Focus on safe celebrations for upcoming Schoolies Week

The Queensland Government is once again working to improve safety for young people celebrating Schoolies Week throughout Queensland from November 17 to 26.

The Minister for Communities and Youth, Warren Pitt, said today funding had been approved to support safer celebrations for young people during Schoolies Week.

“In addition to funding organised activities and safety programs on the Gold Coast, we are providing approximately $90,000 for safety programs at the other main Schoolies Week locations of AirlieBeach, Yeppoon, the SunshineCoast and MagneticIsland,” Mr Pitt said.

“For first time this year, schoolies in locations other than the Gold Coast, can register themselves as an official schoolie online by visiting: www.schooliesweek.com.au.

“Registration assists organisers in identifying schoolies, reducing the number of non-schoolies participating in activities, as well as providing important emergency contact information, should it be required.

“I urge all schoolies to register online before they attend Schoolies Week celebrations in Queensland,” Mr Pitt said.

As well as providing funding and support, the Queensland Government has developed a range of safety resources to help school leavers have safe celebrations.

“Booklets and CD ROMs have been distributed to most high schools in the state, while handy wallet-sized cards with schoolies safety tips are also available,” Mr Pitt said.

“Our main message is ‘celebrate but watch your mates’, which is all about friends staying together and looking after each other.

“School leavers are focused on having a good time, and while we want Schoolies Week activities to be fun, we want to ensure their celebrations are as safe as possible.”

Mr Pitt encouraged parents to take the time to discuss potential issues with their children before they attend Schoolies Week celebrations.

“I can understand that some parents may have concerns about Schoolies Week. With this in mind, we have developed a brochure for parents titled ‘What your teenagers should know about safe celebrations’ to guide safety discussions,” he said.

“The brochure covers topics including health and safety issues, along with information about underage drinking, drug advice and dealing with accommodation issues.”

Mr Pitt also suggested that parents organise a ‘check-in with home’ arrangement with their sons or daughters, so they called home regularly to reassure their parents.

Copies of the brochure and wallet card are available at Department of Communities regional offices, Queensland Government Agent Program (QGAP) offices and local libraries.

For more information on Schoolies Week, visit www.schooliesweek.com.au

Media contact:Joe Begley 3235 4280