Five-time Olympian and Australian basketball legend Patty Mills has been announced as a member of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Advisory Board.
Mills will sit on the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Group, one of four key advisory groups established to guide the Games' organising committee.
The proud Naghiralgal, Meriam and Kokotha athlete shared the news on Instagram, reflecting on his Olympic journey and hopes for the future.
“From a kid watching Sydney 2000 to now shaping Brisbane 2032. My Olympic journey has come full circle,” Mills wrote.
“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.”
Mills has represented Australia at five Olympic Games, winning a bronze medal at Tokyo 2020, and has long been recognised for his leadership both on and off the court.
Australian Olympic Committee President Ian Chesterman said Mills’ appointment was a powerful step toward advancing reconciliation through sport.
“Patty is a true champion on and off the field and a proud Indigenous leader," he said.
"The Australian Olympic Committee is committed to advancing reconciliation through sport and the opportunities that the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games present must be maximised.“
He said Mills’ inclusion would help ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives are embedded in the Games from the start.
"I am sure all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander athletes will be delighted to know that Patty is adding his voice to make Brisbane 2032 another significant step in that journey to reconciliation and a landmark for Indigenous peoples.”
The newly formed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Group will advise on how the Games can reflect and celebrate the cultures, voices and histories of First Nations peoples.
Mills’ appointment marks another chapter in his career-long advocacy for representation and inclusion, building on his efforts to create pathways for young Indigenous athletes.
