Cessnock City Councillors have unanimously supported an urgency motion to write to the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Corporation and request that the Hunter Valley vineyards be included in the Queen's Baton Relay.
The Queen's Baton carries a message to the athletes of the Commonwealth from Queen Elizabeth II, which embarks on a journey around the world from Buckingham Palace to the Opening Ceremony of the Games, where the message is removed and read out.
Cessnock City Mayor, Bob Pynsent has welcomed the motion.
“This is a fantastic idea and a great opportunity for not only our residents, who would no doubt turn out in their thousands to support the event, but also to promote our wonderful region.
"When Cessnock was a part of the Sydney Olympic torch relay, it was such a great festival and showcasing of the vineyards and the tourist potential of the area," Mr Pynsent said.
Residents are being encouraged to nominate local batonbearers for the Queen’s Baton Relay for the 2018 Commonwealth Games.
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| From left: Sydney torch bearer Jan Williams, Councillor Jay Suvaal & Mayor Bob Pynsent. |
