The eyes of the Commonwealth will be on the Region on January 31, 2018 as the Baton journeys through Tamworth towards its final destination, the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games (GC2018) Opening Ceremony on 4 April 2018.

Tamworth Region Acting Mayor Helen Tickle said the Queen’s Baton Relay is a great opportunity to shine a light on the people and places that help make our community truly great.

“We’re delighted to be a part of an event that will take our region to the world and I encourage community members to nominate a local resident you think deserves to be a Batonbearer, whether they’re an aspiring young person or someone who is already accomplished,” she said.

“It will be exciting to see the start of the Relay at Buckingham Palace later this month and to follow the Baton’s its journey around the world on its way to Tamworth and the Opening Ceremony of the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games.”

Across Australia approximately 3,800 batonbearers are needed to share the dream of the ‘friendly Games’ as part of the Relay.

A community nomination program, which opens today, will offer Tamworth Region residents an opportunity to carry the Baton.

In just eight days the Baton will start its global journey at Buckingham Palace on Commonwealth Day, Monday 13 March. It will travel through every Commonwealth nation and territory on its way to Australia.

Tamworth Business Chamber President Jye Segboer said the baton’s visit means Tamworth will play an important part in the latest multi-sport event to be staged in Australia in a decade.

“It’s an opportunity for all members of our community to come together and showcase our region to the world,” he said.

From today until 15 May 2017, anyone can nominate a person who inspires them to be great. Nominations can be made at gc2018.com/qbr

More to come.