‘Local legends’ wanted to carry Queen’s Baton

Ararat Rural City Council has called for nominations for ‘local legends’ to carry the Queen’s Baton when it arrives in the municipality in the lead-up to the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

The baton will arrive in Ararat on February 13, 2018, on its way to the games on Queensland’s Gold Coast.

The Queen’s Baton carries a message from Her Majesty The Queen through the entire Commonwealth over 388 days, or about 230,000 kilometres.

The games are declared officially open when the message is read aloud.

Ararat Mayor Paul Hooper said the Queen’s Baton Relay was a rare opportunity to shine a light on the people and places that helped make the Ararat and surrounding community great.

“We’re delighted to be a part of an event that will take Ararat Rural City to the world and I encourage you to nominate a local legend you think deserves to be a baton-bearer, whether they’re an aspiring young person or someone who is already accomplished,” he said.

“I for one can’t wait for the Queen’s Baton Relay – which started its journey on Commonwealth Day, March 13, in the UK – to follow its journey around the world on its way to Ararat and then the opening ceremony of the 2018 Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast on April 4.”

A community nomination program has opened. People can visit www.gc2018.com for more information or to nominate.