Time to get behind Games and celebrate our great city

WHEN did we Gold Coasters lose our sense of fun and happygo-lucky attitude? We live in the best city in the country, with a climate and lifestyle others can only dream of!

The Commonwealth Games is less than three months away and we have the opportunity to meet thousands of visitors, to show off our city to the world, to share our culture and to learn from others. What a great position to be in!

As a volunteer, I have read the Guidelines for greeting visitors and will keep them in mind when greeting people. However, I will meet each visitor with a good oldfashioned Aussie welcome, one I find appropriate to the situation.

Of course traffic will be an issue, as it is in every city of the world, especially during major events. Yes, the M1 desperately needs an upgrade, but that is not going to happen before April. For the two weeks of the Games, and the lead in and out, we have the opportunity to express our frustration or to make allowances for delays and inconveniences and take it in our stride – the Aussie way!

When the Games end and everyone goes home, we’ll have a legacy of sporting facilities second to none. Football, basketball, lawn bowls, tennis, swimming and many more. Our young people will be spoiled for choice.

C’mon Gold Coasters! Let’s get behind the Games and show our neighbours and visitors just what we have and, especially, who we are. We’re proud Australians and lucky Gold Coasters! CHRISTINE SMITH, BURLEIGH HEADS