Commonwealth Games baton here on Friday

Crowds of residents are expected to watch the world's biggest relay as it passes through Wyong Shire on Friday, carrying the Queens baton to Melbourne for the Commonwealth Games.

The relay will move through the Central Coast on its first Australian leg, from Sydney to Newcastle.

In Wyong Shire, it willl start at the Nepean Street intersection in Bateau Bay and pass down The Entrance Road through Long Jetty to Memorial Park, The Entrance, for a lunch break.

After lunch the baton will continue to Canton Beach, Toukley, Noraville and through to Budgewoi.

Selected local residents will carry the baton throughout its journey, and the community will be able to line the streets to watch. For those individuals who can’t get to each site, a Commonwealth Games ‘web cam’ will follow the baton.

See how the relay will affect local roads and the ../archive/whatson/media_releases_viewingbaton_240106.htmingbaton_240106.htm" class="bodytext">vantage points for watching the runners.

Wyong Mayor, Bob Graham, said big crowds were expected on the day.

“It’s an honour that the Queen’s Baton will pass through various suburbs in Wyong Shire on only its second day,” Councillor Graham said.

“It’s really a great opportunity for us to showcase all that Wyong Shire has to offer to a national audience. It will also be a chance for the community to support local residents who have been selected to carry the baton.”

There will be entertainment and activities when the baton stops for lunch in Memorial Park, The Entrance and local children will display home made lanterns along the road in Toukley.

Events and Marketing Coordinator for the Entrance Town Centre Management, Cathy Treasure, is encouraging local residents to go along.

“There will be live bands, as well as activities for children and displays,” Ms Treasure said.

“We are also looking to get local cultural and youth groups involved.”

The baton passes through all 71 nations of the Commonwealth in 1 year and a day, and has been the curtain-raiser to every games since Cardiff, Wales, in 1958. The relay symbolises the gathering of people from across the Commonwealth at the four-yearly festival of sport and culture.

See additional information about the relay .

Media enquiries: Kristie Down (02) 0439 432 807

Page last updated: 24/01/06