Caloundra Batonbearers prepare to share the dream of the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games
The Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Corporation has announced the 24 local batonbearers from the Sunshine Coast who will carry the Queen’s Baton during the 100-day countdown to the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games.
The Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Corporation has announced the 24 local batonbearers from the Sunshine Coast who will carry the Queen’s Baton during the 100-day countdown to the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games.
Across the community, hundreds of people will get the opportunity to engage with the Baton as it spends quality time in the region, arriving in Caloundra on Tuesday, March 27, 2018.
The Queen’s Baton Relay recognises the achievements and aspirations of Australians from all walks of life.
Two lucky and extremely deserving batonbearers are Lachlan Smart and Samara Welbourne.
From the age of two, Lachlan has always wanted to fly. Achieving this dream at age 14, Lachlan created Wings Around the World, sending the message to youth that you can achieve your goals through adversity, whilst still being able to embrace the dream of flying. He now holds the World Record for flying solo around the world unassisted, a feat he completed in 2016.
Samara is the published author of How To Make Fairy Houses and donates 10 per cent of her book royalties to Sydney Children’s Hospital. Samara has also raised $20,000 to build a library in Bali and was named Sunshine Coast Inspirational Young Leader 2017 and Sunshine Coast Young Citizen of Year 2014.
Tourism, Events and Sport Portfolio Councillor Jason OPray said he was immensely proud of our batonbearers and the role they will take when the Queen’s Baton comes to town.
“Congratulations to Lachlan and Samara, and all of our truly deserving batonbearers on being selected to take part in this historic event,” Cr OPray said.
“Many have dedicated their lives to improving the lives of others, some have accomplished great feats and others are working towards realising their dreams.
“Being a Batonbearer recognises all of this, and more.
“I encourage everyone to support these great people in our community, and to share a memorable moment with the Queen’s Baton yourselves.”
GOLDOC Chairman Peter Beattie AC said they couldn’t be more excited for the batonbearers who will be a part of this rich tradition.
“We are honoured to have so many great Australians carry Her Majesty’s message for Gold Coast 2018 and we look forward to celebrating their stories and inspiring generations to come.
“For the batonbearers, this will be a rare and unforgettable experience.”
Collectively across the country, batonbearers will take more than a million steps to bring the Baton to its final destination, the Games’ Opening Ceremony on April 4, 2018.
Street level and community celebration details will be announced on November 17.
Since its launch from Buckingham Palace on March 13, 2017 the Baton has inspired athletes and fans across Africa, the Caribbean, the Americas and Europe. Currently it is in Malaysia and is set to visit the remaining 15 Commonwealth nations in Asia and Oceania before arriving in Brisbane on Christmas Eve.
Caloundra Batonbearers
Rhondda Alexander
James Campbell
Wendy Coghill
Brent Crosby
Peter Dale
Mary Earnshaw
Corbin Easton
Kristy Ellis AM
Leanne Evans
Ethan Forge
Raymond Ham
Marayke Jonkers
David McIntosh
Riley Moore
Bruce Morcombe
Denise Morcombe
Connor Murphy
Jeanette Parker
Lachlan Smart
Leonard Thompson OAM
Selina Tomasich
Samara Welbourne
Molly White
Sarah Windsor
A full list of Batonbearer names and the communities that they will carry the Baton in are available at gc2018.com/qbr
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Image: Cr Jason OPray with Lachlan Smart