Big Crowds Expected To Welcome Jessica Back To Sunshine Coast

31-May-2010

Another large crowd is expected to welcome Jessica back to her home town on Queensland's Sunshine Coast as she sails into Mooloolaba on Sunday.

Many locals and supporters who were unable to get to Sydney, are eagerly awaiting her arrival on Sunday. Another who will be there at Mooloolaba is Queensland Premier Anna Bligh, who today encouraged the state to give Jessica "the homecoming she deserves," following her successful circumnavigation of the globe.

"I encourage people to come out to give her all their well wishes - she's an extraordinary young woman and a great Australian," the Premier told the media today.

However, Premier Bligh said Jessica - who is sailing from Sydney to the Sunshine Coast - did not want too much of a fuss.

"Jessica herself doesn't want any unnecessary or extravagant, excess expenditure and I think that's a great credit to her," said Premier Bligh.

"We saw in Sydney thousands of people came out. We just need to make sure that people are kept safe and this event is managed carefully."

Jessica and her crew set off from Sydney early on Sunday morning to avoid the east coast low that has battered the south coast of NSW and hit Sydney today.

They are scheduled to sail past Caloundra at 10.00am on Sunday morning, then Point Cartwright and on to Alexandra Headland by 12.30pm, before sailing into Mooloolaba Harbour.

The Queensland Premier and Jessica will then address the fans and media at Mooloolaba Surf Club.

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