13
Oct
Brisbane 2032
Mills' Olympic journey extends into Brisbane '32
Image: Supplied.
Patty Mills joins Brisbane32’s Indigenous Advisory Group, shaping a Games built on legacy and unity.
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From a young boy watching Cathy Freeman light the cauldron in Sydney to a leader shaping the future of Brisbane 2032, Patty Mills’ Olympic story has come full circle.
This week, Mills was confirmed as one of the founding members of the Brisbane 2032 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Group, one of four key advisory groups announced by the Brisbane 2032 Organising Committee to guide the event’s delivery and legacy.
The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander group will be chaired by former Olympian Patrick Johnson OLY, with members including Mills, Sarah Kelly OAM, Julie-ann Lambourne, David Williams, and Baringa Barambah.
Posting to social media, Mills reflected on the significance of the moment.
“From a kid watching Sydney 2000 to now shaping Brisbane 2032, my Olympic journey has come full circle.” he said.
"As a founding member of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Advisory Board with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Group, my commitment is clear. Brisbane 2032 must be more than competition. It has to be a legacy. One of unity, unforgettable moments, and intentional experiences that dissolve borders, unlock opportunity, and ignite belonging across lives that rarely intersect.”
At 37, the Boomer remains one of Australia’s most respected sporting figures. His work extends far beyond the court: from mentoring the next generation of Indigenous athletes to advocating for education, equality, and reconciliation through the Patty Mills Foundation.
Mills’ connection to the Olympic movement runs deep. He first competed at the Beijing 2008 Games as a 19-year-old. Since then, he has represented Australia at four more Olympics, culminating in leading out Australia as the flag bearer and an unforgettable bronze-medal campaign in Tokyo 2020, where he led the Boomers to their first-ever podium finish.
Brisbane 2032 President Andrew Liveris described the advisory groups as a crucial part of ensuring the Games deliver genuine impact across communities.
“Hosting the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2032 provides the ultimate opportunity to globally showcase our picturesque regions and the welcoming warmth of our regional communities,” he said.
For Mills, that opportunity extends well beyond what happens on the field. His focus is on unity, belonging, and ensuring that Indigenous voices are woven into the fabric of Australia’s biggest sporting event since Sydney 2000.
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