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Cowes Schoolies Week from 26 November to 4 December 2022 with thousands of school leavers expected in Bass Coast

More than 1,500 Year 12 school leavers will start arriving in Bass Coast this week for the official start of Schoolies Week celebrations which runs from 26 November to 4 December.

By news@gippsland - 21st November 2022 - Back to News

Bass Coast Shire Council welcomes business-boosting school leavers and acknowledges their significant achievements. To prepare for the weeks ahead, the council has put in place various measures to ensure celebrations are done so in the safest possible way. Council is working closely with Victoria Police, Ambulance Victoria and voluntary organisations including Red Frogs and Dancewize to offer drug, alcohol and sexual health counselling, alongside community focused policing and emergency care capabilities.

Council wants to make sure school leavers who come to Bass Coast to stay safe and have a great time, first opportunity to celebrate a life event as an adult

Introduction to adulthood

Bass Coast Shire Council Mayor, Cr Michael Whelan said, "School-leavers have been coming to Phillip Island for decades to celebrate the end of their High School experience. They have all had a tough couple of years of schooling with the pandemic, so we want them all to have a great time and return home safely."

"Schoolies is a chance for young people to experience a trip away from their family and friends. It's an introduction to adulthood. Our young visitors also bring an injection of revenue to local businesses, through accommodation bookings, food purchases and attendance at multiple tourist attractions." Cr Whelan said.

Education and support services

Red Frogs and Dancewize provide outreach support to young people through peer education and support services, including free transport to and from Cowes, barbecues and cooked breakfasts. DanceWize is a program of Harm Reduction Victoria and utilises peer education to reduce drug and alcohol related harm.

Red Frog volunteers provide direct relief, safety and support to young people during School Leavers Week across 14 locations. They act as the eyes and ears in accommodation venues and out on the streets, providing a positive peer presence to school leavers. This includes pancake cook-ups, room cleans, emotional support, walk homes and, of course, red frogs.

Council will ensure there is a security presence in Cowes to maintain and protect community assets, and provide additional street and toilet cleaning. "Council wants school leavers to stay safe, make good choices and enjoy the beauty that is Phillip Island," Cr Whelan said. "This includes being respectful of the locals and their spaces, remembering that families use the same areas during the day that school leavers use at night-time."

Pictures from Bass Coast Shire Council Facebook page.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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• Invest Bass Coast Forum with key speaker David Robertson to be held at RACV Inverloch Resort on 24 April 2026
  Bass Coast Shire will host the Invest Bass Coast Forum on April 24, connecting investors and industry leaders to explore market trends, regional growth, development opportunities and economic outlook.
• Kickstart your career locally with Bass Coast Shire Council’s 2026 Traineeship Program send applications by 26 January 2026
  Bass Coast Shire Council’s 2026 Traineeship Program offers young people and career returners real-world experience, Certificate III qualifications, flexible work, and pathways to permanent roles across seven diverse disciplines.
• Bass Coast Council seeks community input on future use of vacant Wonthaggi Secondary College site, with drop-in sessions scheduled in May
  The former Wonthaggi Secondary College site has been vacant since 2019. Council seeks community input to guide future use, balancing local needs, heritage, and long-term financial sustainability.
• Bass Coast Shire Council seeks approval to advance Phillip Island Sporting Precinct Planning scheme amendment and future recreation hub
  Council will seek ministerial approval to exhibit Planning Scheme Amendment C179basc, proposing rezoning for the Phillip Island Sporting Precinct to support the 2023 master plan and future recreation and community facilities.
• Thrilling aerobatics, military and heritage aircraft, live entertainment and family fun at the ANZAC Week Airshow in Sale, 18–19 April 2026
  Experience jaw-dropping aerobatics, military and heritage aircraft, live music, vintage fashion, family activities, and aviation career insights at the 2026 ANZAC Week Airshow, 18–19 April, West Sale Airport.
• Experience the George Bass Coastal Walk with dramatic cliffs, secluded beaches, scenic views, and coastal adventure
  The George Bass Coastal Walk offers dramatic clifftop views, hidden beaches, wildlife sightings, and nearby cafes, pubs, and rail trails, creating a scenic Gippsland adventure just over 1.5 hours from Melbourne.
• Entries open for 2026 Bass Coast Business Awards celebrating innovation, excellence and community success
  Entries are open for the 2026 Bass Coast Business Awards, celebrating local business excellence across judged and People’s Choice categories, with applications closing 8 May and community voting closing 29 May 2026.
• Melina Bath invites community to apply for CSEF Grants Open 2026, supporting eligible families with school camps, sports, excursions costs
  Eligible families can now apply for the 2026 Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund, helping cover costs of school camps, excursions, sports, and outdoor education through their child’s school.
• The Gurdies Winery offers scenic Bass Coast views, cool-climate wines and a welcoming cellar door for locals and visitors alike
  The Gurdies Winery on Bass Coast offers stunning Western Port Bay views, cool-climate wines, a welcoming cellar door, modern winemaking facilities, and a popular venue for events and community gatherings.
• Harman Wines: Sustainable Bass Coast vineyard blending cool-climate wines, fresh food, hospitality and rural charm
  Harman Wines in Wattle Bank combines sustainable, off-grid practices with cool-climate wines, fresh seasonal food, and warm hospitality, creating a relaxed Bass Coast destination for family, friends, and wine lovers alike.
• South Gippsland Shire Council invites the community to join the Garage Sale Trail on November and other projects
  Australia's biggest second-hand treasure hunt returns this November across two weekends, offering households the chance to declutter and earn cash, while bargain hunters uncover unique finds and help divert goods from landfill.
• Gippsland students return to classrooms rated poor or below average, exposing Labor’s neglect of regional schools, says Danny O'Brien
  As Gippsland students return to school in 2026, 18 regional schools are rated poor or below average, highlighting Labor’s neglect and urgent need for infrastructure investment, says Danny O’Brien.
• New coastal rail trail links Woolamai to Inverloch with spectacular Bass Coast cycling adventure experiences
  The new 14km Wonthaggi–Inverloch Trail extends Victoria's only coastal rail trail to 37km, connecting four towns through stunning coastline, heritage sites, beaches, cafes and countryside for an unforgettable cycling adventure.
• Melina Bath urges safe driving, responsible camping across Eastern Victoria during busy Australia Day weekend celebrations
  Eastern Victoria MP Melina Bath urges motorists to drive safely and campers to follow regulations during Australia Day weekend, respecting fire warnings, the environment, and local community events.
• Stroll among thousands of vibrant roses in full bloom at Morwell's International Rose Garden Festival, 7 - 8 November 2025
  The 2025 Rose Garden Festival features free family fun with blooming gardens, workshops, live performances, markets, aerial theatre, kids' entertainment, and the spectacular AGL Loy Yang Night Light Installation.
• Gippsland Water opens paid summer internship applications for undergraduate students seeking career experience from November 2026 to February 2027
  Gippsland Water has opened applications for its paid 12-week Summer Internship Program, offering undergraduate students practical experience across engineering, science, IT and business from November 2026 to February 2027.
• East Gippsland Council calls for ESVF levy reform ahead of November Victorian state election
  East Gippsland Shire Council is urging Victorian election candidates to reform the ESVF levy, citing disproportionate regional costs and seeking fairer, transparent emergency services funding.
• Melina Bath urges farmers to prioritise safety, wellbeing and lead by example during Farm Safety Week campaign
  Melina Bath is urging farmers to prioritise safety and wellbeing during Farm Safety Week, encouraging stronger safety practices, leadership and community support while recognising farming remains one of Australia’s highest-risk industries.
• Coastal erosion forces indefinite closure of Kilcunda Rail Trail section for safety from 26 August 2026
  Bass Coast Shire Council will close a Kilcunda Rail Trail section indefinitely from August 26 after severe erosion washed away two metres of dune, threatening trail safety.
• Wellington Shire Council joins global 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence, 25 November - 10 December 2025
  Wellington Shire Council invites the community to join events for 16 Days of Activism, promoting respect, preventing family violence, and raising awareness about gender equality and safety for all.
• Baw Baw Shire Council meeting snapshot - Wednesday 26 November 2025
  At its 26 November meeting, Baw Baw Council extended Mick Cummins as Acting CEO, adopted the Roadside Trading Policy and Open Space Strategy, and progressed key planning and governance decisions.
• Applications open for 2026 South Coast Community Leadership Program Supporting Local Skills Development until 13 February 2026
  Applications are open for the free 2026 South Coast Community Leadership Program, helping locals build skills, connect with peers, and positively impact Bass Coast and South Gippsland communities. Apply by February 13.
• Melina Bath celebrates Victorian farmers’ dedication and contributions during National Agriculture Week 2025
  The Nationals’ Melina Bath highlights Victorian farmers’ hard work, resilience, and vital contributions during National Agriculture Week, urging support for primary producers and celebrating their role in communities and the economy.
• Latrobe City invites photographers and videographers to capture the region’s beauty in the ‘Latrobe Through Your Lens’ until 15 December 2025
  Latrobe City Council invites photographers and videographers to enter the eight-week Latrobe Through Your Lens competition, celebrating local people, places, and culture, with prizes including gift cards and getaway experiences.
• Enhancing farm dams: Learn from experts at Wilandra Farms Field Day in Clydebank on 26 November 2025
  Join WGCMA's free field day at Wilandra Farms, Clydebank, on 26 November to learn from ANU ecologists about enhancing farm dams for biodiversity, water quality, and climate resilience.
• South Gippsland Shire Council seeks nominations for Meeniyan Hub Community Asset Committee before 26 November deadline
  Council invites nominations for the Meeniyan Hub Community Asset Committee. Forms available online or at Council offices. Submissions close 26 November, with inductions scheduled for the first week of December.
• Baw Baw Shire Council meeting snapshot - Wednesday 12 November 2025
  Baw Baw Shire Council provides information on council meetings, including schedules, agendas, minutes, and livestream details, allowing the community to stay informed and engaged with local government decisions and discussions.
• Hooded Plover breeding success boosts hope for endangered shorebirds across Bass Coast and South Gippsland
  West Gippsland CMA reports strong Hooded Plover breeding success, with 21 chicks fledging across Bass Coast and South Gippsland, boosting conservation efforts for the endangered shorebird.
• Reduction burn scheduled at Jepson Court Mirboo North on Friday 12 December 2025
  A planned fuel reduction burn will occur at Jepson Court, Mirboo North on 12 December 2025; residents should avoid the area, take care with smoke, and follow VicEmergency updates.
• Baw Baw Council meeting snapshot - Wednesday 10 December 2025
  Baw Baw Council’s 10 Dec meeting updated delegations, planning scheme amendments, social housing concerns, awarded transfer station management contract, adopted Alex Goudie Park Master Plan, approved land sale, and noted governance reports.
• Wild Harvest Seafood Festival serves fresh flavours, coastal adventures and family fun in Mallacoota this spring
  Mallacoota's Wild Harvest Seafood Festival returns September 25-27 with fresh local seafood, live music, markets, family activities, coastal adventures and arts, celebrating East Gippsland's rich maritime heritage and spectacular scenery.
• Farm Field Day boosts production, biodiversity, carbon reduction and income with shelterbelts on 2 December 2025
  Join us at Bushy Park on 2 December to learn from experts and farmers how shelterbelts boost production, biodiversity, carbon reduction, and farm income, with practical tips and funding advice.
• Darren Chester urges young Gippslanders to apply for 2026 National Youth Parliament Leadership Program by 21 November 2025
  Darren Chester is encouraging Gippsland students aged 16 - 17 to apply for the 2026 National Youth Parliament, offering a fully funded week-long leadership and democracy program in Canberra.
• Lindenow CFA volunteer Daniel Heinrichs recognised for 20 years’ service, leadership and community safety
  Lindenow CFA volunteer Daniel Heinrichs is recognised during National Volunteer Week for 20 years of service, leadership, and dedication supporting East Gippsland community safety.
• Latrobe City invites community to celebrate International Rose Garden Festival Morwell with lights, music and fun on 7-8 November 2025
  Latrobe City Council invites everyone to the free International Rose Garden Festival Morwell, 7-8 November 2025, featuring night lights, live music, workshops, market stalls, performers, and over 4,000 blooming roses.
• Darren Chester discusses democracy, civics and federal parliament with St Paul's Year 9 students in Traralgon
  Darren Chester visited St Paul's Anglican Grammar School in Traralgon, discussing civics, democracy, Parliament and community issues with engaged Year 9 students and encouraging young people to participate in Australia's democratic process.
• Demolition begins at Warragul Exhibition Hall, traffic changes implemented and materials salvaged for recycling and community reuse
  Demolition of Warragul Exhibition Hall will begin this week, with traffic changes, asbestos removal, and material salvage for recycling, while the site will be remediated for future council consideration.
• Drouin’s Commercial Place Stage 1 of the $1.1M project set to begin this to boost safety, accessibility and vibrancy
  Stage 1 of the $1.1 million Drouin Commercial Place upgrade begins this week, improving safety, accessibility, footpaths, carparks, and pedestrian areas, with minimal disruption and partial parking available.
• Melina Bath joined Principal Jason Horton and students planting Gallipoli Lone Pine tree
  Tanjil South Primary School students planted a Lone Pine seedling under the "100 Lone Pines Project" to honour ANZAC history, preserving Gallipoli’s legacy and strengthening community remembrance of Australia’s wartime sacrifices.
• Melina Bath celebrates volunteers at Foster Royal Flying Doctor Community Transport luncheon supporting healthcare access
  Melina Bath recognised volunteers during National Volunteer Week at Foster, highlighting Royal Flying Doctor Community Transport impact supporting South Gippsland healthcare access and community connection.
• Tim Bull urges local clubs to apply for the Sporting Club Grants Program supporting volunteers, equipment, and program delivery by 26 November 2025
  Tim Bull encourages Gippsland East sporting clubs to apply for the Sporting Club Grants Program by 26 November 2025, supporting uniforms, equipment, volunteers, events, travel, and governance development.
• Communications Officer Sammi Reynolds celebrated for lifelong volunteering and commitment to Orbost community service
  East Gippsland Shire Council celebrates National Volunteer Week recognising staff member Sammi Reynolds, a lifelong Orbost volunteer, and encourages nominations for the Volunteer Honour Roll by 15 May.
• Baw Baw Shire Council information session on Warragul and Drouin Development Contributions Plans review on 12 December 2025
  Baw Baw residents are invited to an information session on 12 December to learn about the Warragul and Drouin Development Contributions Plans review and future infrastructure planning.
• Register now for the 2025 Garage Sale Trail and join Australia's biggest secondhand treasure hunt this November
  Registrations are open for the Garage Sale Trail this November - host a sale, declutter, earn cash, or find amazing secondhand bargains.
• Baw Baw community gathers for first-ever lighting of towering eight-metre Christmas tree on 5 December 2025
  The community is invited to the first lighting of an eight-metre Christmas tree in Civic Park on 5 December, with festivities, live music, and safety reminders for attendees.
• Darren Chester urges Dicky Bill workers, families to attend Maffra Support and Services Expo on 10 December 2025
  Federal Member Darren Chester urges Dicky Bill workers, families to attend Maffra Support & Services Expo December 10 for employment, training, financial, and wellbeing assistance from 20 local exhibitors.
• Inverloch students plant 1,000 indigenous plants to strengthen wildlife corridor and boost regional biodiversity conservation
  Twenty Inverloch Kongwak Primary School students planted 1,000 indigenous plants, helping create a wildlife corridor that supports native species and strengthens regional biodiversity.
• Planning Amendment C133 to rezone 14 Radovick Street, Korumburra, faces Independent Panel Hearing on 4 December 2025
  Council’s Planning Amendment C133 proposes rezoning 14 Radovick Street, Korumburra. Independent Panel Hearing is Thursday, 4 December 2025, 2pm, Korumburra Community Hub; public may attend, submissions required to speak.
• Mayor Rochelle Halstead honoured with MAV 10-year Service Award for her dedication to local government
  Bass Coast Mayor Cr Rochelle Halstead has received the MAV 10-Year Service Award, recognising her decade of dedicated leadership, advocacy, and commitment to strengthening local government and the Bass Coast community.
• Life Saving Victoria urges water safety precautions as heatwave drives crowds to beaches and pools
  Life Saving Victoria warns Victorians to prioritise water safety during this week’s 40°C heatwave, swim at patrolled locations, supervise children, avoid alcohol, and always swim with a friend.
• Danny O'Brien urges Labor government to fund new Port Welshpool Coast Guard vessel for community safety
  Danny O'Brien urges the Allan Labor government to urgently fund a new $2 million vessel for Port Welshpool Coastguard, ensuring volunteers can safely cover Corner Inlet, Wilsons Promontory, and protect locals.
• Walhalla Church Hill Road landslip repaired, fully reopened following 2022 storm recovery works completion
  Repairs to the Church Hill Road landslip in Walhalla are complete, reopening the road with DRFA-funded realignment, drainage, safety barriers, and asphalt surfacing, ensuring safe travel for residents and tourists.
• Tim Bull calls for more train carriages and bus services to match free public transport amid overcrowding concerns on Gippsland routes
  Tim Bull is calling on the Victorian government to match free public transport with more trains and buses, addressing severe overcrowding and service capacity issues in Gippsland.
• Danny O’Brien thanks Gippsland community for generosity supporting foster children’s Christmas Giving Tree appeal
  Danny O’Brien thanked Gippslanders for their generosity in supporting the Giving Tree appeal, helping ensure foster children receive Christmas gifts and feel remembered, valued, and cared for this holiday season.
• Melina Bath invites local community and sporting clubs to apply for Regional All Abilities Grants by 19 November 2025
  Melina Bath encourages regional clubs to apply for 2025 Regional All Abilities Participation Grants, supporting inclusive programs, specialised equipment, workforce, and disability-led initiatives. Applications close 19 November 2025.
• Baw Baw Shire Council appoints experienced leader Tilla Buden as new chief executive officer commencing on November 2025
  Baw Baw Shire Council has appointed Tilla Buden as its new CEO, bringing extensive leadership experience and community focus. She will formally commence in the role on 17 November 2025.
• South Gippsland Water launches 2026 poster competition encouraging students to promote water conservation creatively
  South Gippsland Water is encouraging students to enter the 2026 National Water Week poster competition, promoting water conservation under the theme Water Heroes Make Every Drop Count.
• Latrobe City invites community input to shape the 2026/27 budget and future priorities, submit feedback by 17 November 2025
  Latrobe City Council is seeking community input to help shape the 2026/27 Budget. Share your priorities via council's Have Your Say platform by 5pm, Monday 17 November 2025.
• Melina Bath urges parents, carers, and educators to provide submissions to improve child safety by 30 November 2025
  Victoria's Child Safety Inquiry calls for public submissions to investigate early childhood education failures, restore family confidence, and recommend reforms ensuring children receive safe, high-quality care and protection.
• East Gippsland Shire Council calls for election funding to unlock thousands of homes across the shire
  East Gippsland Council is seeking $12 million in Victorian Election funding for infrastructure projects in Paynesville, Lakes Entrance and Lucknow, supporting thousands of new homes.
• Danny O’Brien met residents across nine towns over two days, holding more than 20 discussions on their concerns for the shire
  Danny O’Brien met residents across nine Gippsland South towns, discussing cost-of-living pressures, infrastructure, farming challenges, and local priorities, committing to ongoing advocacy and future mobile office visits.
• Latrobe City Council thanks community feedback on draft Local Law, now under review for final decision
  Latrobe City Council thanks community feedback on the draft Community Amenity Local Law, which will be reviewed and considered before a final decision later this year.
• Third year of Bairnsdale sewer renewal project secures future wastewater system with innovative relining
  Bairnsdale’s sewer renewal project enters year three, using CCTV inspections and trenchless relining to upgrade ageing pipes, reduce disruption, and improve reliability, with $650,000 annually invested and works guaranteed for 50 years.
• Night lights, performances, attractions and tourism - International Rose Garden Festival Morwell returns on 6 and 7 November 2026
  International Rose Garden Festival Morwell returns 2026 with free community celebration, night lights, performances, attractions and strong tourism support from government and sponsors.
• East Gippsland welcomes 31 new citizens in Bairnsdale, celebrating diversity, inclusion and community strength
  East Gippsland Shire Council welcomed 31 new citizens from 16 countries in Bairnsdale during Refugee Week, celebrating diversity, inclusion and community strength, with 63 citizens welcomed this year.
• Darren Chester urges more fuel reduction to protect Victorian communities from bushfires
  Darren Chester urged increased fuel reduction on Victorian public land, warning unmanaged forests worsen bushfires, and criticised the native timber industry shutdown while praising volunteers and community resilience.
• Danny O’Brien urged immediate start on Wilsons Promontory revitalisation, including the proposed Yanakie Isthmus fence
  The Allan Labor government faces criticism for ongoing delays to the Wilsons Promontory sanctuary, with Nationals MP Danny O’Brien urging immediate construction to protect wildlife and complete the long-promised project.
• Danny O'Brien urges families to claim up to $200 for kids' sport through Get Active program by 31 December 2025
  Danny O'Brien is urging families to apply for the Get Active Kids program, offering up to $200 for children's sport and recreation costs to ease cost-of-living pressures and encourage participation.
• West Gippsland Landcare celebrates 40 Years of environmental action and community connection
  More than 150 Landcare supporters celebrated 40 years of West Gippsland Landcare, reflecting on achievements, community connections and future opportunities for resilient landscapes and sustainable farming.
• Gumbuya World kicks off summer fun with Oasis Springs reopening and family-friendly GumBOOya Halloween extravaganza
  Gumbuya World reopens Oasis Springs on November 1, launching summer's splash season after GumBOOya Halloween. Families can enjoy slides, wildlife encounters, cabanas, and year-round thrills just 50 minutes from Melbourne.