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Scouts say goodbye |
| Posted by Administrator (admin) on Jan 13 2007 at 6:52 AM |
Dated Jan 13th 2007 - Source
TWELVE days of dust, mud and fun came to an end last night, as the 21st Australian Jamboree drew to a close.
Governor of Victoria, and the state's Chief Scout, David de Kretser, officially closed the event, and the Coca-Cola Arena rocked one last time to the sounds of Taxiride and Area-7.
"It's been a great success, all the scouts are happy and smiling," jamboree chief director Peter Mentiplay said.
"I spoke to a couple of the scouts, and although they are sad about leaving, they are looking forward to a hot shower and a clean bed."
He thanked the towns of Elmore, Bendigo and Echuca for their support.
"We're very pleased with the response we've got from people in the Elmore district," he said.
"It's been a positive for the community in hard times, so it's been beneficial for both of us.
"And having two towns to visit which both had attractions (Bendigo and Echuca) was a big asset for us."
The hot weather and dust at the site had not stopped the jamboree's success, Mr Mentiplay said.
"The weather was an issue only because of the climate this year.
"I think we were very lucky to be in Elmore - if we had gone to Gippsland, the fires would have been too much of a risk."
At 11.30 pm last night, the South Australian scouts were the first troops to board their buses and leave the site.
"All the scouts and their equipment go out first, then we start taking down the infrastructure," Mr Mentiplay said.
"We plan to be out of Elmore by Australia Day - it took us three months to set up, but will only take us three weeks to take down."
Mr Mentiplay admitted he was sad to see the last of the jamboree.
"After you've been working on the jamboree for five years - and the past six months have been an even bigger commitment - it is sad to see it end," he said.
"But it's been such a success and I see no reason for that to change for the next jamboree."
City of Greater Bendigo mayor Julie Rivendell said Elmore and surrounding towns had reaped the rewards from the influx of 12,000 people.
"Up to 1000 scouts were bussed into Bendigo daily, and it's great to see the city full of young people and local attractions bursting at the seams."
The city's executive manager of tourism, Kathryn Mackenzie, said the scouts and their families had experienced many of Bendigo's tourist attractions.
"We are thrilled Bendigo was able to welcome so many visitors at this time of year.
"I'd like to thank the many operators and staff who helped to make the scouts, leaders and their families feel so welcome."
Picture: PARTY TIME: Phoebe Watson, Rochelle Leech and Jamie Lee of 1st Strathfieldsaye dance to Taxi Ride at the closing ceremony.