Zarley will run from Batemans Bay Public School at 9.30am, before handing the baton over to Nate Goyer of North Wahroonga, Sydney. 

Margy Sheedy from Ulladulla, Sam Howcroft from Mollymook and Julie Sydenham from Milton have also been successfully chosen to take part in the event. 

Each batonbearer will run or walk roughly 200 metres each in the relay, with 28 participants taking part in the Batemans Bay leg, which will finish with a community celebration at Corrigans Beach Reserve, Batehaven. 

The Gold Coast Commonwealth Games Queen’s Baton Relay website describes Zarley as an “adored member of her family, school and wider community”. 

“As a baby, Zarley was never expected to walk or talk. Despite the challenges she has faced through her intellectual disability, Zarley has shown extraordinary strength and determination to not only embrace life but exceed everyone's expectations,” the website explains.

“Zarley always considers other before herself, supporting and uplifting her peers.

“She is a very talented athlete. During a cross country event, she was leading the others by a great margin, but stopped several times to give encouragement and support to others who were struggling.

“Zarley represents the spirit of the Commonwealth Games.”

The Baton started its Australian journey December 25, 2017, 100 days before reaching the Games’ Opening Ceremony on the Gold Coast on April 4, 2018. 

The Queen’s Baton visited major events, iconic landmarks and children’s hospitals during the summer school holidays before it starts the traditional relay in Canberra on January 25.

Traveling south from Sydney, the Baton will arrive in Nowra on February 5, and Batemans Bay on February 6, before departing for Tasmania.