Surfers Paradise in Queensland is gearing up to welcome around 15,000 school leavers as the much-anticipated Schoolies Week approaches.
The event has prompted local authorities and volunteer groups to roll out extensive safety measures and support services to ensure a smooth and secure celebration for the young revelers.
Law enforcement has bolstered its presence in the area, with officers from the southeast region being deployed to maintain order.
“Our patrols will be highly visible, but we’ll also have officers in plain clothes,” a police spokesperson explained. “We’ll be conducting random breath tests as the school leavers arrive and employing wanding activities to enhance safety.”
In addition to the measures on the ground, police are urging parents to stay alert.
“It’s important for parents to be aware of their children’s activities,” the spokesperson added. “Encourage them to enjoy this milestone as they leave school behind and embark on the next stage of their lives.”
Ambulance services are also on standby, advising students to prioritise safety.
“The first piece of advice is always be safe and watch your mate,” ambulance service personnel said.
There are indications that students are participating in safer activities this year.
“It seems that the school leavers are actually engaging in a lot more daytime activities that doesn’t include excessive consumption of alcohol,” ambulance service personnel said.
A pop-up emergency treatment centre, staffed by doctors, nurses, social workers, and mental health specialists, will operate between 6pm and 2am daily.
The centre is equipped with a resuscitation station and facilities for treating minor injuries, and is anticipating up to 100 presentations each night.
Red Frogs Australia has mobilised 550 volunteers to provide assistance to school leavers.
“We’ve just bumped in 10,000 pancake shakers today and also with seven tons of red frogs,” said a representative from Red Frogs Australia.
The organisation also offers a walk-home service.
“Last year we had 8429 callouts, 2400 were for random acts of pancakes, but they can also ring for walk homes. We’ve got a lot of walk home teams here, we did about 3000 walk homes last year,” said a representative from Red Frogs Australia.
