Randwick Mayor Noel D’Souza today encouraged local residents to get involved in the Queen’s Baton Relay which will journey to La Perouse in the lead up to the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games.

Local legends are being called on to carry the Queen’s Baton from Little Bay Beach to La Perouse on Sunday 4 February 2018 as it journeys towards its final destination, the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games (GC2018) Opening Ceremony on 4 April 2018.

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 is now open offering local residents that chance 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 great sporting achievements and lifestyle of Randwick City.

Randwick Mayor Noel D’Souza said:

“We’re delighted to be a part of an event that will help put our community on the world stage and I encourage you to nominate a local legend you think deserves to be a Batonbearer, whether they’re an aspiring young person or someone who is already accomplished.

“La Perouse is a unique location and this is a wonderful opportunity to showcase the area’s rich Indigenous history and significant French and Colonial history.

“The Queen’s Baton Relay is not only a symbol of the Commonwealth Games, but an event that will connect communities across Australia and the entire Commonwealth.

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.

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.

Anyone can nominate a person who inspires them to be great. Nominations can be made at 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).

Nominations close 15 May 2017.