SCHOOLIES WELCOME
SURFERS Paradise is undeniably still the entertainment hub of the city. And for three weeks a year (pre-pandemic at least), Schoolies take over the joint and use it for what it in large part exists for – to let their hair down and have a good time.
The event was all but non-existent last year due to Covid restrictions. It was another blow for the next generation, who already endured one of the toughest years a senior school cohort should have to go through, thanks to Covid-19 interruptions. It will likely be a truncated affair this time around – with expectations Queensland schoolleavers will descend for week one next month in their normal droves. But the week two and three influx from NSW and Victoria will be off the table due to border and quarantine restrictions on inbound visitors remaining in place.
The only chance of that reversing is if Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has some sort of epiphany in the immediate future and adopts Mayor Tom Tate’s call for her to bring forward by three weeks her December 17 reopening date (when the double vaccinated from interstate are allowed in with no quarantine required).
As Schoolies 2021 nears, a major critic of the event has called not just for a rethink but an abolishment.
The argument being, why would we let teens – still in the formative stages of decision-making – loose in a party precinct to do as they please?
Irrespective of the fact most are 18, deemed adults by law, and can do as they please – including booking accommodation, going out, and drinking alcohol – the city, Surfers and its tourism leaders are never going to sign up to the message prospective visitors with money to spend and accommodation booked are not welcome.
They are here for a good time – not to cause trouble. But trouble is a byproduct of that, as with any group – whether it’s a buck’s party weekend or a group of mates letting loose.
The best approach is to continue to welcome them, provide a safety response, entertainment and activities like the beach festivals – and hope the majority leave with memories which will see them returning to the Gold Coast for years to come.