Manjimup batonbearers prepare to share the dream of the Gold Coast 201
Left to right: Manjimup Shire President Paul Omodei, Patricia Martin and John Ryan.
(Photo Credit: Manjimup Bridgetown Times).
Patricia's community service exceeds 30 years. Pat is a Justice of the Peace, member of Manjimup Lions, and an inaugural member and current Vice Chair of the Manjimup Cherry Harmony Festival which is coming into its 16th year. Pat is a member of the Manjimup Chamber of Commerce and a Board Member of Windmills Projects, which supports and mentors people with disabilities. She is a life and current member of the Warren Agricultural Society, Board Member of the Small Business Centre, Secretary and Vice-Captain of Manjimup Ladies Bowls and past Chairperson and Committee Member of the Manjimup Volunteer and Resource Centre.
John is a successful farmer who has made a significant contribution to the economic and social welfare of Manjimup. He is the founding partner of Manjimup Vegetable Export Growers, an innovative concept of packing and exporting local produce from Manjimup. He is also a foundation partner in the retention of the Manjimup Cattle Stockyards. John is the only totally blind bowler to win the Australian Blind Bowls Championship. He is heavily involved in various sports at all levels. John is the son of Dr Ryan who served as the local Pemberton Doctor for 43 years.
Other successfully nominated batonbearers carrying the baton in the Manjimup leg are:
Gemma Brown | Guy Dillon | |
Jenny Donaldson | Marlee Doust | |
Amy Dyer | Denise Jenkins | |
Joh Perry | Judy Rose | |
Laura Coles | Anastasia Umeh |
Collectively across the country, batonbearers will take more than a million steps to bring the Baton to its final destination, the Games' Opening Ceremony on 4 April 2018.
The uniquely designed Baton starts its Australian journey on 25 December 2017, 100 days before the Opening Ceremony. For one month during the school summer holidays, the Queen's Baton will visit major events, iconic landmarks and children's hospitals.
From Canberra on 25 January 2018, the Baton will switch gears to a traditional Relay and be carried by great Australians through QBR celebration communities around the country.
Street level and community celebration details will be announced on 17 November.
Since its launch from Buckingham Palace on 13 March 2017, the Baton has inspired athletes and fans across Africa, the Caribbean, the Americas and Europe. Currently it is in Malaysia and is set to visit the remaining 15 Commonwealth nations in Asia and Oceania before arriving in Brisbane on Christmas Eve.
It will be 60 years since a Baton first carried Her Majesty's message to athletes of the Commonwealth at the Cardiff 1958 British Empire and Commonwealth Games in Wales.
GOLDOC showcased the uniforms batonbearers will wear today the first time.
Batonbearer names and the communities that they will carry the Baton in are available at gc2018.com/qbr
Shire President, Paul Omodei stated "I am immensely proud of Patricia, John and all our batonbearers and the role they will take when the Queen's Baton comes to town. Many have dedicated their lives to improving the lives of others, some have accomplished great feats and others are working towards realising their dreams. Being a Batonbearer recognises all of this, and more. I encourage you to support these great people in our community, and to share a memorable moment with the Queen's Baton yourselves."
GOLDOC Chairman Peter Beattie AC:
"We couldn't be more excited for the batonbearers who will be a part of this rich tradition. We are honoured to have so many great Australians carry Her Majesty's message for Gold Coast 2018 and we look forward to celebrating their stories and inspiring generations to come.
"For the batonbearers, this will be a rare and unforgettable experience."
View the entire list of batonbearers here
QBR Hashtag: #QBR2018
GC2018 Hashtag: #GC2018, #SHARETHEDREAM
-ENDS-
Authorised by Andrew Campbell, Chief Executive Officer
Contact Sheri Laba, Public Relations Officer
Contact for comment: Paul Omodei, Shire President.
Contact: 0448 810 773