The Gold Coast 2018 Queen’s Baton Relay
The Queen’s Baton is one of the most iconic symbols of the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games (GC2018). Its distinctive loop design is the centerpiece of the Queen’s Baton Relay (QBR), a Games tradition that celebrates the Commonwealth’s diversity, inspires community pride and excites people about the world-class festival of sports and culture to come.
The Queen’s Baton carries a personal message to the athletes of the Commonwealth from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, on a journey from Buckingham Palace to the Opening Ceremony of the Games, where the message is removed from the Baton and read aloud by Her Majesty or a representative.
The QBR has been the traditional curtain raiser to every Commonwealth Games since the Cardiff 1958 British Empire and Commonwealth Games.
The Baton’s design has been inspired by the region’s vibrant spirit, indigenous heritage and with sustainability in mind.The macadamia tree is native to the Gold Coast region and serves as an important symbol and example of traditional
indigenous sustainable cultural practice.
Macadamia wood is used on the back of the Baton. The front leading edge is made using reclaimed plastic collected from the ocean, waterways, beaches and surrounding areas of the Gold Coast. Almost all Commonwealth nations are connected by the ocean and the designers intended the repurposed plastic to generate concern about over consumption, pollution and how to create a sustainable future.
The Queen’s message is printed on a special paper made from Spinifex; a grass-like plant that has extensive traditional indigenous uses. Held safely on the side of the Baton, the folded Queen’s message can be seen through a clear window.
There is a stainless steel stringer with the 3 digit alpha codes of all nations and territories and GPS technology on board will allow the Baton to be tracked in real time as it travels around the Commonwealth. Follow the GC2018 Queen’s Baton at gc2018.com/QBR.
As the Baton is passed from hand to hand, a bright boundless energy will light up the Baton in colours that reflect the warmth and spirit of the Gold Coast.
The Queen’s Baton Relay was launched at Buckingham Palace on March 13, 2017 and the Baton’s first port of call from London was Sierra Leone. During its global journey, thousands of batonbearers will carry the Queen’s Baton over 230,000km as it makes its way through the six Commonwealth regions of Africa, the Americas, the Caribbean, Europe, Asia and Oceania.
Landing on Australian soil in December 2017, the Baton will spend 100 days traveling through every state and territory before finishing its journey at the GC2018 Opening Ceremony on 4 April 2018.
Commonwealth Games Federation President, Louise Martin CBE:
“The Queen’s Baton Relay is a much-loved Games tradition – an epic journey that unites the cultures and communities of our diverse and dynamic Commonwealth. One single baton passes between thousands of young people and communities across many terrains and timezones – carrying and protecting Her Majesty’s message to the athletes and citizens of the Commonwealth.
“We hope as many people as possible get to hold or celebrate the baton as we bring a piece of the Games to every participating nation and territory in the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games.”
Designworks Alexander Wall:
“Designing the GC2018 Queen’s Baton has been an opportunity of a lifetime, and an unforgettable personal journey for our team. The result that you see could not have been possible without the support and input of the Gold Coast community. Our immersion into the Gold Coast revealed a city rich in contrasts and full of optimism – if you can do it anywhere, you can do it here. We hope the boundless energy of the Gold Coast is felt in the many hands that carry the Baton and the Queen’s message across the Commonwealth.”
