PRIME Minister Anthony Albanese received a surprise gift during his visit to Coffs Harbour to open Yarrila Place.

The National Parks Association had requested that City of Coffs Harbour Councillor Jonathan Cassell make a small presentation in the form of a local Gumbaynggirr designed koala (Dunggiirr) t-shirt to the Prime Minister, to highlight the ongoing threat to koalas and Aboriginal culture from industrial logging of koala habitat in the Coffs Harbour region.

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Mr Cassell managed a quick photograph before speaking with Mr Albanese about the potential of a Great Koala National Park.

“As a long-time advocate for the Koala Park, I took the opportunity to speak briefly with Mr Albanese and present him with some information and a Gumbanyggirr designed organic t-shirt of a koala,” Mr Cassell said.

“Knowing the Great Koala National Park is the future of Coffs Harbour, I made these representations on behalf of our community and in particular working closely with the National Parks Association Coffs Harbour branch.

“Mr Albanese seemed genuinely interested and listened intently during our short discussion where I informed him that Coffs Harbour would soon become central to a Great Koala National Park.”

The Prime Minister accepted the small package and then walked off towards his waiting car.

“I was touched by his sincerity and human relatedness in the exchange and I look forward to hopefully seeing him wearing the t-shirt soon.”

Mr Albanese’s office was contacted for comment.

By Andrew VIVIAN