From 1979 to 1982, I volunteered at the XII Commonwealth Games Foundation (where my mother was Accreditation and Hospitality Manager), supporting office odd-jobs and later with planning, marketing, sports and creative planning groups.

46 countries participating with 1,583 athletes with 571 officials involved in 142 events the Brisbane Commonwealth Games are still hailed as one of the very best. Everything went so well from the moment Matilda, a 13-metre mechanical kangaroo, helped out with the opening ceremonies.

Ten sports were featured at the 1982 Commonwealth Games – Archery, Athletics, Badminton, Boxing, Cycling, Lawn Bowls, Shooting, Swimming and Diving, Weightlifting and Wrestling.  The men’s 200m gold was famously shared by England’s Mike McFarlane and Scotland’s Allan Wells, with judges unable to separate the pair at the winning post.

The Opening Ceremony of the Brisbane Commonwealth Games were held at the QEII Stadium, in the suburb of Nathan, Brisbane. The QEII Stadium was also the venue which was used for the athletics and archery competitions during the Games.