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Respect For Schoolies

"Respect – for yourself and the rights of others" is the message being sent out by Bass Coast Shire Council and Victoria Police in the lead up to Schoolies Week

By Bass Coast Shire - 14th November 2005 - Back to News

The traditional post-school celebrations take place this year from Friday 18 November through to Sunday 27 November, with large numbers of school leavers expected to visit Bass Coast.

Local Laws, Police and Youth Workers

An increased presence of Local Laws officers, Police and Youth Workers is just one of the initiatives in place over Schoolies Week.

Council’s Community Safety Manager, Peter Laydon said the extra presence would be on the ground to provide assistance to young people.

"Local Laws officers and Youth Workers will be working out of Council’s Local Laws Caravan.

"The caravan will be located around the Cowes foreshore and is a place where Schoolies can drop in to find out about activities or simply just take it easy," he advised.

Mr Laydon said that Council’s aim was to encourage young people to have a good time, but also to have consideration for the local community.

"Police will be empowered under a delegation of authority from Council to enforce Local Laws.

"This means Police are now able to issue on-the-spot fines for illegal activities such as drinking in public areas," said Mr Laydon.

Schoolies Wristbands

Young people visiting the Shire as part of Schoolies Week are being encouraged to register to receive a Schoolies wristband.

"These wristbands will entitle them to a range of services and activities," said Council’s Special Events Officer, Frank Angarane.

Mr Angarane said young people could pick up a wristband from the Local Laws Caravan.

Activities and services available to wristband holders include:

· A late night shuttle bus service;

· Free bottled water;

· Welcome BBQ at the Cowes foreshore on Friday 18 and Friday 25 November;

· Organised beach activities;

· Discounted surf lesson and BBQ lunch including transport from Cowes to Smiths Beach and San Remo to Smiths Beach on Monday 21 November (lesson runs 10am - noon) and Friday 25 November (lesson runs 2pm - 4pm); and

· Henna Tattoos - temporary! Saturday 26 November at Cowes foreshore, 10am - 5pm (cost depending on design).

Further activities will be announced shortly.

In addition to Bass Coast Shire Council’s Caravan, the City of Casey’s Youth Services "Seasonal Vibe" bus will be in Cowes during Schoolies Week.

The Seasonal Vibe, a converted passenger bus, provides information on a variety of issues relevant to young people. The Vibe has a stereo, TV, tables, couches, computer games and musical instruments.

Police presence

Wonthaggi Police Acting Senior Sergeant, Lyn Holland, confirmed that extra Police will be on duty.

"Any inconveniences experienced by the local community will be attended to by Police," said Acting Senior Sergeant Holland.

"Anti-social behaviour, including excessive liquor consumption, drug abuse, beach bonfires, drink driving, fireworks and unacceptable noise levels won’t be tolerated."

Acting Senior Sergeant Holland said that underage drinking would be closely monitored, as well as pointing out that the Police role was not simply one of enforcement.

"Our officers are also available in an advisory capacity if young people want to come and speak to us.

"Our main concern is to keep them safe, as well as looking after the community," he said.

More information

Anyone interested in finding out additional information on plans and preparations for Schoolies Week in Bass Coast should contact Council of (03) 5671 2211 or (03) 5951 3311.

General information and tips on Schoolies Week can be found at www.youthcentral.vic.gov.au.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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