General News
6 February, 2025
Cooksleys represent Warracknabeal at jamboree
The Cooksley family from Warracknabeal has had an unforgettable experience at the Australian Scout Jamboree (AJ2025) at Maryborough, Queensland.
The event, running from January 6 to 15, brought together more than 10,000 Scouts and leaders from Australia and overseas.
Leigh Cooksley attended as a leader, his daughter Kiara, 17, participated as a Venturer and his son Jaiden, 14, joined as a Scout.
The trio was part of a 10-member contingent from Wimmera that departed Warracknabeal Football Oval on January 5.
Alongside them, five participants from Rainbow and four from Horsham proudly also represented the region.
“It was a really good and adventurous experience,” said Jaiden, who was attending his first jamboree.
“I made lots of friends, tried new activities and even traded badges with Scouts from overseas,” he said.
“The people I met from overseas at AJ2025 were very keen to know how Scouting works in Australia.
“My highlight was visiting Australia Zoo.
"It was good to see the animals, especially the croc show.”
The Warracknabeal contingent joined Scouts from countries such as New Zealand, Canada, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and South Korea.
Kiara, participating as a Venturer, was among the first in her age group to join the action-packed program.
She assisted as Venturer at Hervey Bay as there were eight different beach activities, while Leigh supported the units as a group leader.
The AJ2025 site, resembling a small city, featured activity zones, a marketplace, a concert arena and a media hub.
Scouts and Venturers had endless opportunities for fun, growth and learning.
Jaiden said he now dreamt of attending a world Scout jamboree.
“I have a plan to go to the world jamboree one day as a Venturer,” he said.
The Cooksleys returned home on January 17 with countless stories and memories, exemplifying the spirit of adventure and community that Scouting inspires.
Their journey serves as a testament to the power of family, teamwork and the boundless opportunities offered by the Scouting movement.