The Queen’s Baton Relay spent two days in Norfolk Island, which is a small territory in the South Pacific Ocean, with an area of only 34.6km.
The first day, 9 March, was spent visiting the local sporting clubs and associations. Despite the drizzle, no spirits were dampened, and members of the communities came out to celebrate the Baton.
The Triathlon Club were the first to carry the Baton around Kingston Pier before passing the Baton to Liam Christian-Bailey and Zoie Bruce of the Norfolk Island Wa'a Outrigger Club, who took the Baton around the coast from Emily Bay on a boat.
The Baton visited Norfolk Island Central School, where students including the school captains took on the Baton and were Batonbearers. Next up along the route was the Norfolk Island Hospital, where staff and residents were able to interact with the Baton.
The day continued at Norfolk Island Government House in Kingston, which is an Australian National Heritage List and as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Then, the Baton was taken to the Kingston Ceremony by the Council of Elders, who are elected custodians of local knowledge and culture.
The next club to host the Baton was the Golf Club, junior members Jade and Will took on the Baton and carried it around the green.
Father and son duo Teddy Evans and Shane Evans represented the Touch Football Club as Batonbearers. At the Malcolm Champion Oval, the athletics association hosted the Relay.
Representing Cheryl Tennis Club, Aly Miller and Julie South carried the Baton around the courts.
Then, the Baton visited NI Clay Target Association and NI Pistol Club. At the NI Archery Club, President David Pitcher and junior member Callum Clay represented their club and carried the Baton.
At the NI Pony Club Equestrian Association, PJ Wilson and his horse ‘Big Girl’ took on the Relay! PJ rode ‘Big Girl’ carrying the Baton and a plushie of Perry, the Birmingham 2022 Mascot.
Next on the route was NI Squash Club and NI Netball Association. Batonbearers Noah Marshman and Poppy Spreag represented the NI Junior Rugby League and then passed the Baton to the Bowling Club.
The second day started by touring some of the picturesque spots around the island, including Anson Bay and Captain Cook’s Landing Place in Duncombe Bay. Then the Baton went to visit the Hilli Goats, a family run farm which is home the only goats on the island!
Then the Baton visited the Hundred Acres Reserve, a coastal forest made up of pine and white oak trees, and Bumboras, a small, secluded beach, known locally as Bumby. The Baton went to new heights and was hiked 320m above sea level to the peak of Mt Pitt for 360° views of the island. After this, brave Batonbearers climbed up 200 steps to reach the top of Flagstaff Hill with the Baton.
The day ended with the Baton visiting the Military Museum, where veterans also attended.
