Scenic Rim's feature batonbearers lead the field

At more than 80 years young, Betty Pugh and John Penglis show no signs of slowing down and are already in training to carry the Queen's Baton on the last leg of its journey to the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games.

Tamborine Mountain's two local legends, described by Mayor Greg Christensen as an inspiration to others and stalwarts of their community, were this week named as feature batonbearers in the Queen's Baton Relay in the Scenic Rim.

“The Queen’s Baton Relay is a rare opportunity to showcase the Scenic Rim and shine a light on the people and places that help make it such a great place," Cr Christensen said.

"I am tremendously proud of our feature batonbearers who have contributed so much to the Scenic Rim region and the wider Queensland community.

"Betty Pugh is a tireless fundraiser for community causes and those most in need. For the past three decades, she has worked as a volunteer and raised money to send much-needed goods and funds to drought-stricken Queensland farmers and those impacted by floods.

"John Penglis has been giving back to the community for many years, raising funds for Careflight, palliative and Community Care, Queensland Ambulance, Rural Fire Services and SES through several Opera Events in his vineyard and in October 2013 was awarded an Honorary Fellowship for his contribution to the Griffith University Institute of Glycomics."

Since leaving Buckingham Palace in London on 13 March this year, the Queen's Baton has inspired communities worldwide as it has travelled through Africa, the Caribbean, the Americas, Europe and Malaysia.

It will visit another 15 Commonwealth nations before arriving in Brisbane on Christmas Eve, 100 days before the Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony, and will be carried by some 3800 batonbearers through every state and territory in Australia during the relay which begins in Canberra on 25 January.

“The Queen’s Baton Relay is not only a symbol of the Commonwealth Games, but also an event that will connect Scenic Rim with communities across Australia and the entire Commonwealth," Cr Christensen said.

"The spotlight will certainly be on our region as the Scenic Rim will be the last community outside the Gold Coast to host the baton on its journey to the Commonwealth Games opening ceremony."

Also named as batonbearers for the Tamborine Mountain event were: Karen Dickson, Glenda Flood, Peter Hannan, Reyney Lambert, Peta Leahy, Melissa Lee, Natasha Price and Sheridan Tullipan.

IMAGE: Mayor Greg Christensen and Cr Nigel Waistell with batonbearers Betty Pugh and John Penglis.