Red-letter day: $65,000 announced for safer Schoolies

A youth support service has received a $65,000 grant to help ensure school-leavers are safe during this year’s Schoolies celebrations — which is good news for both parents and residents.

Youth Minister Warren Pitt said the grant would enable the Red Frogs organisation — a volunteer support service — to continue its work in providing support services to school-leavers throughout Queensland.

“Schoolies is an event for teens finishing school, and all parents want to know their kids are safe while celebrating,” Mr Pitt said.

“Red Frogs Australia has a proven ability to provide support and safety services at Schoolies, therefore, I am pleased to make this funding available to them.”

Mr Pitt said the Red Frogs program was run by Hotel Chaplaincy Australia and had been operating in Queensland for 11 years, providing visitation and referral services, and mediation between hotel management and school-leavers.

“We want to make Schoolies safe, not just for the young people but also for the people who live in the areas where celebrations are held,” he said.

“Together with Red Frogs, we can provide support and improve safety, making Schoolies Week a safe and well-managed event.”

Schoolies Week runs from 16 to 25 November 2007. To register or for more information, visit www.schooliesweek.qld.gov.au

Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3235 4280