State Library in sporting celebration as Baton relay comes to South Bank

30 Mar 2018

Sporting heroes and Queen’s Baton secrets are being revealed at the State Library of Queensland (SLQ) as it celebrates the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Queen's Baton Relay relay tomorrow.

Arts Minister Leeanne Enoch said people planning to visit the Cultural Precinct to cheer on the batonbearers have a chance to learn about the baton design.

“As South Bank and the Cultural Precinct welcome the Queen’s Baton Relay tomorrow, the local creative minds behind this striking baton will present The Untold Stories of the GC2018 Baton, a free talk at 3pm,” Ms Enoch said.

“It’s the perfect chance to hear fascinating insights into the significance of the design, which draws inspiration from Queensland’s diverse geography and enviable lifestyle, and showcases local creativity and ingenuity.

“The talk will be followed by a guided tour of the State Library’s Bright Bold Boundless display, which features sketches, digital stories and an exclusive look at prototypes of the 2018 baton design, as well as rarely seen batons from past Commonwealth Games in Australia.”

Ms Enoch said State Library of Queensland was also celebrating one of its own, Willie Prince, being part of the baton relay tomorrow as it makes its way down Grey St.

“Willie is one of the State Library’s longest serving staff members and is a champion wheelchair track and field athlete, who has represented Queensland numerous times and was a Paralympics torchbearer.

“A friendly and familiar face to thousands of visitors to the State Library for more than 30 years, Willie is also featured in the SLQ’s current Our Sporting Greats showcase, which honours Queensland’s unsung Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander sporting heroes.

“This showcase celebrates the contribution these athletes have made to sport and the community through mesmerising images, memorabilia and digital stories.

“At a time where the world is focused on the best in sport with the Commonwealth Games, it is important to highlight the achievements of those who blazed the trail, and I encourage everyone to enjoy this free showcase and learn about some truly inspiring Queenslanders.

“Our Sporting Greats and Bright Bold Boundless are both wonderful examples of the Queensland stories the State Library collects and promotes, offering accessible and innovative ways for people to discover more about our shared history and contemporary experiences.”

The Untold Stories of the GC2018 Baton talk and guided tour is free but bookings are required at www.slq.qld.gov.au/whats-on.

Bright Bold Boundless: Designing the Queen’s Baton continues to 12 August in SLQ’s Asia Pacific Design Library, Level 2. Our Sporting Greats: Murri and Ailan Athletes in the Spotlight is on to 2 September in kuril dhagun, Level 1. Entry to both is free.

As there will be road closures around Brisbane for the baton relay, public transport to the Cultural Precinct is recommended. For more information go to www.gc2018.com/qbr.

Image credits: Joe Ruckli