Four locals will be a part of history, after they were selected to be batonbearers for the 2018 Commonwealth Games.
Manjimup’s Patricia Martin and John Ryan, and Bridgetown’s Graeme Campbell and Di Hollett are four of the about 3,800 Australians chosen to carry the Queen’s Baton on its 100-day journey across the nation in the lead-up to the Gold Coast Games.
Joining the WA locals on the list are notable names including singers John Williamson, Troy Cassar-Daley and Dami Im, celebrity chef Maggie Beer, Fremantle Docker Nat Fyfe, cricketer Glenn McGrath and Victoria cross recipient Ben Roberts-Smith.
Read more: Commonwealth Games 2018 baton relay begins
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the list of names, selected through a community nomination program, was a great reflection of Australia.
“The lists of names have been compiled by judging panels in each state and territory, allowing local knowledge to play the greatest possible role in the selection process,” the Premier said.
“The batonbearers recognise the achievements and aspirations of Australians from all walks of life, from ambitious 10-year-olds to humble volunteers and well-known Australians from a variety of fields.
“Collectively, our batonbearers will take more than a million steps through every state and territory, sharing the excitement of GC2018 with regional and remote communities.”
For one month during the school summer holidays, the Queen’s Baton will visit major events, iconic landmarks and children’s hospitals across the country.
The traditional relay will resume in Canberra on January 25 and will be carried by great Australians through QBR celebration communities around the country.
The Baton’s activity during the school holidays and the street-level detail through celebration communities will be revealed on November 17.
Our local batonbearers
Patricia Martin
Pat’s community service exceeds 30 years.
She is a Justice of the Peace, member of Manjimup Lions, and inaugural member and current vice vhair of the Manjimup Cherry Harmony Festival which is coming into its 16th year.
Pat is a member of the Manjimup Chamber of Commerce and a board member of Windmills Projects, which supports and mentors people with disabilities.
She is a life and current member of the Warren Agricultural Society, board member of the Small Business Centre, Secretary and Vice-Captain of Manjimup Ladies Bowls and past Chairperson and Committee Member of the Manjimup Volunteer and Resource Centre.
John Ryan
John is a successful farmer who has made a significant contribution to the economic and social welfare of Manjimup.
He is the founding partner of Manjimup Vegetable Export Growers, an innovative concept of packing and exporting local produce from Manjimup.
He is also a foundation partner in the retention of the Manjimup Cattle Stockyards.
John is the only totally blind bowler to win the Australian Blind Bowls Championship and is heavily involved in various sports at all levels.
Graeme Campbell
Graeme has been involved with the Bridgetown Swimming Club for 19 years.
In that time he has been secretary, recorder and for the last 15 years, volunteer coach.
His own children left the club 12 years ago but despite this, he has continued to coach tirelessly each season.
His devotion to the position sees him coaching at six o’clock in the morning in all weather in an outdoor centre up to three mornings a week followed by afternoon sessions.
For two summers, he travelled three times per week to an away town to continue his coaching when the Bridgetown Pool was being rebuilt.
In winter, he travels 30 kilometres each way to coach and all at no cost to the club.
Di Hollett
Di’s name is synonymous with fitness and fun.
She is the motivation behind many, including mothers with young children, people with disabilities and the older generation and works to meet their needs.
With a zest for life, and a spring in her step, Di has competed in 21 Blackwood Marathons, winning many team events.
When the local recreation centre closed their crèche, Di seized the opportunity to provide a crèche for local mums in her private fitness classes.
Di truly captures the spirit of the Commonwealth Games, she is inspirational, positive, energetic, vibrant, fun and authentic.