“Tamworth has become part of history today.”
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They were rousing words from Tamworth MP Kevin Anderson that triggered resounding applause and cheers as the city welcomed the Queen’s Baton Relay on Wednesday afternoon.
Sixteen baton bearers were selected to carry the baton through Tamworth in the lead up to the Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast on April 4.
The baton followed a three-kilometre route carried in relay by baton bearers of all walks of life from the Riverside Sporting Complex and through the CBD to arrive at a community celebration at Tamworth Regional Playground.
There, throngs of locals lined Kable Avenue to officially welcome the baton carried in by Tamworth Country Music Festival ambassador Troy Cassar-Daley.
In his formal address, Mr Anderson praised those selected to represent Tamworth and share in the spirit of the Commonwealth Games.
“I just want to pay tribute to those who were privileged enough today to carry the baton,” Mr Anderson told the crowd.
“They represent a very diverse part of our community and they are all great local people who have contributed so much to this great city.
“And Troy, thanks for being part of it, we love you so much.
“What a great honour to have you here with us today.”
Mr Cassar-Daley was humbled to be given the honours alongside local unsung heroes.
“They’ve done things you don’t ever hear about it – a lot of fundraising things, people who have fought for our country,” he said.
“I just want to say I was completely humbled sitting in the bus hearing their stories and they deserve every bit of the accolades they’re going to get here today.”
The baton started its journey from Buckingham Palace last March, and has travelled travel through every Commonwealth nation and territory on its way to the Commonwealth Games.
The baton made its way from Gunnedah to Tamworth, before heading to Armidale on Thursday.
Father-son duo share honours
FRESH off the plane from Kuala Lumpur, Tamworth hockey export Matt Willis shared royal honours with his dad, Richard, in their hometown on Wednesday afternoon.
The father-son hockey duo were among 16 Queen’s Baton Relay bearers to carry the spirit of the Commonwealth Games through Tamworth ahead of its April 4 kick off on the Gold Coast.
Matt, who is currently playing in the Malaysian Hockey League, only arrived in Tamworth on Tuesday afternoon. It was a journey he’ll remember for the rest of his life.
”We didn’t really know the order we were running, so when Dad handed it to me, it was pretty special,” Matt said.
“It’s a day I won’t forget.”
The pair shared the Bridge Street leg of the journey that finished at Tamworth Regional Playground.
Tamworth baton bearers:
Wally Warner, Rodney Hobbs, Georgia Taggart, Richard Willis, Matthew Willis, Anthony Earl Kelaher, Chris Watson, Garry Kable, Warren Wright, George Barton, Greg Kellett, Leigh Smith, David Howells, Rowan Sanderson, Beau Mertens, Troy Cassar-Daley.
