65+ photos: All the fun of the Australian Scout Jamboree in Maryborough
Almost 10,000 Scouts and volunteers have descended on Maryborough to celebrate their Australian Jamboree. Check out the gallery and videos:
Fraser Coast
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For the last nine days the Australian Scout Jamboree has descended on Maryborough, transforming the showgrounds into a mini city and bringing almost 10,000 youths and volunteers to the region.
It’s an event which often proves to be transformative for the young Scouts involved in the decades-old movement.
For many it is a first real taste of independence, a chance to test their limits in a range of activities including zip lining, abseiling and completing a muddy obstacle course.
But it's a chance for them to complete mundane tasks too, like washing their own clothes and helping out around the campsites.
In between the activity areas, thousands of tents are assembled across the showgrounds where most regularly equestrian events and the annual show and its popular rides are held.
It is the first time the Australian Jamboree has returned to Maryborough since 2013.
The logistics of the event are huge.
In the horse stables, stacks of Cornflakes and Rice Bubbles, along with lots of fruit, long-life milk and plenty of other items are kept, food stocks that have kept the camp going for the past 10 days.
The numbers are staggering, with the group going through 80 tonnes of ice, 1576 apple pies, 1182kg of Cornflakes, 1152kg of Weetbix, 149,124 slices of cheese, 3696 litres of ice cream, 8883kg of tinned fruit and much more during their stay.
The mall area gives the kids the opportunity to purchase Scout keepsakes from the souvenir shop, doughnuts, mini pancakes or partake of the burgers and sausage sizzle offered by Maryborough Rotary Club.
As the warm sun beats down, Mr Whippy is a particularly popular choice.
The Scouts have braved wet weather, mud and long days and nights.
The youngsters, all 7500 of them, including 500 international children, have had the chance to not only complete the activities on offer at the showgrounds, but get a taste of the Fraser Coast region too.
Many people in Maryborough and Hervey Bay will have had the opportunity to see the Scouts in their distinctive hats and uniforms.
In Maryborough, they have soaked up a sense of history, enjoying walks along Wharf St and in Queens Park, seeing the statue of Maryborough’s war hero Duncan Chapman.
In Hervey Bay the Scouts soaked up the sun and enjoyed exploring the beach, while on another day, Australia Zoo was one of the destinations.
While days are filled with activities, the night offers a range of entertainment, from talent shows to some of the biggest names in Australian music, including Amy Shark who performed at the opening ceremony.
She said she’d love to come back every year and was made an honorary Scout on the night.
Councillor Daniel Sanderson said it was great to have the Jamboree in the region.
‘To see it here for the second time, seeing thousands of people having fun is a sight to see.
“We would welcome the jamboree back in the future with open arms and commend and thank all the organisers, volunteers and those involved for hosting such a successful event.
“I’m sure our community has smiled seeing the amount of people visiting the region and having fun, which brings a smile to anyone’s face.”
Fraser Coast Councillor Paul Truscott said the event had been great for the city.
“It’s been incredibly exciting for Maryborough to host the Australian Scout Jamboree 2025 here and across the Fraser Coast,” he said.
“The feedback I’ve heard from the community has been overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the Scouts for their politeness, enthusiasm, and vibrant presence in our region.
“Seeing them out and about, participating in activities and enjoying everything the Fraser Coast has to offer, has been truly uplifting.
“The Scouts embody values like leadership, resilience, teamwork, and community service, which align closely with the spirit of our region.
“Events like these not only provide lifelong memories and skills for the Scouts, but also showcase the Fraser Coast as a welcoming and vibrant destination for families and youth programs.
“We’re proud to support the development of future leaders and to see our community come together to celebrate this fantastic event.
“The Scouts are welcome back any time.”
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