Less schoolies expected but police still out in force

POLICE on the Surf Coast are expecting the number of young people attending Schoolies to be down by nearly a third in 2023, but will still provide the usual elevated response seen in previous years.

Torquay and Lorne are traditionally popular destinations for youth who have completed their last Year 12 exams and are looking to celebrate with their peers from mid-November onwards.

Speaking to the media on Tuesday this week, Surf Coast local area commander Acting Inspector Paul Matheson said the amount of local schoolies would likely be lower than previous years as they were choosing to celebrate elsewhere.

“From all reports, Torquay and Lorne will probably be down about 30 per cent, and we attribute that to a lot of forward planning – a lot of kids are going up to Queensland or even to Bali.

“It won’t be quite as busy [for police], but operationally, you’ll see an increased police presence on the Bellarine and Surf Coast, you’re going to see a lot more foot patrols, the Mounted Branch, more patrols on adjoining roads and traffic enforcement as well.”

He said this would include drug and alcohol testing.

“If you’re driving a car and you’re pulled over, expect to be drug and alcohol tested – that’s our message for everyone.

“So have a designated driver, and organise beforehand.

“This is not just about the influx of students for Schoolies; the public can expect an increased police presence. If you’re out driving late at night or even during the day, expect to be pulled over, and you’ll be drug and alcohol tested.”

Inspector Matheson advised any schoolies heading on long car trips to plan ahead.

“A lot of them might not have travelled that far before and only driven around town,” he said.

“Share the driving, have designated drivers late at night, have plenty of breaks, travelling in groups is probably good – there’s no need to drive around solo, travel in twos and threes – plan well ahead, get there a day early and plan to leave a day later.”

He said it was an exciting time for schoolies.

“It’s good that they can celebrate, so we’ll let them celebrate safely, that’s what we’re encouraging.

“There’s nothing really that stands out [this year], hopefully we’ll have good weather.”