The Department of Children, Youth Justice and Multicultural Affairs is calling for volunteers to help with end-of-school celebrations in the State.
In a statement, the Department said hundreds of volunteers were needed on the Gold Coast to give a helping hand at the free Schoolies Entertainment Hub and Wristband Centre.
There was also a need to provide support for graduates through food preparation, roving street patrols, a safe escort to their accommodation and other support services.
Minister for Youth Affairs, Meaghan Scanlon said Schoolies was a time for celebration “of the hard work of our amazing students, and of the bright future they have ahead of them”.
“The last thing we want is for those celebrations to turn sour,” Ms Scanlon said.
“Schoolies is a rite of passage for so many Queenslanders and a huge boon for local tourism providers, supporting good jobs and promoting our great lifestyle.”
She said she remembered celebrating Schoolies just over 10 years ago and the important work volunteers did to help her have not just a good time, but also a safe one.
Ms Scanlon said the response volunteers would work closely with community organisations, local and State Government Agencies, to deliver safety and support services to those celebrating on the Gold Coast.
“Safer Schoolies volunteers provide a friendly face that young people can trust, to give advice and support when needed. Volunteers also occasionally help emergency service personnel,” she said.
“This is a rewarding way for people to help keep young Queenslanders, and the broader community, stay safe while learning new skills and gaining community service experience.”
This year’s event will run from 19-to-25 November. Volunteers at Schoolies must be aged 19 or over, undergo training, be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and hold a valid Blue Card.
Registers can be made at this PS News link.
