Volunteers key to safer Schoolies

As Queensland Schoolies wind down their celebrations, more than 1,000 volunteers were recognised today for their valuable contribution to the Gold Coast Schoolies Community Safety Response.

Communities and Youth Minister Shannon Fentiman formally thanked the volunteers at a community function in Surfers Paradise, in the run-up to tonight’s final night of the seven-night Schoolies response.

“Local volunteers and community groups have dedicated thousands of hours of their time to ensure Schoolies remained as safe as possible and to help minimise disturbance to the local community,” she said.

“Volunteers are a fundamental part of the statewide Safer Schoolies Initiative, providing support at key Schoolies locations across the state.

“They provide invaluable support on the ground, helping to reduce the amount of anti-social behaviour, enhance community safety and most importantly, offer support and a helping hand to the Schoolies when they need it.

“Along with a range of community groups, they greatly enhance the safety of young people celebrating the end of school.”

Volunteers have walked school leavers back to hotels, supported them in their accommodation, dispensed water through Recharge Zones and provided a referral service on the ground for young people in need of assistance.

Groups that have assisted included DRUG ARM Australasia, the State Emergency Service, Red Frogs Australia, Crime Stoppers QLD, Gold Coast Youth Service, Rosies – Friends on the Street, Christian Youth Council and Volunteers in Policing.

Also visiting the Gold Coast today, Police Minister Jo-Ann Miller thanked police crews for working around the clock to keep school leavers safe.

“Schoolies Week is the Gold Coast’s largest annual policing operation and once again our officers have done us proud,” Minister Miller said.

“I want to thank local officers and those who have come from right across Queensland to help out.

“It’s also been great to see that the 300 Body Worn Video cameras that we have provided to frontline police as part of our election commitment have been put to good use this week.

“The feedback from officers has been that the Class of 2015 have done themselves proud – they have been one of the best-behaved Schoolies groups in many years and we are really grateful for that.

“I hope everyone has had a fun-filled and enjoyable week on the Gold Coast.”

Media Contact:        Minister Fentiman’s office                           3719 7511