Schoolies hotspots revealed as police step up patrols

These Victorian towns are set to play host to the biggest ever schoolies celebrations as police call on young revellers to have “a great time, not a stupid time”.

Police have put school leavers on notice ahead of what is likely to be the biggest Victorian Schoolies celebrations in history.

Rowdy revellers have been warned Victoria Police will have a bolstered presence across the state in the next fortnight, focusing on Schoolies hotspots including the Mornington Peninsula.

“We want our school leavers to have a great time, not a stupid time,” Victoria Police Inspector Terry Rowlands told the Herald Sun.

“Any unruly behaviour will be pounced on straight away, we won’t be tolerating it.”

Covid lockdowns and border restrictions means police are expecting more school leavers to stay in Victoria as they celebrate the end of their studies.

Inspector Terry Rowlands and high school graduate Coen Raymond, 18, preparing for schoolies. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

“We have modelled a response on a large school leaver continent descending on the Peninsula, and will have a very strong police presence as a result,” Insp Rowland said.

“This will included the public order response team, transit patrol police as well as general duties officers.

“It has always been quite a popular area for school leavers to come to — it is a beautiful part of the world.

“We want our school leavers to have a great time but not a silly time and also to ensure the safety of all the community.”

He said the Rye and Sorrento foreshores will be “points of focus” for anti-social behaviour.

“We don’t want to see any of our school leavers drinking excessively, taking any drugs, or getting involved in public order issues including violence,” he said.

“It doesn’t sit nicely.”

He said police would be on alert for any would-be toolies from gatecrashing celebrations.

“That will definitely be a focus of ours,” he said.

“We want to make sure everyone has a great and safe time while they are down here.”

Dromana College school captain Coen Raymond, 18, said after a difficult year in lockdown he was excited to unwind with mates.

“It is great to be finally finished school, it is pretty exciting,” he said.

“There are a lot of things that can happen on schoolies that are out of your control, like violence.

“It is pretty scary and pretty full on but we all plan to look after each other.”

More than 3000 Year 12s are also expected to begin flocking to Cowes and other nearby locations from November 27.

Bass Coast Shire Mayor Michael Whelan said: “For many teenagers, this might be their first time away from home, so it’s important we do our bit to welcome them and ensure they have a safe and memorable experience in Bass Coast.”

“Together with Red Frogs and DanceWize, as well as our emergency services, council will have an ongoing presence on the Cowes Foreshore both day and night,” he said.

“Informal daytime activities for school leavers will be held during the afternoon hours, with a focus on community safety for all each evening.”