Minister for the Environment and the Great Barrier Reef and Minister for Science and Youth Affairs

The Honourable Meaghan Scanlon

Thousands of excited school-leavers have descended on the Gold Coast this morning to collect their wristbands at the official opening of the Schoolies Wristband Centre.

Youth Affairs Minister Meaghan Scanlon said with the first wristband being collected, the 2022 Safer Schoolies Response has officially begun, and the Palaszczuk Government is ready.

“The purpose of the 2022 Safer Schoolies Response is to keep young people and the community safe,” Minister Scanlon said.

“Months of planning has gone into this safety response – to ensure legitimate schoolies have a good time, and a safe experience.

“The Wristband Centre is a core part of the Safer Schoolies Response, where 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.

“Wristbands are easy to get, and schoolies need to register first then come to the Wristband Centre with your ID and QR code. Schoolies is for schoolies only – no wristband, no access.

“Your wristband is your ticket to free fun with your mates, and the Beach Hub is the safest place for schoolies to celebrate.”

Led by the Queensland Government Department of Environment and Science, the 2022 Safer Schoolies Gold Coast Response is delivered in partnership with the City of Gold Coast, nine Queensland Government agencies and seven community partners.

Destination Gold Coast CEO Patricia O’Callaghan said Gold Coast businesses were looking forward to Schoolies starting.

“We know it has been a really difficult two years and hope that this year’s school leavers can celebrate together and make the most of the Gold Coast’s incredible line up of experiences on offer,” Ms O’callaghan said.

“Accommodation providers are telling us that bookings are strong, and we anticipate the economic benefit will flow throughout the region.”

Minister Scanlon said parents and carers of schoolies can rest assured that the 2022 Safer Schoolies Response is designed to provide schoolies with whatever they need.

“This week, we’ll have more than 1,000 people on the ground to provide support, a health and wellbeing space, chill out and recharge zones,” the Minister said.

“We are helping young people make healthy and safe choices and we encourage them to look after each other during their end of school celebrations - have fun and watch your mates.

“I know year 12 is a challenging year for young people, and I pay tribute to every school-leaver’s resilience and patience.

“These young people are now getting set to have a fun and memorable experience, but if anyone is struggling during the week, please reach out to the support services.

“Rosies, Drug Arm, Gold Coast Youth Service, our Schoolies Support Team volunteers, the Chill Out Zone - they are here to help, and remember, in the event of an emergency, dial 000.

“I hope this year’s cohort of school leavers have a fantastic time here, and I wish them all the very best for Schoolies and for their future.”

The Queensland Government plays a key role in keeping Schoolies safe by coordinating government departments, emergency services, support services and volunteers.

ENDS

Media contact: Francis Dela Cruz - 0420 592 078