Greater Bendigo a "key regional destination" for Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Queen's Baton Relay

The City of Greater Bendigo today announced it had been selected as a “key regional destination” for the Queen’s Baton Relay.

The baton, which carries a message from the Queen, arrives in Bendigo on February 14, 2018.

Echuca, Kerang and Swan Hill also feature on the Victorian itinerary.

The baton departs from Buckingham Palace in about two weeks, on March 13, and will travel through every Commonwealth nation and territory before arriving in Australia on December 25.

The Australian leg of the journey is 100 days long and will involve about 3800 batonbearers.

The games are declared officially open when the Queen’s message is read aloud at the opening ceremony on April 4, 2018.

Greater Bendigo mayor Margaret O’Rourke said the baton relay was a unique opportunity for the community, and the surrounding region, to join in the celebrations in the lead up to the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games.

“We’re delighted to be a part of an event that will take the Greater Bendigo community to the world and I encourage residents to nominate a local legend who they think deserves to be a batonbearer, whether they’re an aspiring young person or someone who is already accomplished,” Cr O’Rourke said.

Batonbearers are selected by process of a community nomination program, which closes on May 15.

“Batonbearers are people of all abilities who inspire others to be great. They will represent us with pride and showcase our region to the world,” Cr O’Rourke said. 

Organisers are looking for people who:

Nominations can be made here.