‘Nervy’ village security sweep

A MAJOR security sweep of Commonwealth Games venues across the Gold Coast is underway, with a security official admitting “we’re all a bit on edge” about it.

Police descended on the Games Athletes Village at its Parklands site in Southport yesterday morning to check security arrangements and – according to one security officer – scour for any bomb threats.

A Bulletin photographer who was taking pictures of the village from across the Smith Street highway said he was interrupted by a security officer walking home from his shift.

“He said ‘Mate what are you doing?’ I told him I was taking photos of the venue and he calmed down and apologised and said ‘I’m sorry but we are all a bit on edge’.

“He said the police bomb squad was in there going through everything and ‘we’re all a bit nervy at the moment’.”

In a statement about the operation, Games organising committee (GOLDOC) head of security Danny Baade said: “The Commonwealth Games Village security operation this morning was part of the commencement of a standard process established by GOLDOC, Queensland Police and State and Federal agencies to review security and safety at GC2018 venues. All venues will undergo a similar process ahead of the Games.”

The Queensland Police Service also confirmed all the Games venues across the Gold Coast would undergo “security checks” in the lead up to and during the Games, kicking off on April 4.

“These checks will largely be undertaken by QPS and Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel to ensure the provision of a safe and secure environment in which to host a successful Games.”

The QPS statement added police and the Australian Government had an obligation to provide a safe, secure Games.

Police, ADF and Australian Federal Police would be joined by accredited GOLDOC security officers to deliver on that at venues, QPS said.

Air space control measures have also been put in place, with temporary restricted areas designated to ensure safety but minimise disruption for general aviation.

It would also be illegal to fly drones in restricted areas during the Games, the QPS said.

“Only drones specifically authorised by Queensland Police are allowed to operate in temporary restricted areas.

“We encourage all visitors to the Games to play it safe and leave your drone at home.” SHOBA RAO

AUSTRALIAN Paralympic swimming champion Brenden Hall has been collecting commemorative coins from sporting activities, including the Olympics, since he was a child.

For him, they trigger a memory about the event.

“Every time that happens, it gives me goosebumps,” he said.

“Mum started me young, and I’ll always hold on to these sporting treasures.”

The amputee swimmer, 24, from Queensland is now making history by helping to release the new $2 coins being released for the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games.

The first of three $2 limited edition coins will be launched into tills at Woolworths stores across Australia today. A total of eight million special edition Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games $2 coins will enter circulation via Woolworths from now until April 4. Developed by The Royal Australian Mint, the coins feature designs honour- ing the Australian team, the host city and its mascot, Borobi.

The three coloured rings around each $2 coin reflects the Gold Coast landscape – the yellow sun, blue sky and sea, the lush green hinterland and its wildlife.

The Royal Australian Mint is also releasing a limited edition Games Coin Collection album that will be available at Woolworths for $15.