Police and emergency crews are bracing for this weekend when more than 22,000 school graduates let their hair down for ‘Schoolies’ celebrations across the country.
Nearly 50 arrests were made in Surfers Paradise last year during Gold Coast’s annual rowdy event, with dozens of teenagers busted for drug possession and brawling.
Despite the inevitable carnage inflicted on the seaside resort town every year, authorities said there was not a lot they could do to stop the kids coming.
Team of police were on hand all night to ensure party goers were kept safe, seen here checking in with one happy young girl
Nearly 50 arrests were made in Surfers Paradise last year during Gold Coast’s annual rowdy event, with teens busted for drug possession and getting involved in fights
Despite the inevitable carnage inflicted on the seaside resort town every year, authorities said there was not a lot they could do to stop the kids coming
Despite an estimated 80 per cent of attendees being underage, most are likely to drink heavily during the celebrations.
‘Many people say “ban Schoolies, let’s just close the airport and anyone under 17 can’t come in to Surfers Paradise” – (but) we can’t hold back the tide,’ Schoolies Advisory Committee Chair Mark Raeburn told Seven News.
‘Our concern is always what goes on in the rooms, but we can’t be there,’ Mr Raeburn said.
Hundreds of volunteers will be on hand to help those who need respite or medical aid due to the effects of partying, but they say not all those need urgent help.
At least 80 per cent of attendees are expected to be underage, and likely to be indulging in the customary practice of drinking alcohol
Hundreds of volunteers have developed a keen sense the teens need during the festivities, and say they aren’t always in crisis when they need help.=
‘There not all necessary in distress, some of them are extremely happy – they just need a bit of time out,’ Angela Driscoll of Gold Coast Youth Services said.
Closely-watched and cordoned-off party zones with high fences and soft beach sand have been carefully thought out by the organising committee.
They provide safe, high security areas for teens to go about their partying and hopefully wear themselves out.
Most past year arrests were related to drug possession, however it was unknown why this man was taken into custody
Closely watched cordoned-off party zones with high fences and soft beach sand (one man appeared to have been caught with a bag of cask wine)
One attendee appeared rather glum as they were wheeled away in a chair by an SES officer
Red Frogs Australia spokesman said parents should feel comfortable sending their children to the Gold Coast for Schoolies, because ‘it is by far the safest place’.
Children taking part in the raging two-week-long celebration on the Gold Coast have become renowned for disturbing and often dangerous antics.
But police and volunteers from Red Frogs, a Christian support group for university students and school-leavers, know what to expect and are well-equipped.
A man was spotted at last year’s festivities being walked away by two police officers
A woman seemed to get herself into a bit of trouble last year, with her spotted being hand cuffed by police
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