Queen’s Baton Relay route announced

PEOPLE are encouraged to line the streets of Torquay on February 12 next year and join a free community celebration at Point Danger to cheer on the Queen’s Baton Relay (QBR) on its way to the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games (GC2018).

Torquay is part of the global QBR journey in the lead-up to GC2018 and 18 batonbearers have been selected to carry the Queen’s Baton during its Surf Coast journey, which was officially revealed last week.

The relay will start at Torquay College in Eton Road at 2.50pm, and is scheduled to arrive at Point Danger at about 3.45pm. Starting at the college, the 3.9km relay route on February 12 will feature shopping precincts Surf City Plaza, Torquay Central on Bristol Road and Gilbert Street.

Turning right from Gilbert Street, it will then wind its way down The Esplanade with the ocean as a backdrop before reaching its destination at Point Danger.

A free community celebration will be held from 3pm at Point Danger, where Surf Coast Shire mayor David Bell will greet the final batonbearer.

“Please come down to Point Danger to see the Baton up-close and cheer on the batonbearers to help create a festive atmosphere,” Cr Bell said.

“It’s a great opportunity to be part of the lead-up to the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games.”

From youngsters to some of Australia’s most accomplished legends, the QBR recognises the achievements and aspirations of Australians from all walks of life.

Local batonbearers participating in the Torquay celebration include Anglesea Surf Life Saving Club’s Janet Jones and Bellbrae swimming star Phoebe Mitchell.

Olympic cycling medallist Clyde Sefton and Commonwealth Games medallists, diver Don Wagstaff and 10-pin bowler Cara Honeychurch will also be involved.

“We’re excited to see Australian sporting legends and some of our outstanding local citizens carry the Baton and be cheered on by friends, family and the wider community,” Cr Bell said.

The QBR started in London on Commonwealth Day (March 13) and will travel through the entire Commonwealth for 388 days and 230,000 kilometres.

The Relay will start in Australia on December 25 – 100 days before the opening ceremony. For more information, head to gc2018.com/qbr.