Gold Coast Commonwealth Games

Bundaberg Region Ready for Role in Relay

The Bundaberg Region will share in the excitement of the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games (GC2018) following the announcement that it will be included in the Queen’s Baton Relay route.

Mayor Jack Dempsey welcomed the announcement and said he was pleased the region would be included in the Relay route.

“The Bundaberg Region’s involvement in the Relay route is a fitting recognition of our rich sporting history and our international appeal as a tourist destination,” Mayor Dempsey said.

“Hosting the Relay presents our region with a unique opportunity to highlight the people and places that make our community special. The Bundaberg Region is the birthplace of many successful international athletes which is why it is so pleasing to be included as part of the largest multi-sport event to be staged in Australia in a decade.

“And of course our region has a unique cultural to the games. Many people would be familiar with GC2018’s official mascot Borobi, the blue surfing koala, and local artist Chern’ee Sutton’s contribution to the indigenous components of the design. Our community is immensely proud of Chern’ee’s achievements through her work to raise awareness of indigenous culture coupled with her passion to promote our region.”

How Bundaberg can get involved

Mayor Dempsey said ‘local legends’ were being sought to participate as batonbearers in the GC2018’s Queen’s Baton Relay through a community nominations process.

“The eyes of the nation will be on the Bundaberg Region on Saturday, March 24, 2018 as the Baton journeys towards its final destination.

“It is now up to our community to identify those residents deserving of being a batonbearer, from inspirational community leaders to high achievers in fields including sport, education, arts, culture or charity.

“Across Australia about 3800 batonbearers are needed to share the dream of the ‘friendly Games’ as part of the Relay. Local residents now have an opportunity to be a part of this moment in history and help deliver a message from Her Majesty The Queen which will be read aloud at the GC2018 Opening Ceremony before the games are officially declared open.”

Nominations for batonbearers can be lodged for inspiring residents to participate in the Relay at gc2018.com/qbr until May 15, 2017.

GC2018 are looking for batonbearers 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).

History of the Queen’s Baton Relay

The Queen’s Baton Relay takes a message from Her Majesty The Queen around the Commonwealth to the Opening Ceremony of the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games. The GC2018 Relay is the longest in history, travelling for 388 days and 230,000 kilometres. In Australia the Baton will travel for 100 days through every state and territory, showcasing Australia’s history, culture, traditions, geography and people to the world. The GC2018 Relay has been designed to be inclusive and accessible, giving as many people as possible an opportunity to spend quality time with the Baton. On Commonwealth Day, Monday 13 March, at Buckingham Palace, Her Majesty The Queen will place Her message into the Baton and hand it to the first Batonbearer. From London, the Baton will travel to all Commonwealth nations and territories for 288 days before arriving in Australia for the final leg of the journey. The Baton will reach its final destination at Carrara Stadium for the Games’ Opening Ceremony on 4 April 2018. The Games are declared open when the Queen’s message is read aloud. The QBR is a longstanding Games tradition and the ultimate symbol of the Commonwealth Games. Since the Cardiff 1958 British Empire and Commonwealth Games, the Queen’s Baton has carried a message from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II calling the Commonwealth’s athletes to come together in peaceful and friendly competition at the Games.

Share your Commonwealth Games excitement on social media with the hashtags #QBR2018, #GC2018, #SHARETHEDREAM