Online registration helps make Schoolies Week safer

Year 12 students planning on heading to Schoolies Week celebrations this year can now register their attendance online through a special Queensland Government website.

Communities and Youth Minister Warren Pitt said the online registration scheme, launched today, was part of the government’s preparations to ensure young people attending Schoolies Week celebrations had a safe and enjoyable time.

He said the Schoolies Week website – www.schooliesweek.com.au – also contained ‘survival’ tips and other safety information prepared specifically for Year 12 students.

“As part of our commitment to safe Schoolies Week celebrations, young people are encouraged to register their attendance by visiting www.schooliesweek.com.au before the events start,” Mr Pitt said.

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

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

“On the Gold Coast, registered schoolies will be issued with an official bar-coded ID wristband, making them easily recognisable to event organisers, volunteers and emergency services staff.

“All schoolies who register for the Gold Coast event will receive the bar-coded wristband and the Official Schoolies Survival Guide, which details all the free activities on offer.

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

As well as the Gold Coast, Schoolies Week activities are planned for Airlie Beach, Yeppoon, Sunshine Coast, Magnetic Island and Great Keppel Island. Schoolies Week runs from 16–25 November.

Mr Pitt said information about Schoolies Week, including safety tips, would be distributed to Year 12 students and their parents in the coming months.

“A Schoolies Week stall has also been set up in the Queensland Police Service pavilion at the Ekka to show parents and Year 12 students what the Queensland Government is doing to keep the event as safe as possible,” he said.

“I encourage parents to visit the stall at this year’s Ekka to learn more.”

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

Booklets and CD–ROMs will be distributed to most high schools in the state while handy wallet-sized cards with schoolies safety tips, and postcards highlighting important issues, are also available.

Mr Pitt said the Queensland Government would commit significant resources to keep Schoolies Week events and activities as safe as possible.

“On the Gold Coast, we have again partnered with Surfers Paradise Management to provide entertainment, activities and support services for what has become the biggest schoolies event in Australia,” he said.

“In addition, a huge contingent of trained and authorised volunteers will be available at the Gold Coast to help out during Schoolies Week.

“There will also be a large police presence on the Gold Coast, similar to the contingent seen in the past couple of years. In addition, extra ambulance officers and State Emergency Service volunteers will be on hand to provide assistance where needed.”

Students completing secondary school in 2007 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 can be accessed via www.schooliesweek.com.au. To register over the phone, call the Schoolies Week hotline on 13 13 04 between 8am and 6pm on weekdays. School leavers can register for most locations, except the Sunshine Coast and Magnetic Island.

Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3235 4280