The Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Corporation (GOLDOC) has announced the local batonbearers from the Southern Downs region who will carry the Queen’s Baton during the 100-day countdown to the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games (GC2018).
Local batonbearers from the Warwick and Stanthorpe areas are Rex Baguley, Amy Bradfield, Linda Coombes, John Davis, Xsanthia-Rose Frith, Michael Hayes, Steve McEvoy, Aaron Payne, William Reardon and Angelina Sims.
Former locals also chosen are Laura Geitz, Tshinta Kendall, Samantha Kennedy, Elle Leahy and Nathanial Leigh.
A statement released today by the Southern Downs Regional Council says across the community “hundreds of people will get the opportunity to engage with the baton as it spends quality time in the region, arriving in Warwick on 29 March 2018”.
“From youngsters to some of Australia’s most accomplished legends, the Queen’s Baton Relay (QBR) recognises the achievements and aspirations of Australians from all walks of life,” the statement said.
“John Davis and Xsanthia-Rose Frith are two locals that will proudly bear the baton during its journey through our region.
“John has been a very active member of the Massie Rural Fire Brigade since 1982 and has been their First Officer for the last seven years.
“John has been a member of Warwick’s Ronin Karate since 1989, an instructor since 1993 and their secretary-treasurer for 27 years.
“He has been an active member of the Endeavour Foundation Committee in Warwick since 1993, having an eldest son with Down Syndrome.
“At 74 years of age and still working a rural property, John is an inspiration in regards to his fitness, community involvement and willingness to take on positions of responsibility.
“Xsanthia-Rose Frith is a 13-year old Gurindji girl from Warwick.
“She is extremely proud of her Indigenous heritage, shown through performing songs in Gurindji for school, her attendance at cultural gatherings in ‘Country’ at Kalkarindji, showing children how to paint and sing in the Aboriginal style.
“Xsanthia has strong values and is prepared to stand up for them. She supports her friends when they struggle and is a good mediator. She relates well to students of all ages and loves sport.
“She always plays games in a good spirit and has strong creative artwork. Xsanthia also enjoys French and French choir and attended a writing workshop at the University of Southern Queensland.”
Collectively across the country, batonbearers will take more than a million steps to bring the Baton to its final destination, the Games’ Opening Ceremony on 4 April next year.
The uniquely designed baton starts its Australian journey on 25 December, 100 days before the Opening Ceremony. For one month during the school summer holidays, the Queen’s Baton will visit major events, iconic landmarks and children’s hospitals.
From Canberra on 25 January, the baton will switch gears to a traditional relay and be carried by great Australians through baton relay celebration communities around the country.
Street level and community celebration details will be announced on 17 November.
