Daily Highlights - Day 30, Wangaratta to Wodonga

23 February 2006

Route

Day 30 of the Queen's Baton Relay will begin at 7.28am in Wangaratta and travels south east through Everton, Myrtleford and Bright, and then east to Tawonga South and Mount Beauty. The baton will then travel north through Tawonga and Tangambalanga, then east to Tallangatta and north west to Wodonga where it will complete its 253km journey at 5.30pm.

Regional Information

The first white settlement was established in Wodonga in 1835, years before gold was discovered in this region. In 1836 Charles and Paul Huon arrived to establish the Wodonga Station beside Bonegilla. Major Thomas Mitchell was the second explorer to pass through northeastern Victoria in 1836 and held a number of stations in the Murray Valley. Wodonga has over 70km of bike/walking paths providing the perfect opportunity to meander by the river or enjoy one of the scenic routes that link the city. Picturesque parks and gardens are dotted throughout the community and are an ideal spot to picnic.

Additional Information

Bright
[12.11] Tawonga Gap Lookout. Stunning photo opportunity from viewing platform which sits 895 metres above sea level. Runner will poise at the top of the lookout before running down with baton.

[12.44] The baton begins its journey through the incredibly picturesque town of Mt Beauty before a spectacular evening ceremony in Wodonga.

Statistics

Start Time:
End Time: time
Distance: distance
Duration: duration

Start Location

The first runner will begin the baton's journey today at the Wagaratta Indoor Sports and Aquatic Centre.

Evening Ceremony

Join the celebration to welcome the Queen's Baton Relay to Wodonga, and take part in the festivities when Wodonga's streets are transformed to a Jamaican Jam street party.

Runner Highlights

Mr George Murtagh, Leg 32
At 89 years old, George Murtagh is a true high-country hero. Despite his years, he still works on his farm and rides horses every single day. He has put his horse riding passion to good use, when he takes part in the running of the Stanley and Mudgegonga endurance ride, which raises money for community services. He is a life member of the Derderang riders club and an honorary warden, who looks after the aboriginal sites in the area. He has competed in the Tom Quilty endurance horse race and the Masters Games, and looks forward to participating in the Queen’s Baton relay.
Home town: Mudgegonga
Where carrying the Baton: Starting in Myrtleford at 10:20, George will carry the baton along O'Donnell Av from Standish St and finish at National Australia Bank on Clyde St.

Miss Aleisha Phillips, Leg 43
Aleisha’s outstanding contribution to the Myrtleford community includes netball, basketball, gym and singing. She tops her VCE class and is heavily involved in all school activities. Aleisha has been elected Alpine Shire youth council mayor and has organised a FReeZa concert for the youth in her area and the annual youth awards. She has been presented with council awards for music and the arts and has been awarded three scholarships from the Myrtleford Secondary College.
Home town: Myrtleford
Where carrying the Baton: Starting in Bright at 11:30, Aleisha will carry the baton along Hawthorn Ln from Georgian Ct and finish at House No. 53 Delaney St on Delaney Av.

Miss Lisa Dick, Leg 60
Former Australian marathon champion, Lisa won the Australian marathon Championship in 1998 and a silver medal in the same year at the Kuala Lumpur Commonwealth Games. She is also a former Australian Road Running Half Marathon champion.
Home town: Richmond
Where carrying the Baton: Starting in Tangambalanga at 15:16, Lisa will carry the baton along Kiewa East Rd from Kiewa Veterinary Clinic and finish at Huon - Kiewa Rd.

Andrew McDonald, Leg 71
Member of the Victorian Bushrangers, Andrew made his debut during the 2001-2002 season and was part of the winning Pura Cup team in season 2003/2004. In 2005, Andrew captained Victoria's Tattersall's Emerging Players Tour to the UK.
Home town: Moonee Ponds
Where carrying the Baton: Starting in Wodonga at 17:06, Andrew will carry the baton along Lawrence St from Havelock St and finish at Hovell St on Eglin Bvd.

Other Information

Make sure you don't miss out on your Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games experience - go to www.melbourne2006.com.au to purchase your Games tickets now. The Victorian Government is supporting Wodonga City Council to celebrate the Games locally. Wodonga's Adopted Second team, Jamaica, is the theme of tonight's Street Party to celebrate the arrival of the Queen's Baton Relay. This will feature performing artists, reggae bands, stilt walkers, large scale puppets etc. Jamaican style food will be served by local chefs who have undertaken a master class with a London trained Jamaican chef from Melbourne. The Victorian Government is supporting Alpine Shire Council to celebrate the Games locally. In the week preceding the Games there will be a Cycle and Walk Week, including an extensive community bike-ride and walk program to get the local community into the spirit of activity.

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