Charters Towers to welcome Queen’s Baton in lead up to Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games

The eyes of the Commonwealth will be on Charters Towers on Monday 12 March 2018 as the Baton journeys towards its final destination, the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games (GC2018) Opening Ceremony on 4 April 2018.

Across Australia approximately 3,800 baton bearers are needed to share the dream of the ‘friendly Games’ as part of the QBR.

A community nomination program, which opens today, will offer the people of Charters Towers and the surrounding region with an opportunity to carry the Baton.

Baton bearers are people of all abilities who inspire others to be great. Baton bearers will represent a community with pride and showcase to the world the region’s great people, sporting achievements, cultural activity and amazing landscape.

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 May 15 2017, anyone can nominate a person who inspires them to be great.

Nominations can be made at www.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).

Charters Towers Regional Council Mayor, Liz Schmidt said that having the Queen’s Baton Relay passing through Charters Towers will be a great event.

“We’re delighted to be a part of an event that will take Charters Towers to the world and I encourage you to nominate a local legend you think deserves to be a Baton bearer, whether they’re an aspiring young person or someone who is already accomplished,” Cr Schmidt 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 Charters Towers with communities across Australia and the entire Commonwealth.

“I for one can’t wait for the start of the QBR on Commonwealth Day, Monday 13 March this year and to follow its journey around the world on its way to Charters Towers and the Opening Ceremony of the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games.

“What is particularly exciting is that the Queen’s Baton Relay will pass through Charters Towers on Commonwealth Day 2018 – 12 March.”