Queen's Baton Relay

Jessica Mauboy headlines a free concert to celebrate the 2018 Commonwealth Games Queen’s Baton Relay this month.

The celebrations at the Darwin Waterfront also feature local songstress’ Caiti Baker, Natalie Pellegrino and Melanie Grey to mark the end of the Territory’s leg of the relay.

Mauboy says it’s a special event to be part of in her hometown.

“It’s a pleasure to be able to come home and perform for this exceptional celebration of sport, people and cultures,” she says.

“The Territory is a truly unique place, our multiculturalism, community spirit and pride is second to none."

"I can’t wait to share this once-in-a-lifetime experience with my friends and family in my hometown.” 

The relay began at Buckingham Palace in March last year and arrived in Australia on December 24.

Darwin is the last stop before the baton heads to the Gold Coast where the 21st Commonwealth Games will take place in April.

The baton travels through Alice Springs, Litchfield, Palmerston and Darwin before celebrations at the Darwin Waterfront.

City of Darwin Youth Services trainee Alicia Kent is one of more than 100 Territorians to carry the baton and says she’s humbled to be nominated, but nervous to be handing the baton to former Olympian Nova Peris.

“It’s such a huge honour to be nominated for something like this,” says Kent.

The opportunity is particularly special for Kent and her sporty family.

“My Nan used to do a lot of relay running and marathons and she was really excited when she found out.

“I love that there’s a lot of young people running with the baton – it’s a great recognition of Darwin and all the people in the community.”