Mel Honoured with Queen’s Baton Relay run
Mel Hunt, coach of the Camden Haven Bombers U15 and North Coast Force Youth Girls teams has been selected to be a runner in the Queen’s Baton Relay for the 2018 Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast. Congratulations Mel on a thoroughly deserved recognition.
Below is the article that appeared in Mel’s local paper, the Camden Haven Courier.
Baton runner ’embarrassed’ by Queen’s Baton Relay nod
By Peter Daniels
West Haven’s Mel Hunt says she is humbled by her nomination to be a feature baton runner for the 2018 Commonwealth Games relay.
“I was a bit embarrassed because I always think that there are other people who deserve to be acknowledged,” she said.
“It is quite humbling but it is also still nice to be recognised.
“I think I do quite a few different things within the community. So when you look at the whole picture I guess I am a contributor to the community.
“My main hope is to make the world a better place,” she said.
The former Victorian is a deputy principal and teacher at a primary school in the Manning. In that role, Mel has worked with Kwaya Australia to help cross cultural sharing between Indigenous students and regular visitors to the area, the African Children’s Choir and ‘Ubuntu’.
Along with her husband Dave, the couple are also involved in foster care and since 2012 have cared for some 40 children.
But it is in junior AFL coaching ranks where Mel stands out. She is the coach of the local under 15’s side and also steered the North Coast Force representative Youth Girls team during the 2017 season. Mel also coached in the development program for AFL for the North Coast Academy of Sport.
While acknowledging her involvement at a number of different levels, Mel was quick to point out there is plenty of support.
“I have people around me and we are on that path together,” she says.
Mel is unsure which part of the baton relay she will be undertaking but hopes that local people will support the event.
“It is really exciting. We have a wonderful community,” she added
The Queen’s Baton travels through the area on February 1 and 2 before arriving on the Gold Coast for the XXI Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony on April 4, 2018.
