The Olympic and Paralympic Games coming to Brisbane in 2032 have taken another step into the spotlight, with the official emblems for both events unveiled on Monday, bringing together elements of Queensland’s nature, identity and cultural heritage.

At the heart of the designs are two native Australian cockatoos. The pink cockatoo represents the Olympic Games, while the sulphur-crested cockatoo is the emblem of the Paralympic Games, giving the two identities a clear connection while allowing each to retain its own character.

Known for its playful and inquisitive nature, the cockatoo was chosen as a symbol with strong ties to Queensland and Australia. The designs incorporate several further references to the host region, including the outline of Queensland within the bird’s crest, alongside the Olympic and Paralympic flames.

The arrangement of the feathers also contains a subtle reference to 2032, while the Olympic rings and Paralympic Agitos are integrated into the respective designs alongside the bespoke Brisbane 2032 signature.

The emblems also carry a connection to Australia’s First Nations heritage. Cockatoos have longstanding cultural significance, with a role as messengers connecting people with place, story and ceremony.

The unveiling followed a series of six individual reveals staged across Queensland. Twelve Olympic, Paralympic and sporting greats took part in events at locations including the Great Barrier Reef, Castle Hill, Rockhampton’s Riverside Precinct, Wildhorse Mountain and Currumbin Beach, before the separate elements were brought together at a launch event in Brisbane’s South Bank.

“With this emblem, Brisbane and Queensland take their place in a historic line of Olympic identities stretching back over a century, representing Australia on the global stage for the third time, with Melbourne in 1956 and Sydney in 2000,” said Mikaela Cojuangco Jaworski, the Brisbane 2032 Coordination Commission Chair.

The designs were created by a consortium of local and international creative agencies under the direction of the Brisbane 2032 Organising Committee and were tested extensively in Australia and internationally.

The new emblems will now become a central part of the visual identity of Brisbane 2032 as preparations continue towards the Games. They are separate from the future Brisbane 2032 mascot, which will be unveiled closer to the event.

The Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games will take place from 23 July to 8 August 2032, followed by the Paralympic Games from 24 August to 5 September.
Australia will host the Olympic and Paralympic Games for the third time, following Melbourne 1956 and Sydney 2000.