General News
2 October, 2026
First part of games emblem revealed on ‘nard’
THE first piece of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games emblem has been revealed in Cairns by Olympic swimming legend Ian Thorpe and Paralympic swimmer Grant “Scooter” Patterson.
It is the first of a six-part puzzle when the complete emblem will be unveiled in Brisbane next week.
The piece, which has been described as a fish tail, crocodile tooth, turtle fin or flower petal, was unveiled on the Cairns Esplanade after it was plucked off the Great Barrier Reef by Thorpe and Patterson on Tuesday morning before being flown to the esplanade.
Mr Thorpe said the unveiling presented an opportunity to build excitement ahead of the games.
“It’s time for people to get excited about what’s happening in this state and for people around the country to get behind what Queensland’s trying to do for the rest of the world,” he said.
Patterson said he and Thorpe had headed to the Reef as part of the search for the first piece of the puzzle. “Thorpey and myself have been out at the Great Barrier Reef looking for the first piece of the emblem for Brisbane 2032,” Patterson said.
Sport Minister Tim Mander said that starting the reveal in Cairns reflected the intention for Brisbane 2032 to extend beyond the state’s south-east.
“Yes, it’s called Brisbane 2032, but it’s a games for all Queenslanders, and we want to make sure that no matter where you live in this state, that you get an opportunity to see the games live,” he said.
Mayor Amy Eden said Cairns was proud to be a co-host city and highlighted infrastructure upgrades and opportunities to attract athletes and visitors ahead of 2032.
Mr Mander said the Barlow Park upgrade would leave one of the clearest legacies for Cairns.
“I mean, that’s a considerable investment being made there, which means that you will be able to have higher level elite sport being played here, maybe concerts that you may not have previously been able to have.” He also identified hotel accommodation and road and other infrastructure upgrades as potential benefits that extend beyond the games period.
The Far North could also benefit from the $250 million ‘Games On’ program, which Mr Mander said was designed to improve local sporting infrastructure, including club facilities, lighting, canteens and changing rooms.
The six pieces will be revealed progressively across the state with the full emblems unveiled on Monday.
