SCHOOLS in Quinns Rocks, Mindarie and Wanneroo joined in celebrations as 20 community heroes ran through City of Wanneroo streets for the Queen’s Baton Relay today.
Quinns Beach Primary School cheered for the group before the Quinns Rocks leg of the relay set off, with junior swimming star Jackson Anderson, of Two Rocks, the first to carry the baton in its journey around Australia to the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games.
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He passed it on to netball coach Rusty Hazel before volunteer firefighter Craig Ashurst took the baton and ran it to Two Rocks Yanchep Assisted Cancer Travels co-founder Sue Dash.
Participants chosen to carry the baton also included 2016 Aboriginal Western Australian of the Year Rishelle Hume, Telethon walker Scott Guerini and Clarkson Primary School principal Anthony Shields.
Other baton bearers included Willie Pang, Sophie Weatherill, Richard Furber, Shirley Treasure, Caroline Pedley, Katie Robertson, Jenna Broomhall, Shirley Palmer, Dale and Abby Hennigan.
The final participant for the Quinns Rocks leg was Rusty Nelligan, who has participated in a range of sports at Special Olympics events.
Wanneroo Pioneer Margaret Cockman (87) was one of the oldest baton bearers, joining 14 others in the Wanneroo leg.
Mayor Tracey Roberts nominated her for the event, and she carried the baton into the Jacaranda Amphitheatre at the Wanneroo Civic Centre, where the Challenge Brass Band performed at a community celebration.
“When I found out I was successful, I was excited, honoured and had no hesitation in accepting,” Ms Cockman said.
“It’s great to be a part of showcasing our wonderful community to the rest of Australia and the world.”
The National Lifestyle Village Lake Joondalup resident has been actively involved in many groups, including the Wanneroo Agricultural Society and Wanneroo St John Ambulance Service.
She was a founding member of the Wanneroo and Districts Historical Society and Wanneroo Country Women’s Association.
Margaret received the Medal of the Order of Australia for her community work in 1991.
Mother-and-son Delyse and Ethan (12) Clayden each did a leg of the relay, nominated for their roles with Ashdale Special Families.
Other Wanneroo baton bearers included Helen Orzel, Jaxon Westell, Candy Griffiths, Gaye Teede (Walsh), Pamela McKenzie, Edward Trindall, Nicole Liesis, Brian Pozzi, Chloe Clements, Ailie Clark, Jose Millares and Colleen Little.
Entertainment at the Quinns Mindarie foreshore celebration included African drumming, face-painting and children’s entertainment.
Wanneroo Library hosted a range of children’s activities based on the Gold Coast 2018 mascot, Borobi, including koala puppets, books, colouring-in and a Commonwealth Games activity booklet.
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