The eyes of the Commonwealth will be on the city on Friday 9 February 2018 as the Baton journeys towards its final destination – the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games (GC2018) Opening Ceremony on 4 April 2018.

Mayor of Clarence, Alderman Doug Chipman welcomed the announcement.

“We are thrilled to be part of the Queen’s Baton Relay and to showcase the City of Clarence to mainland Australia,” Mayor Chipman said.

“Our city is renowned for sport and recreation on a national and world stage. The Queen’s Baton Relay celebrates community pride and shows us how important a role sport plays to build our community.”

Across Australia approximately 3,800 batonbearers are needed to share the dream of the ‘friendly Games’ as part of the Queen’s Baton Relay.

A community nomination program, which opens today, will offer the residents of Clarence 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 city’s achievers in a range of pursuits including sport, community services, arts and culture.

“I encourage residents to nominate a local legend who deserves to be a Batonbearer. It could be a young person or someone well known in our community. The Relay is a tremendous opportunity to shine a light on the people who make our community great,” Mayor Chipman said.

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.

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.

From today until 15 May 2017, 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).