Business & community
The Queensland Government and local councils are working together to help make Schoolies rewarding and fair for everyone involved — not just the schoolies.
The statewide Safer Schoolies Initiative is designed to provide a coordinated safety response for graduating Year 12 students or equivalent, in alcohol and drug-free environments.
The Safer Schoolies Initiative includes:
- a highly visible police presence in Schoolies precincts
- additional emergency services
- alcohol and drug-free activities for schoolies
- improved coordination of local councils, volunteers and community-based organisations (all volunteers are required to have a Blue Card and identification when working at Schoolies)
- a centralised hotline for complaints, compliments and feedback
- the official Schoolies website
- an education and awareness program including school visits, the ‘Be safe and watch your mates’ Schoolies 2008 Information Booklet, fact sheets, wallet cards with key contact numbers and safety tips
- wristbanding and identification systems to ensure schoolies are easily identifiable to emergency services and volunteers.
The government is committed to providing a community safety response which encourages responsible behaviour by schoolies and minimises disruption to local businesses and residents.
With some tolerance from the local community, the event can be a positive and enjoyable experience where young people celebrate with their friends, meet new people and enjoy the transition from school to new futures.
If you are a local business or resident, you can get more information about what plans are in place for you by calling 13 13 04.
Last updated: 24 October 2008