First there was her world sailing adventure, then a million dollar book deal, a film deal and now her seventeenth birthday.

Australia’s latest hero Jessica Watson, turned another year older today.

Annabelle Carter reports.

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TRANSCRIPT

From rough seas to colossal crowds, there’s no denying it’s been a busy week for Jessica Watson.

Today marks her third day back on dry land and an even more important milestone, her seventeenth birthday.

The sailor, who hopes to obtain her drivers licence this year, received birthday wishes from the Queensland Premier.

Anna Bligh, Qd Premier: “We cannot overlook the fact that Jessica achieved this when she was just 16. In fact today is her birthday and I’m sure that we, like many other Australians will be wishing her a very happy birthday today.”

The Sunshine Coast teenager will celebrate her birthday with close family and friends at a private venue in Sydney tonight.

A magazine offered the teen $150,000 to cover her birthday bash, but Team Watson knocked back the offer saying this milestone wasn’t for sale.

Queensland’s proud Premier is already making plans to celebrate Jessica’s homecoming next month.

Anna Bligh, Qld Premier” And I look forward to advising members and the public of a suitable event to welcome her home sometime when she’s back in Queensland in June.”

Annabelle Carter, QUT News