Surf Lifesavers Gather for Opening Ceremony Cast Workshops

The Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Corporation (GOLDOC) Ceremonies team put Surf Life Saving Queensland (SLSQ) members through their paces today, as they began their journey to perform at the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games (GC2018) Opening and Closing Ceremonies.

Hundreds of Surf Life Saving Queensland members from Queensland gathered at Tallebudgera to participate in cast workshops in acting, vocals and dancing.

GOLDOC Chairman, Peter Beattie AC said the day signified a milestone in preparing for the Opening and Closing Ceremonies, and that he was proud to see the community at the heart of a global event.

"The Opening and Closing Ceremonies represent an extraordinary opportunity for thousands of local people to participate in the Games," Mr Beattie said.

"We’re delighted that Surf Life Saving Queensland are participating in the very first cast workshop taking place at Tallebudgera today.

"Hundreds of surf lifesavers have already been cast to perform a specific role in the Opening Ceremony - welcoming the athletes of the Commonwealth to the Gold Coast.

"And tomorrow we share the opportunity to perform in the Ceremonies with everyone."

Minister for Innovation Science and the Digital Economy and Minister for Small Business, Leeanne Enoch, representing Commonwealth Games Minister Kate Jones, commended the lifesavers for swapping the surf for the centre stage at the Games’ Opening and Closing Ceremonies.

"It’s going to be one of Queensland’s greatest ever success stories and I’m thrilled that Games organisers have chosen to highlight our lifesaving volunteers and their iconic red and yellow colours," Ms Enoch said.

"Their images will be beamed to a global television audience of hundreds of thousands. Exposure on that scale is gold for the Games and for Queensland."

Ms Enoch said the Games is a great opportunity to showcase Queensland’s sporting prowess and world-class facilities, and small businesses.

"With more than 1 million spectators expected to attend the Games in April next year, small businesses will be the big winners," she said.

"The Games will achieve a lasting legacy for small businesses, not just on the Gold Coast, but in the Event Cities of Brisbane, Cairns and Townsville.

"It’s an exciting time for industry on the Gold Coast and Queensland, and I’m delighted to be here to share the day with Surf Life Saving Queensland and their members, many of whom I’m sure operate small businesses," she said.

GOLDOC Deputy CEO, Brian Nourse said he was heartened to see so many Queenslanders proudly representing their state.

"To see people ranging in ages from 16 to 75, and from diverse backgrounds, come together to represent their community has been an inspiration," Mr Nourse said.

"They’ve stepped outside their comfort zones and participated in singing, dancing and acting workshops, for some people it’s been very unfamiliar territory, all in the spirt of the Commonwealth Games."

SLSQ President Mark Fife OAM said being involved in the Ceremonies is a really exciting opportunity for the organisation and its members.

"It’s a really exciting, and truly once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for SLSQ and our members, and we’re thrilled to be involved in the Opening and Closing Ceremonies," Mr Fife said.

"It’s a great opportunity to highlight the lifesaving work of our volunteers and help show international tourists coming into the Gold Coast about how to stay safe on the beach.

"We’re expecting a significant influx in beachgoers throughout the Games and, hopefully after this, they’ll recognize our surf lifesavers in their iconic red and yellow colours and know to stay safe by swimming between the flags," he said.

Applications to be part of the volunteer performance cast, which covers both the Opening and Closing Ceremonies, open at 10am tomorrow, Monday 14 August and will close at midnight on Sunday 3 September.

The volunteer performance cast call out is for people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds - with no previous performance skills required. Enthusiastic and passionate people who are willing to represent their community, the Gold Coast, Queensland and Australia on the global stage is all that is required.

For more information, please contact:

Email media@goldoc.com

Tamara Morris: +61 400 658 429

Manager Communication and Media

Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Corporation (GOLDOC)

25 Years at #1: Your best source of news about the Olympics iswww.aroundtherings.com, for subscribers only