Volume 48, No. 14, August 10, 2006
DEAR Air Chief Marshal Houston,
The Victorian Government is very proud to have hosted the XVII Commonwealth Games.
The sport, the venues, the cultural program and the city all worked together to create an amazing experience.
The event was run against a background of support and participation by the whole community. Critical to the success of the Games, the community was alive with excitement and goodwill for teams and visitors from across the Commonwealth.
We are confident that the international reputation of the Games as an elite multi-sport event has been enhanced and that the Games has an even stronger future.
Likewise, through the Games, the reputation of Melbourne and Victoria has reached new heights on the world stage. Importantly both the reality and the public perception of it being a safe event was critical to our collective success.
The Australian Defence Force contribution to the maintenance of security at the Games and the careful management of the security presence was central to ensuring the general public had confidence at all times in their safety.
We are grateful for the support of all our partners in delivery of this event – all helped deliver something special to the Games. It was a wonderful team effort.
Your leadership, vision and expertise were critical to our success and I would like to thank you and your staff personally for your contribution, hard work and dedication.
I trust that you enjoyed the games and hope you will always remember your experience at the Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games.
Justin Madden MLC
Minister for Commonwealth Games.
