Mrs Murray spent time with Koala joey Imogen at Symbio Wildlife Park. Imogen is so well known around the world that one video along recently on Facebook and Youtube had the the equivalent of 1561 full 24 hours days of viewing.

In accepting her Wollongong Citizen of the Year Award Mrs Murray said she had taken far more from the city than she could give.

“My parents chose to migrate to Australia and chose Wollongong and I am so grateful. This is a great place and I have certainly gained many opportunities simply by living here. We have many amazing people..who contribute to this community and make it a great place to live, work and play. And I am surrounded by 2200 great people who work in our organisation doing amazing things every single day.”

John and Matt Radnidge invited Mrs Murray to prepare for Wollongong council’s Australia Day celebration on Tuesday by giving her a native animal experience.

Now she is looking forward to gathering on the foreshore with thousands of people for a full day of activities starting at 8am on Tuesday with the Australia Day Aquathon and Walk. The program includes a Citizenship Ceremony at 10am. There is a children’s stage in Osborne Park and a main stage in Lang Park providing entertainment throughout the afternoon.

There is everything from laser skirmish to a firing of the cannons at Smiths Hill Battery at 1pm, helicopter joy flights and an air show with aerobatics displays and skydivers with flags and smoke. It all culminates with fireworks at 9pm.

There is a free park and ride service from JJ Kelly Park where buses pick up every 15 minutes from 12noon to 11pm. There is an overflow car park in Stuart Park with fees. The Gong Shuttle runs every 20 minutes from 8am to 12noon and every 10 minutes until 11pm but is being re-routed via Corrimal Street. There is more parking at Dalton Park near a Gong Shuttle stop. Drop off and parking is available in Harbour Street for people with limited mobility. Road closures will be in force from 5am.

SUMMARY OF AUSTRALIA DAY PROGRAM FOR WOLLONGONG

8am - Australia Day Aquathon & Community Walk

10am – Citizenship ceremony

10am to 7pm – Scouts Australia activities, Mobile Laser Skirmish

11am to 4pm – Austin motor vehicle & Australian Motorlife Museum display

11am to 6pm – Pines Surfing Academy stand up paddle board hire

11.30am – Sand sculpture

12pm – Train rides in Lang Park, Feel Good Zone, The Quiet Riot Silent Disco Truck

12.30pm – Gun Battery march and firing of the cannons at 1pm

1pm – UOW FSAE 2015 race car, Touchdown Helicopters joy flights, buskers, Wollongong Yacht Club regatta

1.30pm - Skydive the Beach flag and smoke display

2pm – Southern Biplane Adventures aerobatics, thong throwing

9pm – Fireworks at Wollongong Harbour

FAMOUS VISITOR

John and Matt Radnidge also gave Heidi Klum a special koala experience this week http://www.illawarramercury.com.au/story/3679983/supermodel-heidi-klum-drops-in-to-royal-national-park/?cs=300

Story from Imogen’s first birthday http://www.illawarramercury.com.au/story/3490783/first-birthday-treats-at-symbio/

First story published about baby Imogen http://www.illawarramercury.com.au/story/3343027/baby-koalas-survive-against-the-odds-photos-video/

WOLLONGONG CITY COUNCIL AUSTRALIA DAY PROGRAM