SCHOOLIES HIT BEACH
POLICE FOCUS ON SAFETY AS SCHOOL-LEAVERS UNWIND
SURF’S up, school’s out and thousands of leavers are ready to celebrate along our coastline.
But not all are choosing to party — some are opting to volunteer instead.
While Sacred Heart College school leaver Felicity Rush will fly to the Gold Coast for a week, Bellarine graduate Chelsea Large has decided to forgo traditional schoolies to volunteer with friends at the Queenscliff Music Festival today.
She said volunteering gave her the chance to relax, unwind and spend time with friends outside of her high school group.
“I’ve been volunteering for the past couple of years and I thought this was a better alternative to schoolies,” she said.
Lorne remains a hot spot for schoolies, with Great Ocean Road Coast committee chief Richard Davies saying its Erskine Park Caravan Park was booked out with 182 students set to holiday at the site.
“We’ll work closely with schoolies organisers, local police and traders to ensure everyone has a safe, fun time in beautiful Lorne,” Mr Davies said. “As a not-for-profit, all fees are reinvested back into the coast, so a full park is good news for the coast and the visitor economy.”
Wesley College graduates Indy Lustig, Luca Simon and Thomas McGill were among the first group of schoolie arrivals in Lorne yesterday.
Luca, who hopes to study business at university next year, was looking forward to enjoying the beach, sun and stress-free days.
“There is a really good vibe at Lorne,” Luca said.
Torquay station commander Senior-Sergeant Robert Wilby said extra police would be on patrol, ensuring leavers had a safe environment.
Community support group Red Frog will be out in force to assist school-leavers by walking them home, cooking pancakes, handing out Red Frogs, and — most importantly — offering emotional support through what can often be a challenging week.
Leader Alex Flavel said about 50 team members would be in Lorne. “We are basically the sober friend that is there to look after you and provide a bus service,” Mr Flavel said.
Headspace director Malcolm Scottt said young people should remember to “look out for the mates”.
The official schoolies week runs from November 25 to December 9.