Schoolies 2019: Graduates prepare to party on Gold Coast amid drug, alcohol concerns

There’s just one more shift as a pizza delivery driver before graduate Josh Hobart can let loose for Schoolies, one of 18,000 revellers descending on the Glitter Strip.

JOSH Hobart has one last shift as a pizza delivery driver before he can let loose at Schoolies.

The Southport School graduate was itching to begin the celebrations on Friday morning when he spoke with the Bulletin.

“We are stuck at school for graduation at the moment but we will be there tomorrow,” he said.

“I am getting into it, everyone is celebrating and keen for school to be over.

“I have to work tonight, trying to get a bit more money for the week. A paycheck mid-next week will hopefully carry me through.”

Josh plans to stay at a mate’s place in Southport with four other school friends over the week, most of whom are in a band together called The Mundays.

He said a “couple of all nighters” are on his list of things to do during Schoolies.

“Getting smashed is also definitely on there, all the usual things the lads like.”

Josh Hobart and mates Ethan Hillman and Nash Wright. Picture: Jerad Williams

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To look the part Josh said he had been hitting the op shops in the past few weeks to secure the most larey shirts possible.

“The dad bod is a resign trend so I’m giving the look a go.

“Today is special because it is the last time the whole group of us will be in a room all together, so it is big stuff.”

Josh said he planned to go on to complete a Bachelor of Aviation next year.

“So this is my half-time break before all the study next year.”

As school leavers prepare to hit the Gold Coast authorities are on high alert.

Queensland Ambulance Services senior operations supervisor Justin Payne said paramedics were concerned about high levels of alcohol and drug abuse.

Justin Payne will be among those assisting Schoolies throughout the celebrations. Picture: Richard Gosling

“Like the police we’re concerned about the use of illicit substances,” he said.

“We’re going to closely monitor (the use) of inhaled substances and chemicals, in particular ‘nangs’ have become a bit of a concern.

“The misuse of nangs can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure and we’ve seen injuries and deaths as a result.”

Gas canisters used to whip cream, known as “nangs”, have been a major concern since the death of NSW teen Hamish Bidgood at last year’s Schoolies celebrations.

The 18-year-old was believed to be high on the substance when he fell from a Surfers Paradise apartment balcony.

Mr Payne urged schoolies to visit the Schoolies medical tent if needed.

Schoolies are ready to party on the Gold Coast. (AAP image, John Gass)

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“We don’t report to the police, we’re there to take care of school leavers,” he said.

“Unless we are threatened we don’t need the police to support our response, we can just deal with the facts of the case and move on from there.”

Throughout celebrations more than 1000 volunteers will be monitoring 18,000 Schoolies.

They expect to hand out 80,000 cups of water and do around 2000 “walk homes” for the young revellers.

South Eastern Region Police Assistant Commissioner Brian Wilkins repeated his warning to Schoolies: “Be safe, watch your mates.”

“The Gold Coast is no different to any other city in the nation and the reality is drugs are available,” he said.

Assistant Commissioner Brian Wilkins urged Schoolies to stay safe.

“I just say to Schoolies, make good choices, use good judgment, and don’t risk your future employment opportunities by experimenting with illegal drugs.”

Inspectors will be blitzing nightclubs in the hunt for fake IDs. Office of Liquor and Gaming regulation manager Tony Forden said 300 were seized last year.

However, he said this number was steadily decreasing from about 1000 confiscated when he started at Schoolies more than a decade ago.