Queen’s baton gets a right royal reception

By Paul Dunlop
IT came, was cheered, paraded through the streets and then spirited away again.
That was the Queen’s baton, toted through the townships of Kooweerup and Cardinia last week en route to the Commonwealth Games.
The baton was carried by several of the district’s celebrated citizens as it edged closer to its destination, the MCG opening ceremony on Wednesday, 15 March.
School children and residents lined the streets to cheer on the relay as it passed through Cardinia Shire.
Wendy Boon (Officer), Nikki Le Brocq (Upper Beaconsfield), Ray Brown (Kooweerup), Elizabeth McIntosh (Beaconsfield), Lauren Bourke (Berwick), Fred Brooks (Berwick), Jessica Abernathy and Allyson Croxford (Berwick) were local runners who helped the baton on its journey.
Paralympic gold medallist Joanne Bradshaw of Upper Beaconsfield and champion Warragul cyclist Kathy Watt also joined the ranks of baton heroes.
Ray Brown, who took the baton through Kooweerup town centre, said it was a marvellous experience.
“It was sensational just to be a part of it, a real thrill to carry the baton through my home town,” he said.
“You feel part of an exclusive group and when your family and grandchildren are cheering you on, it really does make you feel special.”
Mr Brown carried the Olympic torch five years ago. The Queen’s baton felt heavier, he said.
“You’ve got to hold it up in one hand and wave with the other. I kept a firm grip on it, that’s for sure.”
Wendy Boon had special reason to remember her involvement in the big event.
Mrs Boon dedicated her run to the memory of her and husband Eric’s 12yearold son Ryan, who died two years ago of mucopolysaccharidoses, or MPS, a disorder he suffered all his life.
The Officer woman and Nikki LeBrocq ran in San Remo early on Thursday morning. Mrs Boon described the experience as “unforgettable”.
“It was fantastic and great to have family and friends there to support and cheer me on,” Mrs Boon said.
“Nikki also had many supporters and children from the Upper Beaconsfield Primary School there as well.
“I know Ryan would have been very proud of his mum, and if he was here today I am sure it would have been him taking part in the relay.”
Students from St John the Baptist Primary School in Kooweerup lined the streets to cheer the relay runners on their way.
Children from Cardinia Primary School had the luxury of watching the event pass by their playground.
Principal Allan Armstrong said it had been an exciting time for students.
Pakenham residents Les and Kerryn Lane took their 18monthold grandson Lachlan Furlong to see the baton pass through Kooweerup.
“It’s a big event, you don’t get to see these things very often,” Mr Lane said.
“To experience this with our grandson — it’s the chance of a lifetime.”
Queen’s baton relay runners: pages 22 and 23.