Please note: this is an archived news article release

This article was published on Wednesday, 18 October, 2017. The information contained within may be out of date or inaccurate. News articles and media releases older than 60 days are archived for future reference.

Shepparton Batonbearers prepare to share the dream of the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games

The Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Corporation (GOLDOC) has announced the local batonbearers from Greater Shepparton who will carry the Queen’s Baton during the 100-day countdown to the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games (GC2018).

The successful batonbearers to carry the Queen’s Baton around Greater Shepparton are Zahra Al Hindawi, Joshua Baginski, Alana Baldi, Stephen Barker, Kenneth Birkett, Rhonda Cator, Allan Connolly, Kayne Crompton, Lloyd Freer, Kathy Fuller, Todd Hodgetts OAM, Jennifer Savage, Damien Saxon, Michael Scandolera, Dhami Singh, Damien Stevens and Jacinta Todd.

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 Greater Shepparton on Wednesday 14 February 2018.

From youngsters to some of Australia’s most accomplished legends, the Queen’s Baton Relay (QBR) recognises the achievements and aspirations of Australians from all walks of life.

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 4 April 2018.

The uniquely designed Baton starts its Australian journey on 25 December 2017, 100 days before the Opening Ceremony. For one month during the school summer holidays, the Queen’s Baton will visit major events, iconic landmarks and children’s hospitals.

From Canberra on 25 January 2018, the Baton will switch gears to a traditional Relay and be carried by great Australians through QBR celebration communities around the country.

Street level and community celebration details will be announced on 17 November.

Since its launch from Buckingham Palace on 13 March 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.

It will be 60 years since a Baton first carried Her Majesty’s message to athletes of the Commonwealth at the Cardiff 1958 British Empire and Commonwealth Games in Wales.

GOLDOC showcased the uniforms batonbearers will wear today the first time.

Batonbearer names and the communities that they will carry the Baton in are available at gc2018.com/qbr

Greater Shepparton City Council Mayor Dinny Adem is proud of our batonbearers and the role they will take when the Queen’s Baton comes to town.

“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 all residents in the Greater Shepparton community to support these great people and come along to the celebrations on Wednesday 14 February 2018 from 1.30pm at the Victoria Park Lake when the Queen's Baton hits our region. It will no doubt be a memorable experience you can share with your friends and family for a lifetime,” said Cr Adem.

GOLDOC Chairman Peter Beattie AC said “we 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.”