Local legends are being called on to carry the Queen’s Baton across the Coast as it prepares to host the Queen’s Baton Relay (QBR).
The eyes of the Commonwealth will be on the Central Coast region from February 3, 2018, as the Baton journeys towards its final destination on the Gold Coast for the 2018 Commonwealth Games (GC2018) Opening Ceremony on April 4.
A community nomination program opened on March 5 and offers the people of the Central Coast an exciting opportunity to carry the Baton in what is the longest QBR in history, at 388 days across every Commonwealth country.
Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said he was delighted that the Coast was part of an event that would take it to the world.
“I encourage members of the community to nominate a local legend whom you think deserves the honour of being a Baton-bearer,” Mr Reynolds said.
“The Queen’s Baton Relay is not only a symbol of the Commonwealth Games, but an event that will connect the Central Coast with communities across Australia and the entire Commonwealth.
“The QBR celebrates community pride and shows us how important a role sport plays to build our great community.
“This is why we’ve chosen to embrace the Baton’s visit wholeheartedly and it means the Coast will play an important part in the largest multi-sport event to be staged in Australia in a decade,” Mr Reynolds said.
Setting off in Australia on December 25, the Baton will travel for 100 days and visit some 180 communities.
In a tradition dating back to 1958 in Cardiff, 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, March 13.
It will travel through every Commonwealth nation and territory on its way to Australia.
Residents are urged to nominate someone who has achieved something extraordinary or who has inspired others to achieve something great, or who has made a significant contribution to sport, education, the arts or charity within their community.
Nominations close on May 15.
Nominees must be 10 years old or older, as of December 25, and must be an Australian citizen or lawfully entitled to reside in Australia during the Relay period.
Across Australia, approximately 3,800 baton bearers are needed to share the dream of the ‘friendly Games’ as part of the QBR.
Media release,
Mar 6, 2017
Central Coast Council Media