Date 05 March 2017 Category City news Topic Residents Local legends are being called on to carry the Queen’s Baton in Fremantle as it prepares to host the Queen’s Baton Relay. The eyes of the Commonwealth will be on Fremantle on Saturday 24 February 2018 as the baton journeys towards its final destination, the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games (GC2018) Opening Ceremony on Wednesday 4 April 2018. Setting off in Australia on Monday 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. Community nominations Across Australia approximately 3 800 batonbearers 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 Fremantle and the surrounding region with an opportunity to carry the baton. 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. From today until Monday 15 May 2017, anyone can nominate a person who inspires them to be great. 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).
