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Schoolies On Their Best Behaviour

Sumo Suit wrestling proves popular with Schoolies

Schoolies have been on their best behaviour, according to Acting Police Inspector, Bruce Kitchener.

By Bass Coast Shire - 2nd December 2005 - Back to News

Schoolies have been on their best behaviour, according to Acting Police Inspector, Bruce Kitchener.

"Schoolies have been generally well behaved. Some incidents did occur, but they were of a minor nature," said Acting Inspector Kitchener.

Bass Coast Community Health Service (BCCHS) Schoolies Program Coordinator, Sarah McLaughlin, said the BCCHS and Council Schoolies Program was part of a State Government initiative targeting Schoolies hotspots.

"Phillip Island was identified as an area frequented by Schoolies along with Sorrento on the Mornington Peninsula and Lorne on the Surf Coast.

"The idea is not to try and attract more Schoolies here, but to provide something for them to do to reduce the amount of time they might otherwise spend on activities like drinking alcohol.

"Building respect between young people and our community is important and that’s what this program encourages," said Ms McLaughlin.

"All other Australian states currently have these types of initiaves in place," Ms McLaughlin continued. "I have already had enquiries from local businesses who think the activities are a great idea and want to be involved with providing them next year."

This year Council trialled a program where young people visiting the Shire as part of Schoolies Week were encouraged to register to receive a Schoolies wristband. The wristbands entitled them to a range of services and activities and made it possible to easily identify legitimate Schoolies.

Council’s Community Safety Manager, Peter Laydon, said Council had made several activities available during the Schoolies period to Schoolies that registered.

"We know that Schoolies are going to come to Bass Coast no matter what, so Council and the BCCHS are trying to work with the Schoolies instead of against them.

"Council has allowed $1500 in its budget to provide such activities as BBQs, subsidised surfing lessons, sumo suits and beach equipment, some of which Council will retain.

"Around 60 Schoolies attended the welcome barbeque and sumo suit games on Friday night. There were also 11 Schoolies that utilised the subsided surf lessons.

"Council has also funded $80 for water, the rest of which has been kindly donated, and $200 for wristbands, which the Schoolies get once they register. At last count 174 Schoolies had signed up to participate in activities," detailed Mr Laydon.

Council has also provided its Local Laws Caravan as an information hub and safe haven for Schoolies.

"The caravan on the Cowes foreshore is manned by volunteers and provides information, tea and coffee facilities and a place to collect beach equipment. It also provides a space Schoolies can also talk to volunteer youth workers.

"A steady flow of both Schoolies and other visitors are utilising the caravan," he said.

Mr Laydon reiterated that use of the Local Laws Caravan was not a Schoolies specific initiative.

"The Caravan is used at major events and over holiday periods, to give Local Laws officers a base to work from and ensure a strong on-the-ground presence," explained Mr Laydon.

"Schoolies is no different to any other event which brings visitors to our Shire. Council has a responsibility to ensure the safety and amenity of all visitors and residents and use of the Local Laws Caravan is part of that strategy.

"These young people are entitled to the same support and safety provisions as anyone who lives here or visits the area.

Over the V8 Supercars weekend, Council also provided 24 hour security.

"The patrolling of streets by Council’s Local Laws staff and contracted security over the weekend is something that would be in place whether there was Schoolies week on or not," Mr Laydon advised.

Schoolies gathering information at the Local Laws caravan park

Acting Police Inspector Bruce Kitchener,      Council’s Community Safety Manager,      Peter Laydon, and Local Laws Team Leader,      Kaye Hall, and Independent Persons      Association volunteer, Chris McRae.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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