Scouts to visit in 2025

CRAIG WINTER

THOUSANDS of Scouts will once again descend on Maryborough for the 2025 Jamboree.

The announcement of Maryborough as the official choice for AJ2025 was made last week in front of the City Hall by Scouts Chief Commissioner Geoff Doo who was joined Fraser Coast Mayor George Seymour and local member Bruce Saunders.

Mr Doo said that the organisation was excited about bringing 10,000+ scouts and associated staff to the region in 2025.

“This event is for some scouts, a once in a lifetime opportunity.” he said.

The unique circumstances presented by COVID, means that the Jamboree will be held in Maryborough twice in a row - and nowhere else in the country, since 2013.

When Maryborough hosted the last Australian Jamboree was in 2013, the city saw more than 12,000 people arrive at the Showgrounds.

“We had amazing engagement with the community last time we were here.” said Mr Doo.

“The Scouts visited pretty much every attraction and activity the Fraser Coast has to offer.”

“Then Scouts all over Australia were all geared up to go to Victoria in 2022, and they were so disappointed that COVID prevented that.

“They’re champing at the bit to get here in 2025.”

Local MP Bruce Saunders said “This is fantastic for our community.

“2013 injected around $15 million into our community, and it’ll do so again in 2025.”

“For a young person this event is a great opportunity to come together with more than 10,000 people from around the world, and learn from them.”

“Maryborough is a great venue, because we know the area, we’ve operated here before, and the community has always been so welcoming to scouting that that’s the experience we want to have again.”

Fraser Coast Mayor George Seymour welcomed the decision.

“This will be the trip of a lifetime for many of these kids, and a great experience for them.”

“This is one of the largest events in regional Queensland and we welcome them.”

“They come and enjoy the experience, and then they go home and tell their families and friends what an amazing place we have here.” he said.

“The Scouts work with local businesses and community groups to ensure that as much as possible is sourced locally.”

“This is an economic benefit to the region and we’re looking forward to the event.”