Schoolies celebrations at Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast. The week long celebrations are the biggest party of their lives for Year 12 school leavers. Picture Glenn Hampson
Australia’s wildest party week is just a fortnight away – and authorities are cracking down with stricter-than-ever measures to halt its deadly reputation.
Tens of thousands of school leavers are set to inundate communities from the Gold Coast to Byron Bay, Airlie Beach to Dunsborough and Rottnest, marking the biggest celebration of their lives – and one of the biggest challenges of the year for police, councils, residents and property owners.
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More than 20,000 teens are expected on the Gold Coast alone. Picture Glenn Hampson
Teenagers party during the first day of the New South Wales and Victoria Schoolies week. Picture: Regi Varghese
Experts are warning those in their path to prepare for the fallout, with many of the most popular Schoolies stays located in towers and residential buildings. According to schoolies.org.au, “there has been approximately one Schoolies-related death each year over the past two decades. In some cases balcony falls.”
The official booking site Schoolies.com lists Queensland kicking off the week long festivities on November 22, with New South Wales teens joining a week later, followed by celebrations in hotspots across Western Australia, Victoria and South Australia.
More than 20,000 teens are expected on the Gold Coast alone – a scenario that poses serious challenges for bodies corporate and building managers, even as landlords enjoy high occupancy.
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There is a darker side to Schoolies with one teen plunging to his death from the 42nd floor of a Surfers Paradise high-rise in front of horrified onlookers – a situation authorities are determined to prevent. Picture: Nigel Hallett
Schoolies kid jumping from an Airlie Beach balcony in the past – the type of behaviour that is being cracked down on this year.
Archers the Strata Professionals partner Grant Mifsud said with many students not used to being unsupervised in high-rise environments, there is a real risk of costly accidents – and even personal tragedy.
“A lot of these kids aren’t familiar with lifts, alarms or balconies, so what feels like harmless fun can end up being dangerous or very expensive,” he said.
A zero-tolerance policy is expected against dangerous behaviour, with Mr Mifsud warning those would be dealt with by police – an inauspicious start to adulthood for any Schoolie.
“Balconies remain one of the biggest risks during Schoolies. Property owners and bodies corporate must ensure they are safe, and students need to treat them with respect.”
“Overcrowding a lift or pressing every button can cause breakdowns, with repairs potentially costing upwards of $1,500.”
Even leaning on balconies is banned for short-term visitors during Schoolies to prevent accidents.
Most Schoolies are expected to attend organised parties like the mass concerts on the beach. Picture Glenn Hampson
“Likewise, tampering with smoke alarms or setting them off unnecessarily with toasters, vapes or cigarettes can trigger hefty emergency service fees and fines.”
Strict measures are being rolled out, including checks on balconies, railings, doors and locks, and warnings for students to never climb, lean, pass items between balconies or overcrowd. Controlling guest numbers in residential towers, banning glass from pool areas, and increasing security or manager presence are all part of the disaster prevention strategy.
All Schoolies are being urged to follow property rules, respect balcony safety, limit visitors, keep noise down in non-party zones, swap glass for cans or plastic in pool areas, report any damage, and look out for their friends.
“Rules set early make it safer and less stressful for parents, property owners and the school leavers themselves,” he said. “When everyone knows what’s expected, Schoolies Week can be a celebratory milestone without unnecessary drama.”
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