Monday marks day 35 since the Queen’s Baton has arrived in Australia and started its epic journey to arrive at the Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast in March 2018. To mark the occasion of the baton travelling through Forbes, the council has organised some unique ways to celebrate.
When the baton arrives in town it will be rowed along Lake Forbes in a dragon boat being carried by Forbes’ first baton bearer Wendy Green, alighting at the Forbes Sport and Recreation Centre, the baton will then begin its journey along Lachlan and Browne Streets to arrive at the Community Celebration to be held at Stephan Field (the skatepark). The crowds can enjoy a refreshing ice-cream, live entertainment and watch the skateboard demonstration.
At 2.53pm the baton will travel through Forbes, along Grenfell Street, Lachlan and Harold Streets before turning into Court Street and back onto Lachlan Street out to the Golf Club.
Baton bearers for the relay are: 2.07pm Wendy Green; 2.27pm Robyn Kenny; 2.30pm Paul Cameron; 2.33pm Ethan Markwort; Community celebration at Stephan Field (skatepark); 2.53pm Rob Willis; 2.56pm Lester Sheather; 2.58pm Peter Moore; 3.01pm Chris Roylance; 3.03pm Phil Adams; 3.06pm Denise Jelbart; 3.08pm Yvonne Shaw; 3.11pm Taylah Hemming; 3.13pm James Smart and 3.15pm Robin Lyell.
“The Queen’s Baton Relay presents our community with a unique opportunity to showcase our people, culture and environment to the rest of Australia and the world,” Mayor Graeme Miller said.
He added it was 60 years since a baton was used to carry the opening monarch’s message from Buckingham Palace to the games.
Graeme also encouraged people to show support for the baton bearers as it passes through town. “Please come out and cheer along the baton and its bearers, let’s show everyone what a supportive community we are,” he added.