Website launched as part of preparations for Schoolies Week

Year 12 students planning to attend Schoolies Week celebrations around Queensland can access information about events and register their attendance on a Schoolies website launched today.

Communities Minister Warren Pitt said the www.schooliesweek.com.au website had a section for students and included information for parents, business and the community.

“As well as providing practical information about things such as accommodation and transport, the site includes tips and advice to help make the schoolies experience one to remember, not one to forget,” Mr Pitt said.

“We want schoolies to have a good time, and we want them to have a safe time.

“The best known Schoolies venue is the Gold Coast but there are also established gatherings at MagneticIsland, AirlieBeach, Yeppoon, SunshineCoast and NorthStradbrokeIsland.

“Registration helps to manage the safety of schoolies and ensure they gain access to activities and transport where available during the official event.

“The registration process also captures emergency contact details, enabling organisers to provide the best care for schoolies and their families.

“On the Gold Coast, registered schoolies are issued with an official ID wristband, making them easily recognisable to volunteers and event and emergency services staff.

“Another key benefit of registration is the Official Schoolies Survival Guide, distributed with the ID band, outlining all the free activities.”

Mr Pitt said organising committees in Airlie Beach, Yeppoon, Magnetic Island and North Stradbroke Island would also be offering registration for schoolies.

Students completing secondary school in 2006 are permitted to register, as well as young people of an equivalent age enrolled in TAFE and other secondary courses.

Online registration and information on how best to enjoy the event is via the official Schoolies Week website at www.schooliesweek.com.au

Students without web access can call the Schoolies hotline on 13 13 04, 8am-6pm weekdays, to register over the phone.

”For the fourth successive year, the Queensland Government has committed significant resources to activities and events to improve the Schoolies experience and to keep it as safe as possible,” Mr Pitt said.

“Again this year, the State Government has partnered with Surfers Paradise Management to provide entertainment and activities and support services for Gold Coast Schoolies, the biggest schoolies event in Australia.

“More than 1400 volunteers will be around the Gold Coast to help out during Schoolies Week.

“Each volunteer is trained, has signed a code of conduct for working at Schoolies, and has a ‘blue card’ to show that they have undergone a criminal history check.”

Mr Pitt said there would be extra police on the Gold Coast beat – similar to the record numbers of last year.

He said extra ambulance officers would also be on duty, and State Emergency Service volunteers would be on hand to give assistance.

Media contact: Joe Begley 3235 4286