THERE are Queen’s Baton Relay celebrations in communities throughout WA this week – but not in Mandurah.
In an apparent snub for the Peel region, Queen’s Baton Relay events will be held in Albany, Denmark, Bridgetown, Bunbury, Rockingham, Fremantle and throughout metropolitan Perth.
A City of Mandurah spokesman said the City neither received an invitation to be involved nor any information about the relay and only learned of the relay locations when they were officially announced.
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READ NOWA Queen’s Baton Relay public relations spokeswoman said communities were chosen through a collaborative decision process with State Governments based on geographic challenges and predetermined dates.
She said the communities were accessible and inclusive to regional communities so people might travel a reasonable distance to be involved.
“The relay is a complex logistical exercise with operational constraints on timing and kilometres travelled,” she said.
“It has been designed to be as inclusive as possible while spending quality times in communities.”
Mandurah Mayor Rhys Williams said he was disappointed Mandurah had not been included in the celebrations.
“I’m not sure their justification is adequate given the relay is visiting Rockingham and Bunbury,” he said.
“But we will turn our attention to this year’s Australasian Police and Emergency Games which is an internationally significant event happening in Mandurah and a chance to show our beautiful city to the world.”
Peel Region residents who will be baton bearers on the Rockingham leg include John Ree (Falcon), Murray Horbury (Wannanup), Noel Oakley (Lakelands) and Craig Watts (West Pinjarra).
Mr Ree is a retired firefighter who has been an active member of St John Ambulance for almost 60 years.
“All the kids and grandkids are coming to watch me carry the baton – some are taking the day off work,” he said.
“It’s not going through every town so I hope people get out and enjoy the event.”
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