THE 13-metre kangaroo who helped introduce Brisbane to the world at the 1982 Commonwealth Games, is back and even better than when she took centre stage almost 30 years ago.

The new look Matilda, will be officially unveiled and welcomed to her new home at the Matilda roadhouse complex just south of Gympie on Friday.

Matilda Fuel Supplies, which inherited its name from the kangaroo, made the purchase from Warner Village Theme Parks in August 2009, on Matilda’s 27th birthday.

Matilda general manager Garth Anderson said Matilda’s long journey back to public display had been well worth the wait.

“We have always kept a close eye on our namesake’s progress and were delighted when the opportunity came up to make her an official member of the Matilda family and call our travel centre at Kybong, home,” he said.

Matilda has undergone significant refurbishment to be restored to her former glory and is ready for her debut.

“Her refurbishment has included $40,000 of automation technology, repainting, fibreglass repairs and replacement of steelworks.

“Not to mention making possible again what she is renowned for – winking.”

He said there are some other new features to be revealed at the unveiling.

Her new home is a purpose-built area at the Kybong travel centre providing public access and parking.

With more than 97,000 customers visiting the centre every month, including 490 scheduled and charter coaches, she is set to become quite the tourist attraction.

“We look forward to returning her to the Australian public, and having her wink and welcome guests for years to come,” Mr Anderson said.

The legend of Matilda was born at the opening ceremony of the 1982 Commonwealth Games, where she won the hearts of people all over the world.

Later, she was embraced by families and fun-seekers, when she stood tall and proud at the entrance to Wet’n’Wild Water World on the Gold Coast. In 2006, she turned 24 and – after a lifetime of public service – she was given a well-earned rest on the grounds of Wet’n’Wild.

Part of the Gold Coast-based Neumann Group, Matilda offers more than 120 service stations from the southern New South Wales border town of Eden up to Gladstone on the Queensland coast, and regional Queensland and New South Wales.