It’s quite the adventure for the Queen’s Baton Relay as it makes its way from Buckingham Palace in England and around the globe to Australia’s Gold Coast for the 2018 Commonwealth Games. 

And Gunnedah, you get to play a part!

The Queen’s Baton Relay is a Games tradition that celebrates the Commonwealth’s diversity, inspires community pride and excites people about the world-class festival of sports and culture to come.

The Queen’s Baton carries a message from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II that calls the Commonwealth’s athletes to come together in peaceful and friendly competition.

Starting on March 13, 2017 at Buckingham Palace, the Baton will travel on an epic 388-day journey through all nations and territories of the Commonwealth.

The Queen’s Baton will arrive on the Gold Coast for the XXI Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony on April 4, 2018, where Her Majesty, or a representative, will remove the message from the Baton and read it aloud to officially open the Games.

Across Australia 3,800 batonbearers are helping share the dream of the ‘friendly Games’ as part of the QBR.

Tomorrow, it’s Gunnedah’s time to shine when the baton makes its way through town.

Twenty-eight baton bearers will weave their way from Gunnedah South Public School at 12.20pm and finish up at Wolseley Park on Wednesday. 

Commonwealth Games medallist and Olympian hockey player Kate Jenner will carry the Queen’s Baton at 12:27pm between Stock Road and Edwards Street; Commonwealth Games legend Ray Godkin OAM will carry the Queen’s Baton at 1:40pm at the corner of Conadilly and Henry Streets; Commonwealth and Olympic medallist Sara Carrigan will pick it up at 1:42pm at 328 Conadilly Street.

A group of lucky locals have also been selected to do the honours. 

The NVI has been following the stories of several locals selected as baton bearers, who all say it’s an honour and a privilege to represent Gunnedah. 

The community is being invited to attend a huge celebration at Wolseley Park at 1.50pm.

It’s an exciting chance for the entire Gunnedah community to come together and help play a part in history. 

Clear your diaries for tomorrow, and make this event a priority.