Michael Knight - The man behind the ‘Best Games Ever’

Join Mark Beretta in the final episode of Series One of Beyond the Games and take a look at where to from here for Sydney Olympic Park in its evolution as a place. As the former Chief Commissioner of the Greater Sydney Commission, Lucy Turnbull speaks of the importance of Sydney Olympic Park in the fabric of Greater Sydney, its role as a super lifestyle destination, how it needs to continue to evolve, and what it will offer in years to come.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Go behind-the-scenes of Australia’s premier events destination as Mark Beretta speaks to Event and Operation Managers from Sydney Olympic Park Authority, ANZ Stadium, Sydney Showground and Qudos Bank Arena. Hear from the people who make sure the show goes on for the biggest names in entertainment and sport, ensuring people can safely access and enjoy the magic of events! Their passion for the events industry will move you as they manage venues once used for the Games and today supporting over 5,000 events held at the Park each year.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In episode 4 Mark Beretta is joined by NRL legend Brad ‘Freddy’ Fittler, Australian Diver Sam Fricker and Australian Hockey player Greta Hayes as they explore how Sydney Olympic Park has evolved since the Games into a sports hub delivering today the best in sports events, sports participation and home to the next generation of sporting champions.  Today, Sydney Olympic Park continues to be the base to train and hone the skills of Olympic athletes and has extended to be home to non-Olympic sports with centres of excellence for rugby league and netball and cricket on the way.  Over 60 sports organisations are based at the Park, 2.2M people watch sport each year and 2.6M play sport. Freddy, Greta and Sam share their experiences in sport, their attitude and what the future holds. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Episode 3 Mark Beretta and his guests reveal how Sydney Olympic Park was once a contaminated wasteland full of opportunity, that was developed into a world-class environmentally sustainable suburb with a ‘she’ll be right mate’ attitude. Romily Madew, CEO of Infrastructure Australia and former Green Building Council of Australia CEO joins Sydney Olympic Park Executive Director Planning Sally Hamilton to discuss the world class transformation, and how Australia’s attitude to innovation created precedents that would change environmental benchmarks nationally and internationally. Built on a beautiful blank canvass on the banks of the Parramatta River, the development of Sydney Olympic Park challenged designers and architects to protect the environment, establish green buildings and create parklands that would become significant environmental sites. Sydney Olympic Park became Australia’s first example of a green star precinct, creating the foundation of the nationally-accepted green star rating system.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gold medalist Louise Sauvage shares of her disappointment in the Atlanta Paralympics and the determination for Sydney to give the athletes the respect they deserve. Be inspired as Louise talks through the night she won gold and hear from Nic Beveridge, who Louise trains in the Park today. Nic wasn’t born with a disability, and he shares the emotional night that changed his life forever and his current journey for a Paralympic medal.   Accessibility was big on the agenda for Sydney 2000, today the legacy of these Games has resulted in Sydney Olympic Park as one of the most accessible places you’ll find in Australia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Minister for the Games Michael Knight held the dream job responsible for delivering Sydney 2000. If it was a success that would be celebrated and shared with many, however, he knew if it wasn’t there would be one man to blame and that was him. Michael shares some incredible insights into what was involved in pulling off this incredible celebration where the world looked to Australia, and Australia shone.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Beyond the Games looks at the 2000 Sydney Olympics 20 years on. TV host Mark Beretta delves into scenes and secrets that have never been revealed, and celebrates the innovation that has made Sydney Olympic Park a world-leader in urban transformation and sustainable development. www.sydneyolympicpark.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.