Queen's Baton Relay and South Perth Sounds brings community together

Hundreds of people lined South Perth foreshore to cheer on the batonbearers as the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games (GC2018) Queens Baton Relay made its way through South Perth on Saturday 24 February 2018.

Nine batonbearers were chosen to carry the Queen's Baton from the Old Mill along South Perth Esplanade to the flagpole in Sir James Mitchell Park. After a presentation in the park, the Baton was taken via water ski to Burswood for the next leg of its journey.

City of South Perth Mayor, Sue Doherty said the relay helped to bring the community together.

"It was great to see so many people along the foreshore supporting our local batonbearers" Mayor Sue Doherty said. 

"I would like to make special mention of the volunteers from the Rotary Club of Como, South Perth Bowling Club, WASP Hockey Club, Como Croquet Club and the Old Mill, all who helped create such a memorable day. I would also like to thank former Commonwealth Games medallists and WASP hockey players Robert Hammond and Kobie McGurk as well as Hockeyroo Kathryn Slattery who made themselves available on the day."

In Australia, the Queen's Baton is travelling 40,000km through every state and territory for 100 days. The Gold Coast Games will be held between 4 - 15 April 2018 and will be the biggest event to be staged in Australia in a decade.

The City's annual community concert South Perth Sounds (formerly Fiesta Concert) kicked off in the afternoon following the relay and attracted a record crowd of around 15,000 people.

Perth comedy hypnotist Matt Hale warmed up the audience with his interactive show whilst children's activities, roving entertainment, art, and gourmet food vendors helped cater to all taste-buds.

Perth Symphony Orchestra and the WAAPA Gospel Choir had the crowd singing and dancing along with their hit show Faith & Freedom: the music of George Michael. 

As the clouds were held at bay, the evening concluded with a spectacular fireworks display launched from the Swan River to the sound of George Michael's hit song titled 'Faith'.

"South Perth Sounds is one of the City's flagship events and this year we celebrated our twenty-fourth concert," Mayor Sue Doherty said.

"Thank you to everyone who attended and to all those who worked to make it such a successful night. It is an absolute pleasure for the City to host these inclusive community events and to showcase our beautiful city on Sir James Mitchell Park, while bringing families and friends together in a positive and fun way."

The City would like to thank the 2018 sponsors for helping to make South Perth Sounds possible including; Cleanaway, Instant Toilets and Showers and Lotterywest.

Feedback about the concert can be provided to the City via an online survey at yoursay.southperth.wa.gov.au. Comments will be used to help develop future events in the City. Complete the online survey before 5pm, Thursday 31 May 2018 to enter the draw to WIN a $100 Coles Myer voucher.

If you attended the Queen's Baton Relay or South Perth Sounds concert over the weekend, see if our photographer snapped your photo on the City's Facebook gallery.