[The Sydney Olympics 2000] What stood out was that the most enduring outcomes were not economic. They were social.
Yes, there was tourism, infrastructure and global visibility. But the deeper legacy lay in civic pride, volunteerism, and community participation.
The Olympics showed that large sporting events can strengthen national identity and social connection in ways that are difficult to achieve through policy alone.
We have seen similar effects through the Socceroos at successive World Cups.
When Australia qualifies, something shifts in the national mood. People from every background come together to support a shared team. Homes, workplaces and public spaces become gathering points. For a brief period, differences recede and a sense of collective belonging emerges.
Just as importantly, the Socceroos reflect modern Australia itself.
The squad is made up of players whose family origins span Europe, Asia, Africa, the Middle East and the Pacific. In that sense, the team is not just representing Australia; it is reflecting it.
For many Australians, this diversity is not symbolic. It is familiar. It mirrors everyday life in schools, workplaces and neighbourhoods across the country.
Australia is one of the most culturally diverse societies in the world. Nearly one third of Australians were born overseas, and many more have at least one parent who migrated here.
The challenge is not diversity itself. The challenge is ensuring people feel connected within it.
Football shows how belonging is built. By Mainul Haque, Pearls & Irritations