Redlands’ local legends are being called on to carry the Queen’s Baton in Redland City as it prepares to host the Queen’s Baton Relay next year.
Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the eyes of the Commonwealth will be on Cleveland on 31 March 2018 as the Baton journeys towards its final destination, the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games (GC2018) Opening Ceremony on 4 April 2018.
“The Queen’s Baton Relay is 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 embrace the Baton’s visit wholeheartedly.
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“It also means the Redlands will play an important part in the largest multi-sport event to be staged in Australia in a decade.
“The Redland City Events Strategy and Action Plan 2017-2022 outlines a vision for the Redlands to be known as one of Australia’s most event-friendly destinations, with a key action to leverage tourism and events opportunities for our City through GC2018.
“We are delighted to be a part of an event that will take Redland City to the world and showcase not only our extraordinary city but also some of the incredible people who come from here.”
Division 2 (Cleveland and North Stradbroke Island) Councillor Peter Mitchell said selecting Cleveland as a destination for the Queen’s Baton Relay was a salute to the picturesque area bordered by Moreton Bay and brimming with warm community spirit.
“I know residents will get behind the Queen’s Baton Relay that starts at Buckingham Palace on Commonwealth Day, Monday 13 March and includes a leg through Cleveland on Saturday 31 March,” Cr Mitchell said.
“I for one cannot wait to follow its journey around the world on its way to Cleveland before it makes it way to the Gold Coast for GC2018.
“I encourage you to nominate a local legend who you think deserves to be a Batonbearer, whether they’re an aspiring young person or someone who is already accomplished.”
Batonbearers are people of all abilities who inspire others to be great.
Batonbearers will represent a community with pride and showcase to the world the region’s pristine natural assets including Moreton Bay, the Redlands’ rich and diverse culture as well as the sporting achievements and philanthropic spirit of some very special Redlanders.
Across Australia approximately 3,800 batonbearers are needed to share the dream of the ‘friendly Games’ as part of the Queen’s Baton Relay.
A community nomination program, which opens today, will offer the people of Redlands and the surrounding region with an opportunity to carry the Baton.
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).
