Brisbane has opened its heart and city centre to Australia’s Commonwealth Games heroes. They were feted by lunchtime crowds and officials.

George Carrington reports.

Australia’s Commonwealth Games’ athletes were celebrated today, when the first of a series of street parades around the country kicked off in Brisbane City.

The athletes’ bus arrived fashionably late, caught in a Brisbane traffic jam.

And just like the ‘inclusive’ Commonwealth Games our para-athletes were part of today’s celebration.

Marathon star Kurt Fearnly, a crowd favourite, was surrounded by well-wishers.

Today’s parade was attended by over 40 athletes, including teen sensation, swimmer Ariarne Titmus, who managed to get the day off school.

Matthew Denny, Hammer Thrower: “I’m having so much fun.”

Leigh Skinner, Para Powerlifter: “Rockstars, we’re rockstars.”

The streets of Brisbane were lined with fans and supporters excited to see their heroes.

Vox: “Go Australia, we’re very proud of our athletes they’re right champions.”

An exciting end, to a spectacular games, which had a bumpy finish.

After the closing ceremony flop which saw the athletes miss out on seeing the athletes enter the stadium, today’s street parade is a fantastic opportunity for the fans to cheer on our greatest sports men and women.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk was there to congratulate the athletes, and the fans.

Annastacia Palaszczuk, Premier: “We really put on a world show here in Queensland, didn’t we?”

Then Lord Mayor Graham Quirk honoured closing ceremony flag bearer Kurt Fearnley by handing him the Keys to the City.

Graham Quirk, Lord Mayor: “The greatest honour that we can bestow as a city upon any individual or group of individuals is the keys to the city.”

The celebrations will continue around Australia over the coming week featuring local athletes and medallists in every State and Territory.

George Carrington, QUT News.