Government led Safer Schoolies Initiative to increase safety measures ahead of event

Schoolies safety organisations have vowed to keep school leavers safe this year with increased resources and services available for those celebrating the end of their final year. Find out more.

Schoolies safety advocates have vowed to keep 20,000 school leavers safe during the three weeks of post-school partying on the Gold Coast.

More than 1000 support workers from across nine Queensland government agencies and seven community partners will patrol Surfers Paradise during the 2023 Safer Schoolies Response, kicking off on Saturday.

Safer Schoolies project director Anna Hanson said an increased police presence will assist government support services.

“We provide a robust safety response... our objective is provide support services for our school leavers so that they have access to any support they need,” Ms Hanson said.

The traditional “wrist-banded” hub on Surfers Paradise beach at the end of Cavill Mall Esplanade, will offer nightly entertainment from 7pm until midnight.

The Chill Out Zone on Orchid Ave will aid in servicing students in need of a place to sober up.

Team leader Lisa Appleby said last year’s Schoolies saw “100 to 150 young people” use the space.

“We have additional staff throughout the two week period, we also have volunteers this year,” she said.

A walk home service will be undertaken by volunteers as well a drug and alcohol support service patrols by Lives Lived Well. Lives Lived Well assistant director Marijka Brennan said her team are well equipped to support graduates during their celebrations.

“We will be providing the welfare space... for those young people that will be coming to our region,” she said.

In addition to support services, Drug ARM communications manger Alex Davis said a volunteer led ‘Recharge Zone’ will provide a “chill out” area for students.

“We do have some older volunteers that can be a little bit like seeing mum, dad or grandma and granddad,” Ms Davis said. “During such a big week in their lives where perhaps they’re away from their families for the longest period of time that kind of support can be really needed and loved.”

Rosie’s volunteers will alleviate the stress from concerned parents and provide a buddy system for students, volunteer Patrice Andriske said she had seen no “concerning” behaviour from previous graduating classes.

“Kids have such a great time, it of course makes that volunteering space really easy and fun,” Ms Andriske said.