Elite athletes will shine at the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games, but it’s Queensland’s unsung heroes stealing the limelight during the Queen’s Baton Relay.
Having departed Buckingham Palace on March 13 last year, the Queen’s Baton has visited every nation and territory in the Commonwealth, carried with care by batonbearers who have one thing in common – bucketloads of community spirit.
Among the 1800 Queenslanders proud to be chosen as a Batonbearer was QSuper member, John Dickinson.
John proudly carried the Queen’s Baton around Airlie Beach Lagoon, happy in the knowledge that some of the athletes who will represent Australia at these Games got their sporting start at a PCYC.
The 59-year-old has been a police officer for 38 years and spent 37 years volunteering at, and then managing PCYCs, which he believes are the linchpin of the community.
“I started as a volunteer at PCYC when I saw the how much the services they provided benefited my young children,” John says.
“As a police officer doing shift work and working weekends, taking my children to PCYC was a way for me to spend time with them.
“PCYC caters to everyone in the community from babies to seniors but we predominantly target children and teens, providing them with healthy, positive activities and their parents know the children are in a safe, drug-free environment.”
John volunteered for 20 years at the Gold Coast before becoming a PCYC branch manager and then moving to Airlie Beach to set up a new club in that community.
“In August 2002 I was handed the keys by the builder for the brand new Airlie Beach PCYC. I have run the club for the last 15 years, implemented all the programs, raising funds and helping families and young people.”
John was nominated to be a Batonbearer by Whitsunday Regional Council for his contributions to the community.
“I feel proud to represent this community as a Batonbearer knowing that the PCYC has provided base level entry for some of the athletes who will compete at the Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast. I personally know Olympic athletes who kicked off their careers through PCYC.
“I’m stoked about the nomination to carry the Baton - I’ve never been nominated for something like this before. You don’t do it for the recognition, but I feel honoured that the Council thought of me for this event.
“Airlie Beach is a great community and there will be a big turn out to watch the Baton pass through town. I’m proud to be a part of it.”