The sun was shining, the crowds were cheering and there were smiles all around when the Queen’s Baton Relay came to Werribee yesterday.
School students, residents and traders were out in force in Werribee’s CBD to cheer on the 16 baton bearers selected to take part in the local leg of the relay, which started at Werribee Primary School and wove its way around Werribee’s CBD before finishing up at Chirnside Park.
The baton bearers posed for photos with family and friends, high-fived school students and waved to crowds lining the street.
Werribee CFA captain and MICA flight paramedic Michael Wells said he had been humbled by the once-in-a-lifetime experience.
“You’re with some amazing people in the community who do so much,” he said. “I sat between a Commonwealth gold medallist and an Olympic gold medallist – it was amazing.”
Former Wyndham citizen of the year Julie Toner said she was amazed by how many people had come out to show their support.
She shared the sentiments of many baton bearers when she said she was happy not to have dropped the baton.
“It was much heavier than I thought it would be,” she said.
■ Turn to pages 14 and 15 for full coverage of the event.
