Baton brings on city celebrations

The Australian Idol winner and Indigenous actress will be part of a top-class show that will also include the Fergies, the Yulu-Burri-Ba Dancers and Flipside Circus.

Mayor Karen Williams said the community party in Raby Bay Harbour Park would add to the thrill and spectacle of the Cleveland leg of the Queen’s Baton Relay and kick off a week of Commonwealth Games celebrations in the city.

“Our batonbearers will carry the Queen’s message from Cleveland Point to Raby Bay Harbour, where everyone is invited to join in the Games carnival spirit,’’ Cr Williams said.

“Redlands television personality Lincoln Lewis and former Olympian Natalie Cook will emcee the event, which will include a great show headlined by the sensational Casey Donovan and Brisbane rockers The Fergies.

“There will also be a traditional ceremony, cultural demonstrations and workshops, activities and heaps of entertainment, as well as plenty to eat. Businesses along the route from Cleveland Point are also getting into the spirit with special events planned for the day, so it will be a lot of fun.

To make it easy for people to be involved, there will be free public transport operating around the city from 4.30am-4.30pm.

“We also have planned a variety of fun and engaging activities for residents as part of a special carnivale capturing the wonderful spirit of the Games in the lead-in to the opening on the Gold Coast Games on April 4.’’

The relay and celebration in Raby Bay Harbour Park starts at 8.30am. ThebBaton will be carried from Cleveland Lighthouse reserve, along North Street, Shore Street North and Shore Street West before arriving at Raby Bay Harbour Park, where the free community celebration will continue until 12.30pm.

“The Queen’s Baton is a source of inspiration and pride for the communities that it visits and also a visual reminder to all that dreams can be realised,” Cr Williams said.

To keep up to date and check transport options, go to redland.qld.gov.au/GC2018