Craigieburn SES and war memorial stalwart joins Queen’s Baton Relay

IT’S only fitting Kevin O’Callaghan will fly the flag for Craigieburn during the Commonwealth Games Queen’s Baton Relay.

Craigieburn’s Kevin O’Callaghan has been chosen as a baton relay runner for next year’s Commonwealth Games. Picture: David Smith

CRAIGIEBURN’S Kevin O’Callaghan has spent his life giving back to his community.

So it’s only fitting that he will be flying the flag for Craigieburn during the Commonwealth Games Queen’s Baton Relay.

He has been chosen to carry the baton in the Footscray leg of the relay on February 10.

Mr O’Callaghan, who was a founder of the Craigieburn SES, said he was surprised to be selected but was humbled by the honour.

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The former Hume Citizen of the Year said it would be an experience he would cherish for the rest of his life.

Mr O’Callaghan moved to the suburb in 1978 following several years in the army reserve.

Wanting to put his “practical skills into action”, he helped establish the Craigieburn SES in 1981.

“Being able to use your skills to get someone out of a difficult situation is extremely rewarding,” he said.

President of the Craigieburn War Memorial and Remembrance Committee, Mr O’Callaghan was also instrumental in getting the local memorial built.

The $100,000 memorial was officially opened on April 2 as part of the $48.5 million Craigieburn ANZAC Park precinct.

The baton travels through all Commonwealth nations and territories of Africa, the Caribbean, the Americas, Europe, Asia and Oceania for 288 days before it arrives in Australia for a further 100 days.

About 3800 baton bearers will carry it through every state and territory in Australia.

It arrives on the Gold Coast for the opening ceremony on April 4.

THE BATON

■ Travels through all Commonwealth nations and territories of Africa, the Caribbean, the Americas, Europe, Asia and Oceania before arriving in Australia

■ About 3800 bearers will carry it around Australia

■ Arrives on Gold Coast for opening ceremony, April 4