City of South Perth to welcome Queen’s Baton in lead up to Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games

Local legends are being called on to carry the Queen’s Baton in the City of South Perth as it prepares to host the Queen’s Baton Relay (QBR).

The eyes of the Commonwealth will be on South Perth on Saturday 24 February 2018 as the Baton journeys through the City 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 members of the City of South Perth community 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 their community with pride and showcase to the world the region’s inspiring people, sporting achievements and cultural activity.

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 and this will occur at the Opening Ceremony at the Gold Coast.

In just eight days the Baton will start its global journey from 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).

“We’re delighted to be a part of an event that will showcase the City of South Perth to the world and I encourage you to nominate a local legend you think deserves to be a Batonbearer, whether they’re an aspiring young person or someone who is already accomplished in their chosen field,” Mayor Sue Doherty said.

“The Queen’s Baton Relay is a rare opportunity to shine a light on the people and places that help make our community truly great. 

“The Queen’s Baton Relay is not only a symbol of the Commonwealth Games, but an event that will connect the City with communities across Australia and the entire Commonwealth.

“It’s a tradition that celebrates community pride and that shows us how important a role sport plays to build our great community, which is why we’ve chosen to wholeheartedly embrace the Baton’s visit. In addition, it means the City will play an important part in the largest multi-sport event to be staged in Australia in a decade.

“I for one am really looking forward to the start of the Queen’s Baton Relay on Commonwealth Day, Monday 13 March, and to follow its journey around the world on its way to the City and the Opening Ceremony of the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games.”