ACT Contingent Team
Get to know the Jamboree team supporting you at AJ2028
Contingent Leaders
mICHELLE tAYLOR
Contingent Leader
( aka Grand Poohbah )
I didn't get to experience Scouting as a youth, having joined as a Venturer Leader originally, but my scouting journey has seen me hold roles as a Scout Leader, Scout Section Branch Commissioner, and Sailing Lead, but my main position is the Group Leader of LTSS for over 20 years and counting.
I have attended 3 ACT Cuborees, an NZ Venture and two Australian Jamborees, as a line leader before having the pleasure to be the ACT Contingent Leader for AJ2025.
Scouting has enabled me to learn how to sail, drive a powerboat, canoe and camp with thousands of people which I wouldn't have done without joining Scouts.
In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family, walking my two overactive Huskie/Kelpie crosses (who don't know the word slow), reading and jigsaw puzzles.
Ben Keily
Assistant Contingent Leader
( aka Deputy Grand Poohbah )
My membership record reads like a collector's edition of Scouting roles. Starting in Cub Scouts (as Joey Scouts had not yet been invented), I have progressed through the sections and have held leadership positions across all sections, Branch and National leadership roles, been a director on the organising committee of a national Venture, Contingent Leader for two national Ventures, on the team for a further 2 and a Line Leader at one, and coordinated logistics for the ACT Contingent to the 2025 Australian Jamboree.
I am currently Group Leader at the Badimara Scout Group and the ACT Branch, and Assistant Chief Commissioner for Training and Development. And all of this in his spare time! I am also a husband, father of 5 and recently walked 790km for fun.
Jambassadors
Sophie Preston
ACT Jambassador
I went on my first scout camp as a 4 year old, and since then I've been to 12 Group Camps, 2 Hoporees, 1 Cuboree and 1 Jamboree.
I went to AJ2025 and had a great time, and decided to come back as a Venturer Service Leader this time.
I'm excited to be able to share all the awesome things I experienced at Jamboree with our current scouts, in the hope that they'll decide to come to this Jamboree and have some equally awesome fun!
I think the highlight for me at AJ205 was patting a koala at Australia Zoo, but I also loved Challenge Valley and exploring both our Jamboree campsite and Maryborough.
I can't wait to do it all again in Elmore!
Izzy Sessions
ACT Jambassador
Hi! I’m Isabella from Mount Rogers Scout Group in the ACT.
I’ve being in scouting since I was 6 (2017), now I’m in ventures wanting to experience something different.
I was lucky enough to go to AJ2025, it was an adventure I’ve never experienced in my life and I wanted to do it AGAIN! I’ve also helped with two ACT Hoperee’s.
I wanted to become a Jambassador because I had so much fun at AJ2025 and I wanted to experience it again. I also wanted to become a Jambassador to share my AJ2025 experience with others and I wanted to try something new by joining the ACT Contingent Team.
My Favourite part of AJ2025 was the whole event because you meet new people you’ve never met before. I also loved badge swapping, concerts, and doing the activities with your friends.
Welfare team
Embassy team
Jane Fredericks
'Bluey'
TEAM Lead
Jane can navigate heat, dust, rain, lake breezes, camp chaos, and the occasional lost shoe. Jane started in Scouts the classic way: as a parent helper who accidentally stayed for more than ten years. Becoming a Scout Leader in time to survive the South Australian Jamboree in 2019 and even brought home some of the Tallem Bend red dirt, her camp chair has never quite been the same colour.
Her Scouting journey has taken her from Weston Scout Group to Lake Tuggeranong Sea Scouts (LTSS), where she learned to rig boats and sail. As a leader with LTSS she has supported Hoporee, Cuboree and Pathways camps, supporting water-based activities and the sailing base at Governor General's Camp. And of course, having a go at ACT Trilakes Regatta's.
Bluey has contributed to major events including Cotter Shields, Summer Camps, Pioneering Camps and the 2025 Jamboree.
Recently, she’s added ACT Survival Team duties to supporting youth and leaders at camps and survival activities.
Even though camping with 10,000 other people is not Bluey's favourite part of scouting, she'll be joining you in 2028 at Elsmore for the Australian Jamboree.
Gemma Sessions
'Bilby'
tEAM Lead
I’m Gemma, a Joey Leader with the Mount Rogers Scout Group.
Since commencing my leader training in 2018, I’ve attended three ACT Joey Hoporees, one Victoria Joey Kangaree, and I attended AJ2025 as a member of the ACT contingent team helping to run the Embassy.
I’ve signed up again to attend AJ2028 this time as the ACT Embassy Team Lead, and I can’t wait to see all the AJ 2028 Scouts come and visit our Embassy, say hi and try our famous $1 slushies.
hENRY &
dOUG jACKSON
'rAMA'
Hi, I'm Henry!
You might have seen me around Scouting, usually getting into some sort of adventure with my tame human, Doug, who is also known as Rama.
Doug has been involved in Scouting since 2005 and is currently a Cub Scout Leader at Lake Tuggeranong Sea Scouts in Canberra. He's also involved in training leaders and a range of adventurous activities, including sailing, canoeing, kayaking, bushwalking and camping. I do my best to supervise, although he doesn't always listen!
Together we've been camping, sailing, canoeing, four-wheel driving and exploring all sorts of interesting places. I've even been known to help young people who are feeling a little nervous or homesick. Sometimes a friendly face and a bit of a laugh can make all the difference.
At AJ2028, Doug and I will be joining the ACT Contingent Welfare Team. We're looking forward to meeting everyone, helping out wherever we can, and making sure Scouts and leaders have a safe, happy and memorable Jamboree.
See you at Elmore!
Henry (and his tame human, Doug!) :)
mERV hENRI
'Puggle'
I’m Merv, better known as Puggle!
I’m currently the Group Leader at Mount Rogers Scout Group, where I’ve been involved for the past three years. My Scouting journey began growing up in Mauritius, and I’ve continued that connection since moving to Australia.
Scouting is also a family tradition for me, with my dad having been a Venturer Leader. Following in his footsteps and becoming a leader myself has been a great way to give back to an organisation that creates so many opportunities for young people.
I’m excited about the opportunity to be part of the upcoming Jamboree team, contribute my experience and enthusiasm, and help create a safe, supportive and memorable experience for the Scouts attending.
Rachael Dawes
'Rikki'
Hi I'm Rachael better known as “Rikki” and I have been creating adventures and supporting young people through Scouting since joining Mt Taylor Scouts as a Leader in 2013.
As a seasoned Jamboree veteran, I have attended the Australian Jamborees in 2016, 2019 and 2025, participated in the 2024 Governor-General’s Camp, and am already packing my neckerchief for the 24th New Zealand Jamboree.
When I'm not supporting Scouts, I can usually be found talking about trees, blowing my own horn in Canberra Brass, planning the next great outdoor adventure, or finding practical solutions to unexpected challenges.
With my mix of experience, calm problem-solving, and good humour, I hope to be a valued member of the ACT Welfare Team. I am passionate about helping every participant have a safe, positive and enjoyable Jamboree experience. I am always happy to lend an ear, offer support, or share a laugh because I believe the best adventures happen when everyone feels welcome, included, and ready to have fun.
Mel Preston
'Kanga'
I'm Mel, also known as Kanga.
I started as the fundraising coordinator at Birralee, a scout group based in Gungahlin, Canberra. I then moved to a Joey leader and am now the Group Leader!
I've been to three ACT Hoporees, 2 Cuborees and 1 Jamboree, where I worked with Gemma, churning out slushies as fast as we could freeze them!
I'm looking forward to coming back for my second Jamboree, more slushies and many more adventures!
Logistics team
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Andrew Gradie
I have been a member of Scouts since 2021. I am the current Group Leader and Joey Leader at Stromlo Forest Scout Group.
I have attended multiple Hoporees, Cuborees and Jamborees, so I am experienced with the big scale and logistics that go into these events well, and I hope to make our ACT Contingent's journey a smooth and successful one.
At the last Jamboree, AJ25 in Maryborough, Queensland I was part of the ACT Contingent's Wellbeing Team.
At this Jamboree, AJ2028 I will be looking after logistics as the Team Lead.
In my personal life, I am a volunteer member of the ACT State Emergency Service.
I am also a regular blood/plasma donor, hoping to help those in need.
Andrew Coward
I've been heavily involved as an Adult Supporter for 20 years with Lake Tuggeranong Sea Scouts, holding committee roles including Chair, Land QM, Fundraising & Grants, Hall maintenance and Hall Hire. Also been a general pack horse for 25 years supporting my partner in her roles as a leader and Group leader. My three kids attended LTSS during the first 10 years.
Attended two Cuborees as an Adult Supporter, assisted with GG Camp in 2024 and supported the contingent team for AJ2025 and am currently President of Scouts ACT.
Looking forward to again assisting the contingent to provide the best possible experience for ACT scouts attending AJ2028.