WA can win Olympic gold

Tuesday, 23 November, 1999 - 21:00
AS THE 2000 Olympic Games draws closer, WA companies still have opportunities, says Olympic Commerce Centre director Nicole Quinn.

Ms Quinn said main opportunities lay in supplying the Games.

“There is an opportunity for WA companies to supply a lot of fresh provisions,” she said.

“For example, the athletes alone are expected to drink 75,000 litres of milk and eat eighty-five tonnes of seafood, 100 tonnes of meat and 350 tonnes of fruit and vegetables.

“The athletes will use enough toilet paper to stretch from Perth to Sydney four times.”

Ms Quinn said logistics offered another opportunity.

“Every logistics company in New South Wales will need help during the games.

“There are also opportunities for companies to supply personnel.

“Some security companies are taking staff from WA and NSW is short on quality hospitality staff and cleaners.

“There is also high demand for temporary structures such as marquees, portaloos and video screens.

“Corporate entertainment is going through the roof in Sydney. I’d suggest WA companies approach some of the larger audio-visual firms.”

Ms Quinn said the Olympic torch relay would draw world media coverage and it would be in WA for the longest period.

“NBC has said it will be covering the torch relay in June from Broome,” she said.

“Pre-games, Perth has already secured the Greek Olympic team and the Italian and French swimming teams.

“I believe the long-term legacy of the games will be a winner for the whole of Australia – especially the tourist dollar.”

Despite the opportunities, it is likely unprepared businesses could face some problems.

“Some businesses in Sydney during the Games will probably wind down or put in a Christmas roster,” Ms Quinn said.

“Businesses in WA need to take that into account, especially if they need products shipped from New South Wales.

“And daylight saving will start there on 27 August. The three hour time difference will be for a lot longer.

“Businesses may also need to talk to their staff. Some may have tickets or may want to volunteer to help out with the Games,” she said.