While Victor Harbor's annual Schoolies Festival™ may have evolved over the past 20 years, there's one reassuring constant that school-leavers and parents alike can count on - the presence of SA Police along with not-for-profit charity, Encounter Youth and their attentive army of 'Green Team' volunteers.
Thousands of South Aussie students are preparing to attend Encounter Youth's 20th annual Schoolies Festival™ at Warland Reserve, Victor Harbor, commencing Friday evening.
Superintendent Mark Fairney, Police Commander for Operation Schoolies Festival™ 2018, is asking students to step up, and help to ensure that this year's Festival is safe, inclusive and enjoyable.
"Schoolies Festival™ has an overwhelmingly positive culture, and an excellent record for safety, but it's only as good as those groups attending.
"How you choose to behave will determine the overall success of this event, and will set the tone for the weekend. Make positive that contribute to a fun, celebratory atmosphere for yourself, and your fellow Schoolies.
"If you're thinking of drinking, it's vital to keep track. Set a reasonable limit, and don't exceed it. Stay in control, and enjoy a weekend to remember.
"Stick to your mates like glue. Don't let them wander off alone, or leave with someone they don't know. While you're bound to meet plenty of new friends at Schoolies Festival™, don't leave the old ones to wonder where you are", said Supt Fairney.
Festival-goers needing assistance are encouraged to approach a Police Officer or Encounter Youth Green Team volunteer.
"If you don't feel safe, or something doesn't feel right, we're here to help you. Don't hesitate to ask."
Nigel Knowles, Encounter Youth Chief Executive Officer, said that 20 years ago they were invited by SA Police into a complex disaster zone in Victor Habor and began to implement harm-minimisation strategies with just 40 volunteers.
"In 1999, we entered into a chaotic and dangerous environment with a widespread negative impact across the Fleurieu that is now home to Australia's leading school leaver operation and is proudly non-government led by Encounter Youth," said Mr Knowles.
"One of the key changes we made was enclosing Warland Reserve to create a centralised area for school leavers that deterred 'toolies' from attending and emergency services were able to proactively respond to incidents.
"To date, Encounter Youth has poured in over 600,000 hours of volunteering to support young people at Schoolies Festival™, minimising the impact on the local community and government resources," Mr Knowles said.
Encounter Youth is asking school leavers to apply the party safe tips they learnt in school from their leading alcohol & other drug education program to prepare for and celebrate safely at Schoolies Festival™.
"Look after yourself and your mates all weekend, and remember there will be over 500 Encounter Youth volunteers on hand if you have a question, need support or just want to chat," said Mr Knowles.
Supt. Fairney reinforced that Schoolies Festival™ is not a licensed event, and that Warland Reserve remains a declared dry-zone.
"Licensees are reminded that it is an offence to sell or supply liquor to anyone who is under 18 years of age.
"Anyone who's thinking of selling or consuming illicit drugs at Victor Harbor this weekend should think twice about attending. Being found in possession of drugs could have a significant impact on your future.
"You can't know what's in a pill, or how your body will react. No drug is without risk.
"If you have been drinking or using drugs, don't get behind the wheel. You're not just putting yourself at risk of serious injury or death - you're also a danger to other road users.
School leavers are once again encouraged to travel safely to and from their accommodation in and around Victor Harbor via the Free MAC Schoolies Festival™ Bus Service provided by the Motor Accident Commission, Principal Partner of the Schoolies Festival™.
"Please follow the directions of Encounter Youth volunteers at boarding points. Your cooperation makes their job easier, and helps to ensure that you all get home safely," said Supt. Fairney.
Police will pay special attention to older non-school leavers trying to gain entry to the event.
Ticket-holders will be issued wristbands designed by Encounter Youth to ensure that Festival venues are reserved for paid-up school leavers.
For everything you need to know about Schoolies Festival™, including event information, personal safety tips and information for parents, don't forget to stop by the Official Schoolies Festival™ website at http://www.schooliesfestival.com.au
