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Queenslanders get chance to welcome Jessica home
The Queensland Government will join forces with the Mooloolaba community to stage a welcome home event for around-the-world solo sailor Jessica Watson early next month.
Premier Anna Bligh today confirmed the government had worked with Buderim MP Steve Dickson and would help stage the event on June 6 which will see Jessica sail along the Queensland coastline at the Sunshine Coast before joining a welcome home function at the Yacht Club at Mooloolaba.
Ms Bligh said it was fitting Jessica be welcomed to her home state by the people of her home town.
"She's a Sunshine Coast girl to the core and I know the people of the Sunshine Coast are extremely keen to see her back on her home turf," Ms Bligh said.
"I encourage everyone to get out on June 6 and witness her historic return home on her boat Ella's Pink Lady - in fact, why not make a weekend of it and take a break on the Sunshine Coast for this event.
"Jessica has achieved an extraordinary feat of which all Queenslanders can be proud and it would be great for her to be welcomed back with a huge hometown cheer."
Ms Bligh said the government had today agreed to contract an event manager to stage the event and would also help organise logistical requirements, such as traffic control.
Jessica plans to sail along the Sunshine Coast between Caloundra and Mooloolaba between 8am and midday and crowds will be able to welcome her from such vantage points as Point Cartwright and Alexandra Headlands.
She is scheduled to attend a civic reception in Mooloolaba and is expected to address the crowd before attending an event for 500 invited guests at the Yacht Club at Mooloolaba.
Ms Bligh said crowds of up to 50,000 were expected to turn out for Jessica's homecoming.
Further details will be released closer to the arrival date.
Premier and Minister for the Arts
The Honourable Anna Bligh
20/05/2010
Permanent Link: Queenslanders get chance to welcome Jessica home
Publish Date: 20 May 10
PO Box 15185, City East QLD 4002, Brisbane
Phone: 07 3224 2111
Fax: 07 3229 2900
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Comments / Have your say
Our entire fleet of OC6 , OC2 & OC1 canoes will be there will bells on.
We are all so very proud of Jessica!
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