2006 $5 Queen's Baton Relay PNC

The XVIII Commonwealth Games will be held from 15 to 26 March 2006 in Melbourne. The Queen’s Baton Relay has been a part of Commonwealth Games tradition since 1958. The Baton carries the Queen’s message to athletes and is traditionally read out at the Opening Ceremony. The Melbourne 2006 Baton, made of gold and magnesium and incorporating the latest technology, including a satellite tracking device and “baton cam”, began its 180 000 kilometre journey at Buckingham Palace in March 2005 and passes through 71 Commonwealth Nations before arriving in Melbourne.