Jack Beazley will carry the Commonwealth Games baton when it passes through Queenscliff next year. A former boat builder, a champion footballer and a popular GP are among five residents picked to carry the baton during the Queenscliff leg of the Commonwealth Games Queen’s Baton Relay.
Jack Beazley, Tom Limb and Jacquie Johnston will be joined by former Young Citizen of the Year Meagan Canaway and Point Lonsdale Tennis Club stalwart Sue Winton in performing the honour, during the February celebration.
Mr Beazley, a lifelong resident and former Port Phillip Sea Pilot Servive master shipwright of 50 years, said he was honoured to have been nominated by neighbours but joked he’d prefer a downhill section.
“I’ve lived here all my life and to finish up doing something like this is very nice," Mr Beazley, 88, said.
"If they put me at the top of the Royal Hotel hill going down to Bethune Street, that would be perfect,” he, joked.
Mr Limb, Queenscliffe Council's nomination, is something of a local sporting hero, having, in 2011, captained Queenscliff to its first Bellarine Football League premiership in 36 years, then coaching the club to a further two.
“I recognise that this is an extremely rare opportunity provided to me and look forward to the special experience,” he said. “I’m always proud to represent our town and appreciate being given another chance to do so again next year.”
News of the nomination was the perfect 30th birthday gift for Point Lonsdale secondary school teacher Ms Canaway; “When you see the other names that are doing it around Australia, it’s a pretty big honour to be listed among them and it’s great to see other Borough residents on the list as well. The borough is big on community and I think that is reflected in the participants selected,” she said.
Another nine Bellarine residents, and former Australian netballer Bianca Chatfield, will carry the baton when it arrives in Queenscliff on February 12.
“The baton bearers have been nominated and selected for their achievements and contributions to their community,” said Mayor, Tony Francis. “This is a great honour and presents a once in a lifetime opportunity to be part of history in the lead up to the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games.”
Jack Beazley, Tom Limb and Jacquie Johnston will be joined by former Young Citizen of the Year Meagan Canaway and Point Lonsdale Tennis Club stalwart Sue Winton in performing the honour, during the February celebration.
Mr Beazley, a lifelong resident and former Port Phillip Sea Pilot Servive master shipwright of 50 years, said he was honoured to have been nominated by neighbours but joked he’d prefer a downhill section.
“I’ve lived here all my life and to finish up doing something like this is very nice," Mr Beazley, 88, said.
"If they put me at the top of the Royal Hotel hill going down to Bethune Street, that would be perfect,” he, joked.
Mr Limb, Queenscliffe Council's nomination, is something of a local sporting hero, having, in 2011, captained Queenscliff to its first Bellarine Football League premiership in 36 years, then coaching the club to a further two.
“I recognise that this is an extremely rare opportunity provided to me and look forward to the special experience,” he said. “I’m always proud to represent our town and appreciate being given another chance to do so again next year.”
News of the nomination was the perfect 30th birthday gift for Point Lonsdale secondary school teacher Ms Canaway; “When you see the other names that are doing it around Australia, it’s a pretty big honour to be listed among them and it’s great to see other Borough residents on the list as well. The borough is big on community and I think that is reflected in the participants selected,” she said.
Another nine Bellarine residents, and former Australian netballer Bianca Chatfield, will carry the baton when it arrives in Queenscliff on February 12.
“The baton bearers have been nominated and selected for their achievements and contributions to their community,” said Mayor, Tony Francis. “This is a great honour and presents a once in a lifetime opportunity to be part of history in the lead up to the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games.”