Queen's Baton Relay Community Celebration

The Honourable Peter Beattie AC, Chairman of GOLDOC; Distinguished Guests; Baton-Bearers; Ladies and Gentlemen; boys and girls,

It gives me great pleasure to welcome the Queen’s Baton to the people’s house.

A year ago, this baton began its journey from London.

It’s passed through the 53 member states of the Commonwealth of Nations, and it’s raced around our State of Queensland, from the ocean to the outback, on its way to the Gold Coast – and the Games.

And that’s been masterminded by the Queen’s Baton Relay team, including the Queensland police – these self-effacing people have run the baton through demanding and varying conditions. Mr Beattie tells me they have accompanied the baton over 383 days including today, and this is day 95 in Australia.

Today is a day to celebrate everything we have in common as citizens of the Commonwealth, as Australians and as Queenslanders.

The baton’s design reflects the distinctive facets of Queensland life, especially our bright and boundless energy.

That energy has carried the baton over oceans and across continents.

It’s that bright and boundless energy which infuses our local communities.

It’s the energy of youth – personified by our wonderful Scouts and Girl Guides, and the tremendous Boys’ and Girls’ Brigades.

It’s the energy of the bush, embodied by the Queensland Country Women’s Association.

It’s the energy of friendship and support you see at every Men’s Shed around out State.

And it’s the energetic spirit of service that our staff bring to every event here at Government House.

I’m delighted that Fernberg has hosted the Queen’s Baton, and I wish it well on its onward journey – to the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games!