Thousands of South Australian students are poised to begin an exciting new chapter, beginning with this weekend’s Schoolies FestivalTM at Victor Harbor, according to SA Police.
About 10,000 school-leavers will stream into Warland Reserve from 7pm this Friday, with entertainment scheduled across the weekend.
South Australia Police will keep a watchful eye on revellers, working side-by-side with Encounter Youth and their army of highly visible ‘Green Team’ volunteers.
Superintendent Craig Wall, Police Commander for Operation Schoolies Festival 2016, is asking for school-leavers’ assistance to create a safe and positive atmosphere within and outside of Schoolies FestivalTM.
"It goes without saying that both South Australia Police and Encounter Youth will look out for you", says Supt. Wall.
"We need you to step up and look out for each another. This is your celebration, and we rely on your help.
"We need you to support and stay close to your friends. Don’t leave a mate with someone they don’t know, and don’t let them wander off by themselves.
"We want and need you to feel comfortable in approaching a SAPOL Officer or Green Team volunteer if something’s amiss, or you don’t feel safe.
"If you’re going to drink, pace yourself and don’t exceed your limit. By binge drinking, you place yourself at greater risk of becoming a victim of crime – or even being the offender.
Encounter Youth are in their 18th annual year of coordinating Schoolies Festival™, and CEO Nigel Knowles believes this year's school-leavers will be well-supported once again.
"The South Australian school-leavers response continues to lead the way in young people's safety across Australia", says Mr Knowles.
"Encounter Youth have over 550 Green Team volunteers who will be ready to help school leavers celebrate this milestone safely and in positive ways.
"With the diverse interests of young people, each venue within Schoolies Festival™ offers unique activities including dancing, arcade games, carnival food, a karaoke corner and much more.
"The free 'Schoolies Festival™ App' is a school-leaver’s best friend, which includes event and bus timetables, as well as daily, fun interactive checklists.
The App is available to download on the Apple or Google Play Store.
"During the Festival, Encounter Youth has the ability to send out real-time push notifications via the App to communicate any safety messages and helpful tips to school leavers.
"We recognise that young people want to stay connected with their friends and family during the Festival, and so we remind them to pack their phone charger before leaving.
"We understand that this can be a very nervous time for parents, and so we want to support them by providing key information about Schoolies Festival™," says Mr Knowles.
Encounter Youth is providing parents with a tailored fact-sheet which will be emailed to every ticket holder this afternoon, and is also available to download from www.schooliesfestival.com.au.
The information sheet covers a range of topics for parents to discuss with school-leavers, including personal safety strategies, and options should something not go to plan.
Supt. Wall reminds school-leavers 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", says Supt. Wall.
"Steer clear of drugs at Schoolies Festival. There’s no telling what’s in a pill, or how it might affect you.
"Don’t put your safety or future on the line for a cheap thrill.
"Please, don’t even think about driving if you’ve been drinking or using drugs, and don’t get in a car with a drunk or stoned driver. You’re putting your own life at risk, as well as the lives of other road users.
Schoolies are encouraged to travel safely to and from their accommodation in and around Victor Harbor via the Ffree Schoolies Festival™ Bus provided by the Motor Accident Commission, Principal Partner of Schoolies FestivalTM.
"To help ensure that everyone gets home safely, please be attentive to and patient with Encounter Youth Green Team volunteers at Schoolies Festival™ Bus boarding points," says Supt. Wall.
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 schoolies.
Note for Schoolies
For everything you need to know about getting to Schoolies Festival™, tickets, what’s on, and how to ensure your personal safety, don’t forget to stop by the official Official Schoolies Festival™ website at http://www.schooliesfestival.com.au
