Parko to arrive home tomorrow to a hero’s welcome

ACTING Prime Minister Wayne Swan has personally congratulated Joel Parkinson on his surfing world title win before the Cooly kid arrived at the airport tomorrow.

Joel Parkinson of Coolangatta, Australia (pictured) celebrates his Billabong Pipe Masters victory after winning the final over Josh Kerr (AUS) on Oahu, in Hawaii today. Parkinson won his maiden 2012 ASP World Title over Kelly Slater (USA) by advancing into the final while Slater was eliminated in the semifinals and went on to win the event. Picture: Kirstin Scholtz

ACTING Prime Minister Wayne Swan has personally congratulated Joel Parkinson on his surfing world title win before the Cooly kid's arrived at the airport tomorrow.

Wayne Swan, MP Justine Elliot and Minister for Sport Kate Lundy contacted Joel Parkinson to express their excitement at the surfing legend's resounding win last Sunday.

Mr Parkinson, or 'Parko' as he's often known, will arrive at Gold Coast Airport tomorrow around 5pm by helicopter for a conference that is sure to attract media from far and wide.

A spokeswoman from Gold Coast Airport said they were nervous to see how many fans showed up for Parko's homecoming.

"We're a little bit nervous because we don't know just how big the crowd will be," she said.

"But we're expecting it to be quite the turnout."

The spokeswoman described the world champ as a "sentimental favourite" and said the airport was looking forward to his arrival.