Schoolies is the last thing we need right now
According to the official Schoolies website, the event is still on this year. But the event must be axed and anything other than that is a terrible decision, writes Peter Gleeson.
Opinion
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Schoolies must be axed in 2020.
Anything other than it being abandoned is a terrible decision, especially with borders closed to interstate school leavers.
At a time when mass public gatherings are plain irresponsible, it would send a terrible message if Schoolies were allowed to congregate in their thousands, at the height of this pandemic.
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Like so many events in 2020, the sensible thing to do is just put a pen through it and the kids who miss out should plan something for next year.
Nobody begrudges them their opportunity for a rite of passage end of school celebration, but this year is not the time to do it.
According to the official Schoolies website, the event is still on, although there is a warning that the government may impose sanctions, including a ban.
The last thing the Gold Coast needs in 2020 is a Schoolies coronavirus outbreak in November. If pubs and clubs are being fined $6600 for allowing people to dance, surely it’s important to keep young people apart and properly socially distanced.
Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate says a ban is the right thing to do, despite the economic impact.
He says it’s too risky – and he’s right.
