Schoolies Week 2020: Mornington Peninsula no go zone for graduates
Schoolies are expected to flood Mornington Peninsula beaches, despite repeated calls for them to avoid the area. Here’s how police are ready.
South East
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School leavers looking for a party are being told to stay away from the Mornington Peninsula.
The council has again warned graduates that the region has no official events planned and that a Schoolies Week hub usually run at Rye would not be available this year.
“With the Rye Foreshore Schoolies Week Safe Space not in operation this year we are urging young people not to visit the Peninsula to celebrate Schoolies,” Mornington Peninsula youth services team leader Andrew Joseph said.
Despite the advice Mornington Peninsula police were ready for graduates to flood the region from Saturday when the official celebrations kicked off around the State.
Rosebud senior sergeant Nat Dollard said police acknowledged that school leavers were likely to ignore the advice to stay away.
“We acknowledge with the recent relaxation of restrictions that school leavers will visit the Peninsula for end of school celebrations despite the Shire’s messaging,” Sen-Sgt Dollard said.
She said extra resources were on hand to deal with crowds at beaches and other hot spots including Dromana, Rye and Rosebud.
Police would be on the look out for people with flares and those caught with them would be arrested, Sen-Sgt Dollard said.
“Disappointingly, over the past couple of years we have seen a small number of incidents where flares have been let off,” she said.
“Flares are extremely dangerous and can cause serious injury. They can burn upwards of 1000 degrees Celsius and pose a serious risk when discharged in crowded or confined spaces.
“Those involved in throwing flares can face serious criminal charges.”
In 2018 riot police were called to Rye foreshore in a bid to control youths throwing rocks at officers and letting off flares.
Sen Sgt Dollard said while people were no longer required to wear face masks when outside they should be carried at all times and worn indoors.
She also urged people to keep track of the number of guests at private gatherings.
“Anyone found to be breaching the private gathering rules (no more than 15 people at one home) can be issued a $1652 fine.
“We want to remind everyone that the host and anyone attending the party or gathering can be issued with this fine.
