Image from the Griffith Archive collection.
In late September to early October of 1982, the Commonwealth Games was held in Brisbane. Our Nathan campus was used as the Commonwealth Games Village
While there were many benefits to our university from our involvement in the 1982 Games the most tangible was the village. Prior to the Commonwealth Games the Nathan campus had no onsite student accommodation so construction began on the Nathan campus residences Barakula, Bellenden Ker, Girraween and Kinaba. The Village needed to be able to house 2,000 athletes and officials, as well as proudly welcome high-profile visitors such as Queen Elizabeth II.
Griffith has continued its intimate association with the Commonwealth Games to this day. Our university was an official partner to the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games. Conservatorium students gave performances, College of Art students provided artwork exhibitions and hundreds of our students and staff were involved in paid, volunteer and internship appointments.
At the recent Birmingham Games, the Griffith community brought home a total of 48 medals. 40 years on from Brisbane our close connection with the Commonwealth Games remains as strong as ever.
You can read more about our involvement in the 1982 Commonwealth games by visiting the Griffith Archive website.
Image from the Griffith Archive collection.
