Surf Coast well prepared for schoolies celebrations

YEAR 12 students across the state have marked a major milestone this month, as they complete their VCE exams.

With exams now over and graduation ceremonies wrapping up, school leavers are preparing to celebrate.

Schoolies generally takes place in the latter part of November and the early part of December, with young people gathering on the Surf Coast between Torquay and Lorne.

Torquay Senior Sergeant Adrian Bickley said police had engaged with the Red Frogs and the Surf Coast Shire Youth Engagement team to ensure safety in the area.

“Police have a planned response in regard to schoolies, which basically includes extra policing services covering the Lorne and Torquay areas.

“We’ll be ensuring that we’ve got a sound police presence in those areas over the coming week to ensure that schoolies feel safe and are safe.

“Our priority is ensuring a safe environment for everyone, whether they’re a school leaver or a local community member.”

It is estimated there will be about 400 schoolies across the region.

Sgt Bickley said there are about 150 registered through schoolies in Lorne, with another 50 expected in local caravan parks or Airbnbs, and about 200 expected in the Torquay area.

Schoolies numbers in the region have been down in recent years, which is attributed to a lack of official events occurring in the region.

Sgt Bickley hoped everyone on the Surf Coast could enjoy what the region has to offer as schoolies mark a milestone in their education.

“We’re finding that the schoolies have been very, very well behaved over the last couple of years since I’ve been in the chair here, and I’m hoping that will be replicated this year as well.”