School leavers are enjoying celebrations at the Schoolies Hub and in the Surfers Paradise Precinct with early crowds comparable to last year’s celebrations.
Police Commissioner, Katarina Carroll said police were extremely pleased with the behaviour of the crowds, with the vast majority of school leavers acting responsibly.
“I have been out on patrol with our local police and saw hundreds of school leavers enjoying themselves and having a fantastic night,” Commissioner Carroll said.
“It was also an incredible insight into the work that police do in partnership with organisations like Red Frogs,” she said.
“It’s a very exciting year for the class of 2022. We wish them the safest of celebrations and continue to remind them to act responsibly, stay safe and watch their mates.”
Minister for Police, Mark Ryan said he was happy to see Schoolies looking out for each other and enjoying their celebrations.
“This is such an important time for young people across Queensland and it was great to see them acting responsibly,” Mr Ryan said.
Minister for Youth Affairs, Meaghan Scanlon said thousands of Schoolies had collected their wristbands at the official opening of the Schoolies Wristband Centre as part of the Safer Schoolies Response.
“The purpose is to keep young people and the community safe,” Ms Scanlon said.
“Months of planning have gone into this safety response — to ensure legitimate Schoolies have a good time and a safe experience — and the Wristband Centre is a core part of this.”
Registered Year 12 school leavers can collect their wristbands to get free and exclusive access to the nightly Schoolies Hub on the beach.
“The Hub provides Schoolies with seven nights of entertainment in a supervised alcohol and drug free environment — if you’re a Schoolie, and you want to enter the Schoolies Beach Hub, you need a wristband,” Ms Scanlon said.
The Department of Environment and Science is delivering the 2022 Safer Schoolies Response in partnership with the City of Gold Coast, nine Queensland Government Agencies and seven community partners.
