The first applications for Gold Coast 2018 volunteering positions have come in ©Gold Coast 2018

The first would-be volunteers for the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games have come forward after the application process opened today.

Submissions for the Games in Australia were welcomed from 9am local time, with the first three contenders submitting their applications at the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Corporation’s (GOLDOC) headquarters in Benowa.

Mark Grant, Taneale Lawton and Zuzana Harmaniakova will now all be hoping to volunteer at the Games, which will run between April 4 and 15 next year.

More than 15,000 volunteers will be required in all, with organisers saying they will play a "crucial role".

Grant already has volunteer experience after working at the Brisbane 1982 Commonwealth Games and the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games.

"All my life I have been a sports nut and with the Games being in my backyard, I thought why not be part of it?," he said.

"Why just sit at home and watch it on TV? 

"Why not get out and live it, breathe it?

"I love learning about different cultures and we will have athletes, officials and visitors from 70 different countries here at the one time. 

More than 15,000 volunteers will be required for the Commonwealth Games ©Gold Coast 2018
More than 15,000 volunteers will be required for the Commonwealth Games ©Gold Coast 2018

"You’d be crazy to miss it."

Applicants can apply online here and must be 16 or over.

Most volunteer roles will be in Gold Coast, with uniform, training and transport provided.

Volunteers must arrange their own accommodation during the Games, with shifts of between six and 10 hours.

"It’s really great to share the enthusiasm for Gold Coast 2018 with the first three applicants here today," GOLDOC chief executive Mark Peters said.

"The entire focus of the organisation is now firmly focused on delivering a great Games and our team of volunteers are crucial to those plans by delivering first class customer service to athletes, officials, spectators and visitors to the Gold Coast and Games venues.

"I’ve been privileged to attend many international sporting tournaments both as a player and official.

"A common denominator for a great tournament and lifelong memories is the incredible enthusiasm, friendliness and performance of the volunteers.

"I’d encourage as many people as possible to apply to be a volunteer as this is a great way for locals to shape the Games and promote the Gold Coast."