Newsletter #01 | November 2025

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WHERE

Introducing Elmore

It’s time to announce that AJ2028 will be at Elmore, Victoria.

The Jamboree runs from December 29 2027 to January 7 2028 – plus travel days.

AJ2028 will be a temporary town of 12,000 people at the Elmore Events Centre

Elmore is a tiny town with a giant exhibition area for agricultural events like the annual Field Days.

And home to AJ2007 and VicJam (an event that happened when AJ2022 was cancelled).

Elmore is 180 kms and 2.5 hours northwest of Melbourne.

Just 30 minutes from regional bases Bendigo and Echuca, and one hour from Shepparton.

For contingent travel it’s closer than Melbourne for every mainland State and Territory.

Sorry, Tasmania.

And it’s surrounded by program opportunities – on the Murray, in the goldfields, in the mountains.

We Scout and play on ancient land with tens of thousands of years of history.

Where we will make our own history!

The program for AJ2028 is still in development.

But this is how Elmore was used as a base for VicJam in 2022.

WHO

MEET MATTY

Mathew McKernan, Assistant Chief Commissioner (Adventure) for Scouts Victoria, is Chief Director for AJ2028. He has the mammoth task of leading a very talented team that will deliver an amazing Jamboree for many thousands of Scouts and Leaders, as well as thousands of Cub visitors.

Matty, what’s your Jamboree story?

My first Jamboree was AJ1988 at Springfield, near Ipswich in Queensland. I was just 12 and it was the biggest thing I’d ever been to. We did so many amazing activities along with some awesome adventures into Brisbane and the Gold Coast.

When it was over I missed everyone immensely, and the fun and adventure we had.

Since then, I’ve been to three Jamborees as a Venturer and a Rover Scout. I supported in the telecommunications space on telephones and computer networks. I’ve always had a keen interest in events during my time in Scouts. It has allowed me to work professionally on large live events around Australia and New Zealand, supporting medical and event management.

What do you do when you’re not Scouting?

I work in Digital Health Solutions supporting about 400 hospitals across Australia and New Zealand.

I also volunteer with the Country Fire Authority in my spare time.

My wife and I have a young family with two wonderful children under five.

We met in Scouting when we were Rover Scouts. True! It happens …

What are you planning for AJ2028?

We ran a big camp called VicJam in 2022 and it changed the rules for Jamborees. Menu choices, activity choices, e-games on the arena big screen, hundreds of Venturers in service roles, a youth-led Jamboree.

Since then, we’ve had AJ2025 and we’ll pinch their best ideas too.

We’ll also be consulting with Scouts in every newsletter. I am really excited about what we can achieve to put on an amazing event for all of you.

So be ready to share your ideas on what you want from AJ2028.

Will it be hot or cold or wet or dry at AJ2028?

In January 2028?! The BOM website’s not that good!

So we’ll be prepared for everything.

And so will your Leaders.

And you: start saving, get your camping nights up, and fill your Scout shirt with badges – especially those Outdoor Adventure stages!

WHAT NOW

START YOUR AJ2028 JOURNEY TODAY

The next two years will be your best Scouting yet: your journey to AJ2028.

It’s time to extend your camping experience and get your Camper nights up.

AJ2028 is 10-11 nights away from home.

It’s time to practise skills like putting up the campsite, cooking, and good hygiene.

At AJ2028 you want maximum time for fun.

Jamborees are massive events and they’re not cheap.

For example, the food bill for AJ2028 will top $3.6 million.

Then there’s transport, onsite and offsite activities, entertainment, medical support, infrastructure, emergency services, security and all that’s required for a temporary town of 12,000 active people.

It’s time to start saving.

Start your own fundraising plan.

Wash neighbours’ cars, start a dog-walking business, cash in cans and bottles, …

And it’s time to get your Group or Unit to start a fundraising plan.

Sausage sizzles, a trivia night, a giant raffle, a garage sale ..

Some Groups contribute 50 per cent of the Jamboree fee to all members going.

Raising $10,000-$25,000 together is not hard. It just takes time and smart planning.

Jamboree fees should be announced in mid 2026.

Applications will open later in 2026, but register your interest now to keep in touch.

Sign up your expression of interest here