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Two Bendigo residents selected to carry the Queen’s Baton on its way to the Commonwealth Games next year have described it as an honour.
Dennis O’Hoy and Andrew Barling are among the 18 people who have been named as bearers of the baton when it visits Bendigo next February.
Mr O’Hoy said he was “absolutely gobsmacked” when he heard the news.
The Bendigo resident, who has been an active member of the community for decades, was nominated by the City of Greater Bendigo.
Mr O’Hoy has played a vital role in preserving Bendigo’s unique built and cultural heritage, and helped found Bendigo Trust, now known as Bendigo Heritage Attractions.
Likewise, fellow baton bearer Andrew Barling described his reaction to selection as “very surprised and honoured”.
Dr Barling established the OTIS Foundation in the memory of his late wife Judy Burley to support women with breast cancer.
He is also a familiar face at Bendigo Health, having worked there for 20 years now.
Dr Barling said he felt the choice of Bendigo as a place for the relay to pass through was “great recognition” of the city has an active, vibrant place.
Bendigo also reflected the Commonwealth Games as a place where varied groups came together, he said, as a multicultural, diverse city.
Mayor Margaret O’Rourke said the relay was a “beautiful way” for the city to be acknowledged nationally and internationally.
While the route has not been confirmed yet, it is hoped one of the city’s famous trams will also feature.