A group of Gold Coast Airport (GCA) staff will swap the runway for their running shoes, to take part in the Queen’s Baton Relay (QBR) as it tours the country in the lead up to the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games.

Four staff members have been recognised for their outstanding achievements and contributions of the community and have been given the prestigious task of carrying the Queen’s Baton as it makes its way to the Opening Ceremony.

GCA Chief Operating Officer Marion Charlton said being a Batonbearer was a once in a lifetime opportunity, and four very deserving staff members had been selected to take part.

“Each of the staff members are high achievers both in and out of the office,” she said.

“We pride ourselves on our diverse and skilled workforce here at GCA, and it’s great to see four staff members recognised with this incredible opportunity.”

The Batonbearers are; General Manager of Asset Services – Geoff Arnold, Finance Business Partner – Zoe Nolan, Legal and Governance Coordinator – Sandy Price and Terminal Maintenance Team Leader – Greg Copeland.

Finance Business Partner, and former Matilda – Zoe, could not wipe the smile of her face when she found out she would carry the Queen’s Baton in her home state of Tasmania.

“It’s extremely humbling to know that my peers nominated me to be a Batonbearer for the Queen’s Baton Relay,” Zoe said.

“Sport has always been a really big part of my life and I was very lucky to have had the opportunity to play soccer for the Matildas until a long term injury shortened my career. “It is a dream come true to be part of the largest sporting event Australia has seen this decade.”

General Manager Asset Services Geoff Arnold is the airport’s longest serving employee and devotes a significant amount of his spare time to helping in his church and community.

“I’ve been here for 36 years, and I’m still finding it hard to believe I will be a Batonbearer for the Queen’s Baton Relay – what an honour,” he said.

“On a day to day basis, my team and I look after the airport’s electricity, water supply, environment, and also maintenance for buildings, the runway and the apron. “Participating in the Queen’s Baton Relay will certainly be a change of scenery!”

The QBR is a Games tradition, and carries a message from the Queen to call the Commonwealth’s athletes together in a peaceful and friendly competition.

It will arrive in Australia on 24th December 2017 before travelling for 100 days across all states and territories, arriving on the Gold Coast on 4th April 2017.

GOLDOC Chairman Peter Beattie AC said “We couldn’t be more excited for the Batonbearers who will be a part of this rich tradition. We are honoured to have so many great Australians carry Her Majesty’s message for Gold Coast 2018 and we look forward to celebrating their stories and inspiring generations to come.”

“For the Batonbearers, this will be a rare and unforgettable experience.”

The four Batonbearers will join GCA Chief Operating Officer Marion Charlton and Queensland Airports Limited Chief Executive Officer Chris Mills in running different legs of the Relay around Australia.

Gold Coast Airport is owned and operated by regional airport specialist Queensland Airports Limited, which also owns Townsville, Mount Isa and Longreach airports.

Gold Coast Airport is an Official Airport and Official Supplier of the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games.