Published Thursday, 13 November, 2008 at 03:00 PM
Minister for Communities, Disability Services, ATSIP, Multicultural Affairs, Seniors and Youth
The Honourable Lindy Nelson-Carr
Safety campaign for Schoolies gets green light: Minister
Communities Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr said the overarching Schoolies message of "Be Safe and Watch Your Mates" promotes responsible behaviour and many avenues were being used to get the message through.
Police, Emergency Services, Education, Liquor Licensing and Fair Trading are working with the Department of Communities on a multi-faceted approach to Schoolies.
In Parliament today, the Minister said: “We know they are heading to the Gold Coast, Mr Speaker, and we are working across government and with the community, to help maintain order and encourage young people to stay safe, to have a memorable time – for all the right reasons.
“One of the incredible things behind the Schoolies phenomena is the growing army of wonderful volunteers, in excess of 1,500 people, who will be walking the beat and providing support.
“I allocated some $69,845 in seed grants to community-led safety responses in the regional Schoolies sites of Magnetic Island, Airlie Beach and Yeppoon.
“These are aimed at engaging school leavers in planned, alcohol-free activities, diverting them from potential substance abuse and under-age drinking.
“We know the Gold Coast is the most popular Schoolies site, Mr Speaker, and we are responding.
“A central section of Surfers Paradise esplanade and beach will be fenced nightly for exclusive access by schoolies. No ID, no wristband, no entry.
“Red Frogs Australia will be delivering its youth outreach services, at both the Gold Coast and regional locations.
“I’ve also allocated funding to Volunteering Gold Coast to recruit, train and manage more than 300 volunteers who will patrol central Surfers Paradise Beach and Cavill Mall, assisting and advising young people.
“Mr Speaker, we are coordinating some 57 separate Schoolies Education Sessions in high schools across the South East, reaching some 7,300 students.
“Delivering the sessions are representatives from Queensland Police, Liquor Licensing and the Office of Fair Trading.
“We have also distributed 50,000 copies of the Schoolies information booklet to high schools across the State.
“Mr Speaker, the planning has been done and the important supports are in place for Schoolies 2008.
“It will now be up to young Queenslanders to Be safe – and watch your mates.”
For information about Schoolies, go to www.schoolies,qld.gov.au
Media Contacts: Minister Nelson-Carr’s Office – 3235 4280
Police, Emergency Services, Education, Liquor Licensing and Fair Trading are working with the Department of Communities on a multi-faceted approach to Schoolies.
In Parliament today, the Minister said: “We know they are heading to the Gold Coast, Mr Speaker, and we are working across government and with the community, to help maintain order and encourage young people to stay safe, to have a memorable time – for all the right reasons.
“One of the incredible things behind the Schoolies phenomena is the growing army of wonderful volunteers, in excess of 1,500 people, who will be walking the beat and providing support.
“I allocated some $69,845 in seed grants to community-led safety responses in the regional Schoolies sites of Magnetic Island, Airlie Beach and Yeppoon.
“These are aimed at engaging school leavers in planned, alcohol-free activities, diverting them from potential substance abuse and under-age drinking.
“We know the Gold Coast is the most popular Schoolies site, Mr Speaker, and we are responding.
“A central section of Surfers Paradise esplanade and beach will be fenced nightly for exclusive access by schoolies. No ID, no wristband, no entry.
“Red Frogs Australia will be delivering its youth outreach services, at both the Gold Coast and regional locations.
“I’ve also allocated funding to Volunteering Gold Coast to recruit, train and manage more than 300 volunteers who will patrol central Surfers Paradise Beach and Cavill Mall, assisting and advising young people.
“Mr Speaker, we are coordinating some 57 separate Schoolies Education Sessions in high schools across the South East, reaching some 7,300 students.
“Delivering the sessions are representatives from Queensland Police, Liquor Licensing and the Office of Fair Trading.
“We have also distributed 50,000 copies of the Schoolies information booklet to high schools across the State.
“Mr Speaker, the planning has been done and the important supports are in place for Schoolies 2008.
“It will now be up to young Queenslanders to Be safe – and watch your mates.”
For information about Schoolies, go to www.schoolies,qld.gov.au
Media Contacts: Minister Nelson-Carr’s Office – 3235 4280