Let’s be real: when you think about the Olympics, you probably think about world-class athletes, opening ceremonies and maybe that one time you stayed up way too late or got up at 2am to watch swimming finals.

But the 2032 Brisbane Olympics? That’s different. Because this time, it’s happening in our backyard.

We brought together local business owners, young professionals and community members to ask one big question: How can the Sunshine Coast actually benefit from this?

Spoiler: the opportunities are massive. But only if we’re prepared.

What went down

In October, Sunshine Coast Young Chamber of Commerce hosted Coastal Conversations – an evening dedicated to exploring what the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games mean for our region and, more importantly, for us as young professionals and business owners.

We brought together a diverse panel of speakers: community leaders, athletes, business voices and people who are already thinking ahead to how we deliver these games.

The energy on the breezy rooftop? Electric. Because this isn’t some distant future event – this is happening in seven years, and the opportunities are already here.

The voices that shaped the conversation

Roz White: The opportunity of a generation

Roz White set the tone for the evening by highlighting just how significant this moment is for young people on the Sunshine Coast.

“The Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games brings enormous opportunity, particularly for our younger generation, our young business people, our young entrepreneurs and our youth, because they are our future and they will be able to influence great outcomes for a great community that is right for them and their families.”

She emphasised that opportunity exists in every sector – not just for business, but for local athletes too.

“Imagine cheering on all of our local athletes in 2032, as a community, as one. It’s so powerful. And I think if we take that whole attitude towards everything that we do to optimise all of the opportunities, then this community will win.”

The message? This isn’t just about showing up. It’s about taking an active role in shaping what 2032 looks like for the Sunshine Coast.

Matt Stoeckel: Young voices need to lead

Matt, who facilitated much of the evening’s discussion, reinforced why events like this matter.

“Tonight’s all been about hearing from young professionals about how to leverage the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The young voices of the Sunshine Coast are the voices we need to hear leading into the games, because they are what the games will be about and they are the future of the Sunshine Coast.”

Translation? If you’re reading this, you are the demographic that will define what success looks like in 2032. Your input, your ideas, your ambitions – they matter.

Grace Brimelow: An athlete’s perspective

At just 18 years old, Grace is already an elite para-triathlete and swimmer representing Australia on the world stage. Born and bred on the Sunshine Coast, she has competed internationally in Para-Triathlon since 2023.

She made history as the youngest ever para-triathlete to represent Australia at the Paralympic Games, competing in Paris, and was named Emerging Athlete of the Year 2024 by AusTriathlon. 

She spoke passionately about what it’s like to compete in front of a massive crowd – the atmosphere, the energy, the sheer number of people there to support athletes. That’s what 2032 could look like for local athletes competing in their home country.

David Moore: Our Biosphere advantage

David brought a unique angle to the conversation – the Sunshine Coast’s status as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

“As we celebrate the Sunshine Coast, we are recognised internationally as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. We’ve got so much to celebrate. And our young people, as we look to the future, play such an important role today and will be important for the role they play in the future.”

This is a differentiator. The Sunshine Coast isn’t just another regional area hosting overflow tourism – it’s a globally recognised destination with environmental credentials and a story to tell. That’s leverage.

Grantley Switzer: This Generation will deliver the games

Grantley closed out the panel with a reality check – and a challenge.

“Amazing opportunity tonight to just brief the Sunshine Coast Young Chamber of Commerce. This is a generation we’ll be really leaning on to deliver the 2032 games.”

Not “benefit from”. Not “watch from the sidelines”. Deliver.

That’s the opportunity – and the responsibility.

Why the Sunshine Coast should care

Look, the Olympics aren’t just happening in Brisbane. The ripple effects are coming our way whether we’re ready or not.

Here’s what that looks like:

Tourism is about to explode. We’re talking international visitors, domestic travellers and everyone in between looking for accommodation, experiences and reasons to stay on the Coast before and after the Games.

Jobs. Lots of them. From event roles to hospitality, logistics to admin – there will be employment opportunities across every skill level. And as Grantley pointed out, this generation will be the one delivering it.

Local athletes on the world stage. Imagine supporting Sunshine Coast athletes competing in front of a home crowd. The community pride alone is worth preparing for.

Infrastructure and legacy. What we build, the systems we put in place, the connections we make – those stick around long after the closing ceremony.

Our Biosphere status. We have a globally recognised environmental brand. That’s not just a badge – it’s a strategic advantage in how we position ourselves to visitors, sponsors and the world.

So… How can you get involved?

Glad you asked. There are heaps of ways to be part of this, depending on where you’re at in your career or business.

1. Work for the Games

Whether you’re in events, marketing, logistics, hospitality or something else entirely – the Olympics will need thousands of people to make it happen. Keep an eye out for roles as we get closer, and start thinking about what skills you want to develop between now and then.

2. Become a Supplier

Got a business? The organising committee is actively looking for local suppliers across all kinds of categories. The procurement process is open now, so if you’ve ever thought “hey, we could do that” – this is your moment.

Check it out: https://www.olympics.com/en/brisbane-2032/the-committee/partners-sponsors-and-suppliers/procurement

3. Ride the tourism wave

If you’re in hospitality, tourism, accommodation, food and bev or anything adjacent – start planning now. Think about capacity, partnerships, experiences you can offer and how to position yourself for the influx.

4. Support local athletes

If you’re in a position to sponsor, mentor or create opportunities for emerging athletes, now’s the time. The pathway to 2032 starts today.

5. Leverage the Biosphere story

If your business aligns with sustainability, eco-tourism or environmental innovation – lean into it. Our UNESCO status is a competitive edge. Use it.

The bottom line

The 2032 Olympics are coming. That’s not a question – it’s a fact.

The real question is: how do we, as a community, make the most of it?

Roz White said it best: “If we take that whole attitude towards everything that we do to optimise all of the opportunities, then this community will win.”

This is our moment. Not just to watch. Not just to benefit passively. But to actively shape what 2032 looks like for the Sunshine Coast – and to build something that lasts long after the Olympic flame goes out.

Thanks to everyone who came out to Coastal Conversations. Your energy, your questions, your ideas – that’s what makes this community what it is.

Couldn’t make it? No stress. Stay in the loop by joining our mailing list, following us on socials or coming along to the next event. We’ll keep the conversation going.

The Sunshine Coast Young Chamber of Commerce helps young business owners and entrepreneurs build meaningful connections and raise their personal profile – so they can grow their businesses long-term and be supported by like-minded individuals.

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