26th Australian Scouts Jamboree “AJ2025” Official Opening

Representing the Premier of Queensland, State Member for Maryborough, Mr John Barounis; Mayor of Fraser Coast Regional Council, Councillor George Seymour; Chief Commissioner of Scouts Australia, Mr Brendan Watson; Chief Commissioner of Scouts Queensland, Mr Geoff Doo and Chair of the Branch Executive Committee, Mr Craig Ray; distinguished guests; Scouts, Venturers and Leaders.

I begin by acknowledging the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we gather, and pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging, and to all First Nations people here tonight.

As Chief Scout and Patron of Scouts Queensland, I am delighted to be here at Maryborough, with all of you, to celebrate a very special event in the Scouting calendar—the 26^th Australian Scouts Jamboree!

I welcome all of the enthusiastic Scouts, Venturers, Leaders and helpers gathered here—many of whom have travelled from interstate or from overseas to be part of the excitement.

AJ2025 continues a long tradition in this country that stretches back to the summer of 1934/35, when the first Australian Jamboree, held in Victoria, brought together scouts from all over the world.

Back then, the Governor General, Sir Isaac Issacs—who came to open the event—was treated to a ride in a rickshaw, a demonstration of a fire wheel, and viewed a clay-model of a map of India.

Also present was Lord Baden-Powell, founder and World Chief Scout, who visited each sub-camp on his white horse, and at the end of the event said, “I am not a dentist, but I have never seen so many teeth as I have seen exposed in grins.”

And while many of the activities have changed since those early days—with amazing experiences like 3D printing, laser tag and geocaching now part of the program—much has remained the same.

Over the next ten days—just like those early scouts did at their first Jamboree—you will enjoy a tremendous opportunity to have fun and adventures, and create friendships that will bring lasting memories.

You will take part in an incredible range of activities, challenge yourselves to try something you never have before, learn new skills, and be endlessly inspired.

…And each night, you will be entertained by fantastic live performances at the main arena.

AJ2025 is proof of the Scout’s Motto “Be Prepared”. This mini city—that will be your home for a short while—has been carefully planned and constructed to cater for almost 10,000 people; and with its campsites, activity zones, marketplace, retail outlets, medical centre, and more, it truly is a remarkable achievement.

So, I thank all of the outstanding and hardworking organisers who have created this event, and who give their time, with such dedication, to deliver this “experience of a lifetime”.

I am looking forward to spending a few days with you all, and seeing for myself, what makes a Jamboree so significant, and so enjoyable. Like Lord Baden-Powell, I’m sure I’ll see many grins while I’m here!

“It now gives me great pleasure to officially open the 26^th Australian Scout Jamboree, AJ2025”