Safer Schoolies initiative

Schoolies is the phenomenon where graduating Year 12 school leavers from around Australia choose to book their end of school holidays together in Queensland destinations, such as Magnetic Island, Airlie Beach, Yeppoon and the Gold Coast.

The Queensland Government does not promote Schoolies as an event, but realises there is a need to support both Year 12 school leavers and the communities where they gather through the Safer Schoolies Initiative.

The initiative sees the Queensland Government working in partnership with government agencies, community organisations and local councils to provide a range of diversionary activities, support services and safety initiatives to help minimise potential impacts of Schoolies on local residents, businesses and the communities in general.

Promoting safety

Communities, local and state government, and other stakeholders have a shared responsibility to help improve safety and security, and minimise the risks associated with Schoolies.

Elements of the Safer Schoolies Initiative include:

• a highly visible police presence in Schoolies precincts
• additional emergency services, local law and liquor licensing officers
• improved coordination of local councils, volunteers and community-based organisations
• a coordinated volunteer and accommodation outreach support program
• diversionary activities in alcohol and drug free schoolies-only areas
• a centralised hotline for complaints and feedback
• an official Schoolies website, and
• information and awareness programs including; in-school information sessions, the 'Be safe and watch your mates' communication campaign, a parent information guide and a Schoolies wallet card.

Partnerships

The planning and coordination of community safety responses helps to minimises individual and community risk.  Involvement of all stakeholders is essential when planning and implementing a community safety response.

Stakeholders include:

• state and local government agencies
• businesses
• community groups and volunteers
• non-government organisations, and
• students, young people, parents and carers.

A full list of stakeholders with an overview of their role and responsibilities is available for further information.