The Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games (GC2018) Queen’s Baton Relay (QBR) arrived in Warwick this morning, with 17 locals nominated to be batonbearers and three locals gifted the honour of carrying the Baton.

Southern Downs Regional Council Mayor Tracy Dobie said she is delighted Warwick is hosting the GC2018 QBR.

“Hosting the Queen’s Baton Relay is not only an exciting opportunity for us, it’s a way to highlight and promote the Southern Downs to people in Australia and the world who have been following the Queen’s Baton extraordinary journey,” Cr Dobie said.

Three locals were given the honour of carrying the Queen’s Baton in Warwick – Mike Hayes, John Davis and Xsanthia-Rose Frith.

From Ballandean on the Granite Belt, Mike Hayes is a third generation viticulturist and winemaker who has made an overwhelming contribution to the local wine industry.

Now Chief Winemaker at Symphony Hill Wine, he became the first Queenslander to win the title of Australian Winemaker of the Year in 2017.

Meanwhile, John Davis has been an active member of the Massie Rural Fire Bridage since 1982 and has been their First Officer for the last seven years.

He also maintains leadership roles in Warwick’s Ronin Karate and the Endeavour Foundation Committee, and is an inspiration for his dedication to fitness, community involvement and his willingness to take on positions of responsibility.

Finally, Xsanthia-Rose Frith is a 13 year old promoting pride in her Indigenous Australian culture by performing songs in traditional Gurindji dialect and by attending cultural gatherings in ‘Country’ at Kalkarindji, where children are shown how to paint and sing according to the traditions of Indigenous Australians. Xsanthia has strong values and is an exceptional student with a bright and creative future ahead.

The GC2012 QBR is the longest in history, travelling a record 338 days and 230,000 km around the world. In Australia, the Queen’s Baton is traversing 40,000 km, travelling through every state and territory for 100 days. From youngsters to some of Australia’s most accomplished idols, the Queen’s Baton Relay recognises the achievements and aspirations of Australians from all walks of life.

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