Showground upgrades in time for Jamboree

A MAJOR amenities upgrade at Murwillumbah Showground has been instrumental in securing the 2025 Girl Guides National Jamboree.

The ‘Bush 2 Beach’ Jamboree from September 28 to October 5 attracts more than 1200 participants and brings together Girl Guides aged 10 to 17 from across Australia and overseas.

Girl Guides NSW, ACT and NT state commissioner Jo Tonon said high-quality amenities were essential for an event of the Jamboree’s scale.

“The upgrades reassured us that our participants would be well catered for at Murwillumbah Showground,” Tonon said.

The $390,094 grant from the NSW government’s Crown Reserves Improvement Fund included the replacement of the failing 45-year-old amenities block with a modern facility.

Showground management said the facilities would enable the venue to host more major and community events, meeting the needs of the community while generating additional income to maintain and improve the grounds.

The upgrades have made the venue more inclusive and encourage greater participation in events such as the Tweed River Agricultural Society (Murwillumbah) Show, which attracts over 15,000 attendees.

Murwillumbah Showground manager and treasurer Belinda Grace said the showground looked amazing.

“All the grey nomads say it’s the most beautiful showground they’ve seen,” Grace said.

“The community is really starting to use us more and more, and we’re proud to be attracting major events like the Jamboree.

“We’re also proud to host the 10th biggest show in NSW.”

Minister for Recovery and the North Coast, Janelle Saffin, said building back better facilities was essential for creating resilient and thriving communities.

“The upgraded amenities not only improve the experience for locals and visitors but will help attract major events like the Girl Guides Jamboree, bringing a significant economic boost to the region,” Saffin said.