind a good story or association with an event / person / time. Basically a history or story that people will remember in many years to come. 7

10 Something developed, achieved by an individual or community and continued on once that said individual has moved on. It is a positive word. However, some also observed that legacy could also be negative. Legacy is what is left for the next generation. Hopefully it is the good things but often like environmental issues it can be bad. What you leave behind, either positively or negatively. All the words used by participants to describe legacy were analysed in a word cloud (see Figure 1). Most frequently mentioned were words such as event, memories, left behind, history, future, generations, good, positive, lasting. These words and the definitions provided by the focus group participants are a good match to the definition being applied by the Department. Figure 1: Meaning of legacy in general word cloud Please note: An A4 size version of this image is included in Appendix B. 8

11 Meaning of legacy in the context of the Commonwealth Games Participants were asked what legacy meant to them in the context of the Commonwealth Games. Participants were quite consistent in their response - they largely revolved around what the lasting impact of the GC2018 will be. What will the Commonwealth Games leave behind on the Gold Coast after the event is over and what impact this will have on the Gold Coast. Lasting impression. What it leaves for community and visitors, athletes, etc. The mark the Commonwealth Games leaves on the rest of the world throughout history and for all the future Commonwealth Games to come. How the event will effect the future of the Gold Coast, how it will be seen by the world not only during the event, but the years that follow. I take it to mean the benefits remaining for the host city and its people after the games are finished and gone. Participants typically applied their definition of legacy to the event in one of two ways. Some people focussed on intangible legacies while others focussed on the more tangible. Others talked about both. In almost all cases participants spoke of positive legacies in relation to the GC2018. The intangible legacies mentioned by participants included memories, community, pride, spirit, sportsmanship, respect. Bring all the countries of the Commonwealth together. Sportsmanship of the people. The pride in the games. To be a part of them. The experience one will take with them after the Games. The organisation, surroundings and atmosphere. The opening and closing ceremonies. And the wow factor. Leaving inspiration and memories in the minds of Australians. Legacy of the Commonwealth Games would refer to the morals and ethics of the Games. The Games History must be brought to the present day. The belief system must be adhered too. The more tangible legacies mentioned included infrastructure, transport, facilities, tourism, After the Games hopefully the facilities that have been built will be used for ongoing activities and further growth. Tourism. Future. Infrastructure. Development. Gold Coast on the map. The positive reminders and remaining facilities. The flow on effect - tourism. Increased infrastructure. 9

12 Better sporting facilities. Better transport infrastructure. A range of more affordable housing (i.e. Games village). Increased tourism after the Games. What is left or continued afterwards. Sports, stations, tourism, more opportunities for local athletes. All the words used by participants to describe the legacy of the Commonwealth Games were analysed in a word cloud (see Figure 2). Most frequently mentioned were words such as event, infrastructure, world, athletes, facilities, people, sporting, good, tourism, future, after, left behind, city and history. Figure 2: Meaning of legacy in the context of the Commonwealth Games word cloud Please note: An A4 size version of this image is included in Appendix B. Positive benefits of the GC2018 in the lead up to the event The most frequently mentioned positive benefits participants want to see in the lead up to the GC2018 were mostly very tangible. Benefits such as improved infrastructure and facilities, improved public transport, roads and jobs were clearly the most commonly mentioned. Employment, transport upgrades, building growth and investment. Improvements of roads, transport, jobs availability, venues and hospitals. More jobs. Good infrastructure being built. Work on roads. Update old buildings. Improvement of the Gold Coast. Better public transport. Better roads and parks. Job opportunities. Creating better transport systems on the Gold Coast. Become more user friendly. 10

13 Participants also want a lot of publicity and excitement generated about the GC2018. They see the GC2018 as a great opportunity for the Gold Coast to change its reputation and increase tourism. Hype and excitement and anticipation of the Games Promoting the Gold Coast to be a popular and clean city to visit. Improving the Gold Coast's reputation. Publicity. Sense of hype within the community. Publicity worldwide re the games being held on the Gold Coast to engage people to want to come. More interest in Queensland as a place to visit. Promotion of Queensland to rest of the world. Tourism campaigns to start engaging visitors. Clean up the image - maintain pride for all. Attract tourism to Gold Coast and Australia wide. Improve profile of Gold Coast and Australia. Advertising of the beauty and things to do around the Gold Coast. As tourism is the main money earner of the Gold Coast, it's an opportunity to show case this part of Australia. It could be a very positive thing post GFC. It was suggested that the GC2018 will provide an opportunity to clean up the Gold Coast in an environmental and aesthetic sense. Spring clean of the city Gold Coast crime decrease. Beaches and streets cleaned up. Environmental clean-up Cleaning up of streets and infrastructure. Clean up the city. Improve the beaches Participants want a strong focus on crime between now and the event. Positive decisions from council in relation to spending and lasting projects (not just aesthetic features). Take the initiative to decrease crime and violent offences. Clean up of bad publicity, crime, drugs, youth problems. Perhaps more police to be stationed at the Gold Coast to contain crime. Increase security (gang violence in Gold Coast, nightlife - kind of dangerous). 11

14 Participants, particularly those on the Gold Coast, want the community to be consulted, well informed and involved. More community involvement in preparation for the Commonwealth Games. Involvement by local community and business. Communication to the South East Qld community of the progress of infrastructure and planning. Clear communication to media outlets of all facets. 1. Keep everyone involved, informed. Be a leader. 2. Change the negatives of now to positives. 3. Look after the people of the city now. 4. Let people of the Gold Coast help grow the city. Guarantee from state / local government that locals will be given jobs building the facilities. 'Locals only' tours of facilities and special offers. Increased funding. Listen to locals about their concerns - community consultation. Finally, participants want the event to be well planned and managed, without any politics. Strong planning for future after games. Good preparation to ensure a successful event. Team effort. That Gold Coast and the state and federal work together to produce the best the Games can be. Stop buckpasssing and blame game. Council organisational skills and management. Planning not just for the 11 day event but how any improvements will affect locals, e.g. roadworks. More consultation between Brisbane and Gold Coast on planning. The main problem is transport to and from the Games. So the Government or Council should look at this problem and when sorted would benefit the local people long after the event has gone. Proper identification of the needs of the Gold Coast to be put in place in preparation - not just sports facilities but also infrastructure (e.g. transport, services, law and order). More progression in bettering the logistics for the public and having plans in place to be viewed. Focus of the responsible planning for planning to be on the infrastructure legacy. As far as possible to integrate long term needs of the Gold Coast community with the needs of the event so that there is a lasting benefit. 12

15 Managed properly with facilities built and tested so they know they work properly. Construction of good public infrastructure around transport / accessibility. Ensure that there is no blow out of budgets that ultimately have to be paid for by citizens. All the words used by participants to describe the benefits they wanted in the lead up to the GC2018 were analysed in a word cloud (see Figure 3). Most frequently mentioned were words such as infrastructure, transport, jobs, employment, facilities, better, local, building and improved. Figure 3: Positive benefits of the GC2018 in the lead up to the event word cloud Please note: An A4 size version of this image is included in Appendix B. Positive benefits of the GC2018 during the event Overwhelmingly, the most frequently mentioned positive benefit participants want during the GC2018 is tourism. They want a lot of people to come to the Gold Coast, spend money, have a great time and want to come back. And they want the economic and employment benefits that come with increased tourism. Tourism, money injected into local economy, pride, international and national exposure. Increase tourism and business for local stores and small business. Publicity and promotion of the Gold Coast as a beautiful city to visit. Money for economic growth. More jobs. More tourism. The world will be watching. Visitors will be spending their money. Hospitality businesses will benefit e.g. hotels, restaurants. Jobs for locals. Tourism. Expenditure of millions from overseas and interstate. Participants want the GC2018 to be a success. They want it to be a positive experience for athletes, officials, spectators and the community. They want hype, excitement, atmosphere and a heightened sense of community spirit or morale. Bring goodwill and positive vibes to the Gold Coast and Australia. 13

16 People have good time - so they talk about it. Good publicity on the media in this time showing more than the Games. Excitement of our city being showcased to the world. Showcasing the city to the world that Gold Coast is nice place - positive feedback. Improved public transport to all sporting events. Lots of smiling people. Successful, sport and holiday celebration feeling resulting in economic benefits. Comradery. A buzz everywhere - general excitement etc. Participants also want the GC2018 to be accessible, both in terms of an effective public transport system and affordable ticket prices. From a personal point of view - be able to afford to go, chance to see elite athletes / view new sports Super efficient transport for ease of movement for visitors and locals. Focus transport for visitors / venues away from well known local congested areas. Easy access to and from events. Affordable tickets for locals to enjoy the events. Better transport public or otherwise. That people have access to these events and they can enjoy the competition that's on show. Ease of transport. Happy and joyful experiences. Accessible and affordable for local residents. In addition, participants want the GC2018 to be safe, clean and free of the negative stories or memories that can detract from the legacy of an event like the Commonwealth Games. The positive side, to be that there is no security scares and everyone feels safe. A safe, positive, memorable games for athletes, spectators and the local community. No violence / issues as the world will be watching. Exposure for Gold Coast / Australia. Feel good effect. Hassle free for visitors. "Safe place" in the world. A safe environment for athletes to perform in. An atmosphere of celebration. All the words used by participants to describe the benefits they wanted during the GC2018 were analysed in a word cloud (see Figure 4). Most frequently mentioned were words such as tourism, local, community, people, positive, transport, world and events. 14

17 Figure 4: Positive benefits of the GC2018 during the event word cloud Please note: An A4 size version of this image is included in Appendix B. Positive benefits of the GC2018 following the event The most commonly mentioned legacy from the GC2018 is the sporting facilities. Importantly, participants want a plan to ensure the facilities are used following the event. Long lasting use of the games facilities. All building and sporting venues to be used after the Games and not left to be a white elephant. Continuing use of the new and renovated facilities. That any infrastructure that it introduced is lasting and can be used by locals at an affordable and safe way. New infrastructure and possibility of hosting more events. Venues that are practical and usable for future athletes young and old to continue to use and benefits the entire state. Another commonly mentioned legacy of the GC2018 was improved transport infrastructure. In particular, participants mentioned better roads and public transport systems. The benefits to local communities of improved roads, rail, and other transport systems. Public transport system [which is] more efficient. Ongoing better and upgraded roads and public transport. Participants want the Gold Coast to have an enhanced reputation as a great place to visit or holiday, but also as a venue for future large scale sporting events as a result of the GC2018 being held there. 15

18 It is thought that this enhanced reputation will lead to additional benefits such as increased tourism and the hosting of further events. Put Gold Coast in the minds of international visitors again. To increase tourism to Queensland. To leave locals and people travelling in with the wow factor!! And that the Gold Coast is an amazing place to live and visit on holidays. The image of the Gold Coast to changes - not just be seen as a schoolies / party destination - we have more to offer. The Gold Coast is one of if not the biggest regional city in Australia. This should be a great opportunity to establish that it is a world class large event city. For other Australians and the world to have a different perception of the Gold Coast. Ongoing tourism. More sporting events. Participants also want the GC2018 to have generated positive, lasting memories for everyone involved. That it was an amazing time with wonderful friendships made. To be remembered and recorded in the minds of the world as a positive experience. To go down in the history books as the best ever. For Australian athletes to be remembered for the outstanding job they have done, their hard work and achievements. The committee's involved in organising a successful event to be recognised and for Australia's Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games to be remembered for years to come. In addition, an increased and lasting sense of unity and community spirit was also mentioned by participants. That we could keep the positive feelings going through the community. Community spirit and pride in Gold Coast. Inspiration for other athletes to go after their goals. Finally, many participants suggested the GC2018 would lead to increased motivation surrounding and participation in sport and healthier lifestyle activities. Kids to be encouraged to get involved in sport. Uptake in sport. Motivation for healthier lifestyles. Motivation for kids to follow their sporting dreams. 16

19 All the words used by participants to describe the lasting positive benefits they wanted during the GC2018 were analysed in a word cloud (see Figure 5). Most frequently mentioned were words such as tourism, infrastructure, transport, facilities and improved. Figure 5: Positive benefits of the GC2018 following the event word cloud Please note: An A4 size version of this image is included in Appendix B. There was universal agreement amongst all participants that there will be long lasting benefits, a legacy, from the GC2018. Equally, participants felt that it was critically important that there are long lasting benefits. It was well understood that hosting an event like the GC2018 requires significant financial investment and that the only way that the Gold Coast (and Queensland more broadly), would see a return on that investment would if there were tangible benefits in the lead up to, during and after the event. Extension of the legacy of the GC2018 Participants were asked whether they felt the legacy of the GC2018 would extend to their local community. It was generally felt that the legacy impact of the GC2018 would be strong on the Gold Coast, moderate for Brisbane and weak to non-existent in Cairns and Townsville. All participants felt the Gold Coast would realise the large majority of the legacy benefits from the GC2018. Participations in Brisbane, Cairns and Townsville suggested that legacy benefits would possible include increased tourism and other intangible benefits such as increased community morale and spirit continuing after the event. Improved transport infrastructure and networks between Brisbane and the Gold Cost was also mentioned by participants in the Brisbane sessions to be a further tangible benefit of the GC

20 3.3 Legacy projects and initiatives Participants were asked to suggest the types of projects or initiatives that could be implemented in their community to help achieve the previously identified long term benefits of the GC2018. This included a series of questions which asked participants to suggest the projects or initiatives they would like to see happen in their local community to encourage involvement in healthy activities, to make the community stronger and to help the environment. The following sections provide specific details of the projects or initiatives suggested by participants. In the context of the GC2018, participants were also asked a series questions regarding learning more about other countries in the Commonwealth and cultures, as well as a number of specific questions regarding volunteering and the GC2018. Feedback provided by participants to these questions can also be found in this section. Projects or initiatives to encourage involvement in healthy activities Participants had previously articulated in the sessions that one of the positive benefits of the GC2018 would potentially be an increase in people being involved and participating in sport, as well as making healthier lifestyle choices. Increased participation in sport was especially seen as a positive benefit of the GC2018 among younger people. The following projects and initiatives were provided as suggestions that would encourage involvement in healthy activities: Schools and/or sporting clubs hosting mini-gc2018 in the lead up to create excitement among school children. Many participants expressed the view that if children are involved it will mean their parents will get involved. Participants suggested free classes and programs in local parks or sporting facilities as a way to encourage involvement in healthy activities. These participants suggested activities such as walking groups, yoga, pilates, tai chi or even the provision of information related to nutrition. Where possible many participants suggested funds shou ld be directed to existing projects and programs to promote and encourage increased participation, rather than funds going to the creation of new programs and initiatives; Free demonstrations and come and try sessions of specific GC2018 sports, possibly including a meet and greet session with athletes competing in that sport. Some participants though that this would also be a mechanism to promote awareness of the sports included in the GC2018, encourage attendance at these events and possibly encourage pe ople to take up the particular sport; Some participants suggested that the GC2018 would see improvements made or the creation of new sporting facilities and grounds which could be utilised by the local community in the lead up to and after which 18

21 would result in more people getting involved in sport, becoming members of clubs or team and participating in sport; and Other participants suggested that open days could be held at GC2018 facilities and venues to encourage the local community to see firsthand what the venues are like, which may also be another mechanism to learn about a particular sport and encourage future use of the venue or facility by the local community after the GC2018. Projects or initiatives to help make local communities stronger The following suggestions were provided by participants as projects or initiatives that they considered would make their local community stronger: Education programs in schools about the history of the Commonwealth and the Commonwealth Games, the countries that compete and the sports and athletes that are involved. Athletes could visit schools and talk about their country, culture and sport to create further interest in the GC2018 among school children closer to when the event is being held; Create opportunities for children to be involved during the GC2018 with suggested activities including opportunities for children to play sport during breaks at the GC2018 events, be involved in the opening and closing ceremonies or lead athletes out for medal presentati ons. Once again many participants suggested that if children are involved it would have an added benefit of family and friends wanting to attend to the event to watch their children; Promote volunteering opportunities and encourage locals to be involved in the GC2018. This was especially mentioned in the Gold Coast and Brisbane sessions where many participants suggested if their personal commitments at the time allowed they would consider volunteering at the GC2018. A number of participants indicated that volunteering at the GC2018 may be a way to attract first time volunteers which could result in continued involvement in volunteering opportunities within their local community after the GC2018; In addition to general volunteering opportunities, participants suggested specific volunteering opportunities could be promoted within colleges and universities to attract students studying specific subjects and fill more specialised volunteering roles; Make the GC2018 about much more than sport, with a focus on the promotion of a festival of culture, arts and music. Promote the Gold 19

22 Coast as place to be during the GC2018 just to experience the atmosphere, even if they are not interested in sport or attending GC2018 events. Gold Coast participants suggested this could include live sites, music, parties, events or festivals in parks or public spaces to bring the community together; Some participants suggested multicultural events or festivals as mechanism to bring their local community together, learn about other cultures that exist in their community, including indigenous culture, and provide the opportunity to also learn about the other countries participating in the GC2018. As part of these events participants suggested that sports, dance, music, food and drinks from different cultures and countries could be included; Some Gold Coast participants suggested that the community could be involvement in competitions to design for example uniforms, pins or forms of merchandise as part of being involved in the journey of planning and organising the GC2018; A few of the Gold Coast participants also suggested that there needs to be a more formal mechanism that provides an opportunity for the local community to be involved in planning and decision making regarding the GC2018. These participants suggested the establishment of community consultative groups to gather ideas and suggestion from their local community and feed this in for consideration by the organising body when planning and making decisions regarding the GC2018; and Displays in libraries or shopping centres about the GC2018 were another suggestion provided by Gold Coast participants as a mechanism in which they can find out more information about what is happening in their local community and feel part of the event. Projects or initiatives to help the environment Overall, participants had difficulties in providing GC2018 projects or initiatives that might help the environment in and around their local community. Many participants indicated that they thought the GC2018 would have a negative impact on the environment as they thought the creation of new infrastructure and facilities would impact on the natural environment in terms of open spaces such as parks being removed and that the types of materials used would not be environmentally friendly or sustainable. A very small number of projects and initiatives to help the environment were suggested by participants and included: 20

23 Develop programs and initiatives that will assist in cleaning up areas in local communities, with many participants referring to Clean Up Australia Day and how it is held in January each year, which will be three months before the GC2018. These participants suggested there needs to a focus on the community getting involved in cleaning up local areas in the lead up to the GC2018, with some participants suggesting there may be a possibility for the two activities to be combined; As part of cleaning up activities some participants suggested that this would also provide an opportunity to address issues with beach erosion and enhance public spaces such as parks and reserves. A key priority among Gold Coast participants was the development of an action plan to address beach erosion not only in the lead up to but also during and after the GC2018; A few participants suggested that there could be r equirements for GC2018 infrastructure and facilities to be built using environmental friendly and sustainable materials with a focus on energy and water saving measures such as the installation of solar panels and water tanks. A few participants took this a step further and suggested that the GC2018 could be promoted as the Green Games and provide an opportunity to utilise and promote Australian innovations and materials in this field to the rest of the world; and A small number of Gold Coast participants also suggested that there needs to be an increased focus on a waste management plan for the Gold Coast and recycling in particular through the installation, promotions and use of recycling facilities, in addition to the standard rubbish bins w hich are available, in public places and at GC2018 venues and facilities. These participants saw this as a mechanism to overcome the significant amount of rubbish that will be created during the GC2018 and also provide facilities for locals to utilise. Learning about other countries and cultures Many participants wanted to learn more about the other countries in the Commonwealth in the lead up to and in preparation for the GC2018 (though interest was lower in Cairns and Townsville). During the discussion many participants admitted that they had little knowledge of the number and particular countries that are part of the Commonwealth and this would be useful to know. Many participants thought that this would be important for younger people and would be included as part of the curriculum in schools. There was some interest in general information to be available to the community as a whole with participants suggesting events such as multicultural festivals showcasing Commonwealth countries, the sports they compete in and specific food and drinks as ways to inform the wider community. 21

24 Among participants there were mixed views regarding the need to learn more about indigenous culture including language and other cultures in local communities in the lead up to and in preparation for the GC2018. A few participants considered this to be important information to know and to be able to share with visitors during the GC2018 if the opportunity arises and would perhaps assist local communities to better understand and be more accepting of other cultures. Other participants indicated a desire to know more about this out of personal interest rather than as a needing to be specifically linked to the lead up and preparation of the GC2018. There were also some participants who expressed no desire to learn more about indigenous culture including language or other cultures in their community as they had no interest in this or did not consider this to be an important requirement that needs to be addressed as part of the preparation for the GC2018. Volunteering Many participants, especially Gold Coast participants, indicated that they would consider volunteering as part of the GC2018. Generally older participants were more readily able to indicate that they would volunteer, while younger participants would consider volunteering however indicated this would need to fit in around personal commitments such as work and family responsibilities. A few Gold Coast participants hoped to be involved even more directly through a paid role based on their current skills and experience or the skills they expect to have by 2018 (for example previous experience or the completion of university studies in fields such as events, public relations, marketing, sport, sports management or health fields such as physiotherapy). The positive benefits of volunteering at the GC2018 included the experience of being involved with such an event, a uniform, the possibility of free tickets to events and the joy of volunteering. While participants considered the main barriers that could stop them from volunteering to be work commitments, time required, personal health issues, allocation to a role that does not appeal or interest, the distance to travel and the potential personal cost to travel to the event location. Some participants did suggest that these barriers could be overcome during the application process, for example by being able to indicate availability or possible volunteer roles that they are interested in. Overall, participants felt that at a minimum volunteer should have to undertake a security or criminal record check to determine suitability. Depending on the particular role and if the role requires interaction with children, some participants suggested the volunteer may also need to have a Blue Card. During the application process participants suggested that there should also be an opportunity to specify the types of roles, venues or facilities or previous skills and experience to help match potential volunteers to the volunteer opportunities available. Some participants suggested that individuals with knowledge in particular sports or those involved in a sporting club could be given priority to volunteer at that particular sport. Gold Coast participants felt that local Gold Coast residents would be better suited to volunteering as they know the area, however did not feel that this needs to be part of the selection criteria. In addition, participants did not feel that a volunteer has to be available for the whole period of the GC2018 or have previous volunteering experience. 22

25 3.4 Communication around legacy projects and initiatives Participants expressed a desire for information to be provided and available about GC2018 legacy projects and initiatives that are taking place including specific details such as when, where and how to get involved. All participants expect that there will be a lot of communication and advertising available about legacy projects and initiatives and the GC2018 more broadly. Suggested channels mentioned included local television, radio, press, digital and outdoor advertising. Social media, especially Facebook, Twitter and YouTube, were also considered very important channels. Participants also suggested more specific ways that information could be provided within their local community. Local schools and sporting clubs were considered a particularly important avenue for local community news and events. Direct mail of information packs to each household was also suggested. Though some participants had concerns that this may be treated as junk mail and suggested that an insert could be provided with rates notifications. Other suggestions included information displays at libraries, post offices, Council offices or shopping centres. In addition to these channels participants identified that there should be one website that contains information regarding all GC2018 legacy projects and initiatives. In particular, participants mentioned that the website should be easy to use and the design should allow the user to easily find the information that they are looking for. Participants suggested that the website address should be included in advertising and promotional pieces that occur via other channels with a prompt stating that additional information can be found on the website. Overall, participants indicated that information about GC2018 legacy projects and initiatives needs to be provided by a single organisation (or at least appear that way) and suggest this should be the organising body of the GC2018. Participants would prefer not to be receiving different messages and communications from different councils or levels of government. It was also felt that athletes, including those that are already well known or the stars of the future, could be used in the communication around legacy projects and initiatives as this was considered to be more engaging. 23

26 Appendix A: Qualitative discussion guide INTRODUCTION (5 MINS) Introduction: name and company. Describe subject: Research is about legacy planning for the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games. Length of session: 90 minutes. Housekeeping: Safety/evacuation procedures, toilets, mobiles off. Confidentiality: Describe confidentiality and recording/observation. G ive assurance that recordings will only be used for research purposes by the research organisation and the organisation sponsoring the research only. Combination of answers, opinions only, contribution of everyone. Opportunity for any questions before st arting group. Introduction of participants. CURRENT AWARENESS AND PERCEPTIONS OF THE GOLD COAST 2018 COMMONWEALTH GAMES (15 MINS) From 4 to15 April 2018, the 21 st Commonwealth Games will be held on the Gold Coast. This will be the fifth time Australia has staged the Games, the second time that it will be held in Queensland and the first time it will be held in a regional city. Before today did you know that the Commonwealth Games is being held on the Gold Coast in 2018? How do you feel about the Commonwealth Games being held on the Gold Coast in 2018? Do you support it being held there? How interested are you in the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games? Do you plan to attend any of the events? What are the good things about the Commonwealth Games being held on the Gold Coast in 2018? How come? Do others agree or disagree? [PROBE FULLY] Does anyone have any concerns regarding the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games? 24