Posted: December 10, 2005

Commonwealth Games: Let the training begin – TEAM2006 Unites for Holmesglen orientation event

For the first time, the Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games Workforce will be united as they converge on the Telstra Dome this Saturday for TEAM2006 Unite, an orientation training exercise delivered by Holmesglen Institute of TAFE.

Comprising the up to 15,000 volunteers, paid staff from Melbourne 2006 and the Office of Commonwealth Games Coordination, Technical Officials, contractors and existing venue staff, TEAM2006 will partake in a two-hour long training session focussing on venue orientation, the history of the Games, the sports taking place, Festival Melbourne 2006, the Queen’s Baton Relay and the 71 nations and territories which form the Commonwealth.

Other key learning objectives of the event include what a typical “day in the life” of a TEAM2006 Workforce team member will entail, as well as distributing the official TEAM2006 Workbook which contains essential information for the Workforce as they prepare for their Games time roles.

Chief Executive Officer of Holmesglen, Mr Bruce Mackenzie, said; “The importance of the Melbourne 2006 Workforce in helping to make the Games the most exciting event of our time in Melbourne can not be underestimated.”

“Holmesglen recognises that the up to 15,000 volunteer members of the Workforce are integral in events of this magnitude, and their contribution is significant to the success of the Games.

“That is why Holmesglen is proud to be involved in the development of the volunteers and the rest of the Workforce and the wonderful atmosphere they will create by their enthusiasm and energy.”

The Australian Government Minister for the Arts and Sport, Senator Rod Kemp, said the Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games Workforce would provide a vital role in the successful staging of the Games.

“Sport allows us to unite and be part of something bigger, whether it is a local netball team, a city football club or a major international sporting event such as this,” Senator Kemp said.

“TEAM2006 will educate up to 15,000 volunteers as well as the greater Games Workforce, which is just one reason why the Australian Government is proud to be providing $18.2 million to fully fund the Melbourne 2006 Games Volunteer Program.”

Deputy Premier of Victoria John Thwaites, said; “The well drilled and friendly volunteers will be the perfect hosts for the 90,000 international and domestic visitors expected to converge on our state in March next year.”

“Volunteers are the lifeblood of major events like the Commonwealth Games and they play a crucial role in building stronger communities.”

TEAM2006 Unite will involve a cast of thousands including high profile personalities such as Nicole Livingstone and Tony Jones, Rhonda Burchmore, Dr John Tickell and a number of Australian athletes such as Volunteer Patron Andrew Gaze, Brooke Hanson, Loudy Tourky, Jane Saville and Russell and Lauren Marks.

The event will serve to prepare TEAM2006 for the subsequent training they will undertake, which for most will be in early 2006. Much of the training will be delivered at the venues pertaining to each individual role, or at one of the three campuses of Holmesglen Institute of TAFE.

Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games Chairman, Mr Ronald J Walker, said; “I am proud to serve with the cream of our nation’s men and women as we strive with enthusiasm and spirit to make the Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games the best ever.”

The Games will be a once-in-a-lifetime chance to witness 4500 elite athletes from 71 nations taking part in the XVIII Commonwealth Games to be held from 15 – 26 March 2006.

For further information on the Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games, go to: www.melbourne2006.com.au.