Schoolies Week Mornington Peninsula: Rye joins Byron Bay, Gold Coast in ban
Victorian Year 12 students have missed out on many milestones thanks to 2020 and now their end of year blowout is looking like another COVID-19 casualty.
South East
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Police are warning teens to stay away from the Mornington Peninsula or face legal action as the council cracks down on Schoolies Week.
The annual celebrations, which usually centre around Rye foreshore from late November, have been in doubt since Mornington Peninsula Shire decided not to run a Schoolies Safe Space this year.
On Tuesday the council joined with Victoria Police to officially call off the event.
“With social distancing rules and limits on gatherings likely to continue into next year, Schoolies gatherings won’t be possible,” Mornington Peninsula Shire chief executive John Baker said.
“It’s just not worth the risk of travelling down here. Look at options in your local area, stay safe and celebrate at home.”
Mornington Inspector Bruce Kitchen said police would be patrolling the region and anyone found breaching the Chief Health Officer’s directions would be prosecuted.
Mr Baker said school leavers should look for alternative ways to celebrate that would limit the risk of transmitting the virus.
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