Games baton bearers called to arms

The Queen’s Baton Relay is coming to Wyndham and local legends are being called on to carry the baton through their home town.

The relay, an integral part of the Commonwealth Games, will start its global journey at Buckingham Palace, London, on March 13, travelling through every Commonwealth nation and territory before landing in Australia on Christmas Day.

From there, the relay will take 100 days travelling the nation, passing through Wyndham on February 13 next year as it heads to its final destination, the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games opening ceremony on April 4.

The Games are declared officially open when a message inside the baton from Queen Elizabeth is read aloud.

Nominations for baton bearers are now open, with about 3800 carriers to be selected for the Australian leg of the relay.

Baton bearers must be at least 10 years old as of December 25 this year, be an Australian citizen or lawful resident and have made a contribution in their community.

Wyndham mayor Henry Barlow encouraged locals to nominate themselves or a local legend they think deserves to be a baton bearer.

“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,” Cr Barlow said.

Nominations close on May 15 and can be made at gc2018.com/qbr

Charlene Macaulay