Rockhampton to welcome Queen’s Baton in lead up to Commonwealth Games
Published on 05 March 2017
Local legends are being called on to carry the Queen’s Baton in Rockhampton as it prepares to host the Queen’s Baton Relay.
The eyes of the Commonwealth will be in Rockhampton on 23 March 2018 as the Baton journeys towards its final destination, the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games (GC2018) Opening Ceremony on 4 April 2018.
Across Australia approximately 3,800 batonbearers are needed to share the dream of the ‘friendly Games’ as part of the QBR.
A community nomination program, which opens today, will offer the people of Rockhampton and the surrounding region with an opportunity to carry the Baton.
Batonbearers are people of all abilities who inspire others to be great. Batonbearers will represent our Community with pride while showcasing the Rockhampton Region and the Fitzroy River to the world.
Setting off in Australia on 25 December 2017, the Baton will travel for 100 days to connect with as many people as possible in every state and territory.
The Queen’s Baton carries a message from Her Majesty The Queen through the entire Commonwealth. The Games are declared officially open when the message is read aloud.
In just eight days the Baton will start its global journey at Buckingham Palace on Commonwealth Day, Monday 13 March. It will travel through every Commonwealth nation and territory on its way to Australia.
From today until 15 May 2017, anyone can nominate a person who inspires them to be great. Nominations can be made at gc2018.com/qbr.
GC2018 are looking for people who:
- Have achieved something extraordinary or inspired others to achieve something extraordinary; or
- Have made a significant contribution to either sport, education, the arts, culture, charity or within their community; or
- Have excelled, or aspire to excel athletically or personally; or
- Contribute to a fun, friendly, vibrant and inclusive community;
- Are at least 10 years old as at 25 December 2017; and
- Are an Australian citizen or lawfully entitled to reside in Australia during the Relay period (25 December 2017 – 4 April 2018).
GOLDOC CEO Mark Peters said the relay has been designed to be as inclusive and accessible to as many Australians as possible.
“GOLDOC consulted with all state and territory governments, hundreds of local authorities and many other organisations when determining Celebration Communities across Australia,” Mr Peters said.
“Planning the Queen’s Baton Relay through the entire Commonwealth and every state and territory of Australia is a logistical feat that is testament to the first-class team of people we have here at GOLDOC.”
Rockhampton Region Mayor Margaret Strelow said Council wholeheartedly embraced GOLDOC’s invitation to present a domestic leg in the relay right here in Rockhampton.
“We are extremely delighted that Rockhampton was chosen to take part in this very rare opportunity to carry the baton in the lead up to the opening Ceremony of the 2018 Commonwealth games,” Mayor Strelow said.
“We will be watching the baton’s journey around the world with great anticipation, waiting for our turn to celebrate this incredible tradition that will put our community pride in the global spotlight.”