Townsville batonbearers prepare to share the dream of the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games
Date published: 18 October 2017
The Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Corporation (GOLDOC) has announced the local batonbearers from Townsville who will carry the Queen’s Baton during the 100-day countdown to the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games (GC2018).
From youngsters to some of Australia’s most accomplished legends, the Queen’s Baton Relay (QBR) recognises the achievements and aspirations of Australians from all walks of life.
“I am immensely proud of our batonbearers and the role they will take when the Queen’s Baton comes to town,” Townsville Acting Mayor Cr Les Walker said.
“Many have dedicated their lives to improving the lives of others, some have accomplished great feats and others are working towards realising their dreams.
“Being a Batonbearer recognises all of this, and more.”
Among the batonbearers chosen to represent Townsville is grandmother of 10 and school crossing lollipop lady Jan Evans and 2016 Townsville Citizen of the Year and veteran SES volunteer Bob Griffiths.
“I encourage you to support these great people in our community, and to share a memorable moment with the Queen’s Baton yourselves when it comes through our region early 2018,” Cr Walker said.
Collectively across the country, batonbearers will take more than a million steps to bring the Baton to its final destination, the Games’ Opening Ceremony on 4 April 2018.
The uniquely designed Baton starts its Australian journey on 25 December 2017, 100 days before the Opening Ceremony. For one month during the school summer holidays, the Queen’s Baton will visit major events, iconic landmarks and children’s hospitals.
From Canberra on 25 January 2018, the Baton will switch gears to a traditional Relay and be carried by great Australians through QBR celebration communities around the country.
Street level and community celebration details will be announced on 17 November.
Since its launch from Buckingham Palace on 13 March 2017, the Baton has inspired athletes and fans across Africa, the Caribbean, the Americas and Europe.
Currently it is in Malaysia and is set to visit the remaining 15 Commonwealth nations in Asia and Oceania before arriving in Brisbane on Christmas Eve.
It will be 60 years since a Baton first carried Her Majesty’s message to athletes of the Commonwealth at the Cardiff 1958 British Empire and Commonwealth Games in Wales.
Batonbearer names and the communities that they will carry the Baton in are available at gc2018.com/qbr
Member for Townsville Scott Stewart said the baton bearers would be local ambassadors and champion the spirit of the community.
“It will be the experience of a lifetime for them and one that they will cherish forever,” Mr Stewart said.
“Hundreds of people will get the opportunity to engage with the baton while it’s in the north and I encourage everyone to join in our local celebrations.”
Member for Thuringowa, Aaron Harper, said the Queen’s Baton Relay would recognise the achievements and aspirations of everyday people from all walks of life.
“It will be a truly memorable experience and I couldn’t be more excited for our local baton bearers. I know they will do us proud in the relay through our region,” Mr Harper said.
