General News
9 December, 2025
Veteran pair will call time on jamboree
THE jamboree that brings hundreds of gold detectorists to Wedderburn every March long weekend is looking for a new rush.
Wedderburn Tourism Committee stalwarts and organisers of the jamboree for 20 years, Robyn Vella and Karen Fazzani, will make next year’s event their last.
“After more than two decades organising the annual Minelab Wedderburn Detector Jamboree, we will hang up our boots following the March 2026 event,” Robyn said.
“Founded in 2001 by Barrie Johnson of Barrie’s Detector Service, the jamboree was taken over by Wedderburn Tourism in 2004.
“Since then, the organisation has proudly managed and expanded the event for 22 years, making it a keystone in the local tourism calendar.
“With the time now right to hand over the reins, Wedderburn Tourism is calling for interested volunteers to take on executive roles within the group and continue the proud legacy of the Minelab Wedderburn Detector Jamboree which is a big fundraiser run over two days.”
The two will also step down from the Hard Hill Tourist Reserve Committee next year.
Robyn said the reserve was managed under Section 65 of Loddon Shire Council.
The home of the detector jamboree, Robyn said the bushland attraction with historic gold mining relics, a working eucalyptus stew pot and walking tracks provided free camping, and facilities for visitors.
Karen is currently president of the committee with Robyn secretary.
“Karen and I have been part of the two committees for a long time ... it’s now time for us to step aside and welcome in a new generation of volunteers for both the reserve and the jamboree,” she said. “We’re ready to hang up our boots.”
Robyn said preparations were well advanced for the 2026 jamboree with Minelab again a major sponsor.
“The jamboree is a vibrant family friendly event with a focus on gold detecting and panning in the natural environment at the Hard Hill Tourist Reserve,” she said.
“New volunteers and people looking to guide the event into the future can be part of the team ahead of next March, gaining an understanding of the great things it means for Wedderburn and district.
“The popularity is as strong as ever and we’re now seeing the next generation of detectorists come to Wedderburn for the long weekend. Many also return during the year.
“We are literally looking for a new golden era for the jamboree through a new group of volunteers. Twenty years is a long time and the time’s right for Karen and I to retire.”
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