Terri Irwin: Coast is 'just as near and dear to my heart and to our kids'.
Terri Irwin to be honoured at uni graduation tonight
AUSTRALIA Zoo owner Terri Irwin AM will become an honorary Senior Fellow of the University of the Sunshine Coast tonight.
The award, in recognition of Terri’s contribution to the Sunshine Coast region and wildlife conservation, will be presented at the University’s graduation ceremony.
USC Vice-Chancellor Professor Paul Thomas AM said the University was proud to award Terri with the honorary Senior Fellowship.
"Terri’s tireless work, in partnership with her husband Steve Irwin, has led to the creation of one of Australia’s most famous tourism attractions, Australia Zoo,'' he said.
Steve became a Senior Fellow of USC in 2000, long before his contribution was fully recognised in the region.
After receiving the award, Steve – in his customary style – punched the air and whooped enthusiastically as he strode off stage in his khakis.
"Australia Zoo has placed Queensland and the Sunshine Coast on the international tourism stage,'' Professor Thomas said.
"Terri’s commitment to the protection of wildlife and wildlife habitat, and to the education and promotion of conservation issues to people around the world, is unwavering.''
Terri Irwin said she was excited about attending the USC graduation ceremony.

"I feel tremendously honoured because the University of The Sunshine Coast has been so supportive of us and this has meant so much,'' she said.

"I feel that education is such an important component towards anyone’s goals and dreams particularly with conservation.

"I think it is important that everything comes from our home and our heartbeat here on the Sunshine Coast.

"This region is where Steve called home and, throughout his career, he continued to work from Beerwah on the Sunshine Coast.

"It is just as near and dear to my heart and to our kids.

"This will always be our home and our base and it means so much to be able to bring recognition to the wonderful accomplishments of other business people and students here on the Coast to the world.''

The graduation ceremony will be among the largest held in Queensland with about 500 graduands attending, and nearly 1000 eligible.

For the first time, the annual ceremony will be video-streamed live on the internet from the University of the Sunshine Coast website at www.usc.edu.au from 6pm.