• Contact us

    Got a question?
    Reach out to us via our contact us page.
    Email us at SaferSchoolies@des.qld.gov.au or call the Safer Schoolies Hotline on
    13 QGOV (13 74 68)

The Queensland Government does not promote Schoolies, rather it responds to the schoolies phenomenon.

The Safer Schoolies Response is focused on ensuring the schoolies period is as safe as possible for school leavers, residents, businesses, and the community.

We do this through on the ground support services in partnership with nine Queensland Government agencies including Queensland Police Service, Queensland Health and Queensland Ambulance Service; the City of Gold Coast and seven community partners.

We’re there all week long to assist with advice, medical and mental health support.

You’ll also see us in schools. The Safer Schoolies team present in classrooms across Queensland to promote safe and healthy behaviours during Schoolies and beyond.

  • What is the Safer Schoolies Gold Coast Response? 02:46

    The Gold Coast has been the chosen destination for many Queensland high school graduates since the 1970s. The Queensland Government’s Safer Schoolies team operates a safety response for the first week of Schoolies each year,…

    The Gold Coast has been the chosen destination for many Queensland high school graduates since the 1970s.
    The Queensland Government’s Safer Schoolies team operates a safety response for the first week of Schoolies each year, focused on enhancing the safety of young people and decreasing risk taking behaviour.

    The Safer Schoolies Gold Coast Response is free for legitimate Year 12 school leavers.
    It includes wristbanding for legitimate Year 12 school leavers, providing nightly access to the drug and alcohol-free Schoolies Hub, where they can celebrate safely in the company of their peers.

    In addition, the Response week features on the ground support provided by numerous government agencies and services, community and volunteer organisations.

    For more information, visit www.saferschoolies.qld.gov.au or follow us on Facebook or Instagram - @SchooliesGC.

What is Schoolies Week

Schoolies week is a celebration for Australian year 12 school leavers. Every year, thousands of graduates gather in key holiday destinations around Australia and overseas. It is a time to celebrate a new stage of life and often consists of parties and festivals run by different organisations.

Safer Schoolies is there to support you.

Where is Schoolies

Safer Schoolies supports the largest gathering of school leavers: Gold Coast Schoolies.

The Safer Schoolies Beach Hub is located on Surfers Paradise Beach. This is a schoolie only area - free for any legitimate year 12 school leaver. Whether you come for one night or all seven, all you need is a Schoolies Beach Hub wristband.

History of Schoolies

  • School leavers have been gathering on the Gold Coast to celebrate the end of school since the late 1970s.
  • Over the next few years, the tradition of ‘Schoolies’ emerged, as Surfers Paradise became the chosen destination for a growing number of school leavers.
  • By the 1980s, many community groups had developed ways of providing support for school leavers.
  • In the late 1990s, the safety response model began to form, including diversionary activities and support services.
  • In 2003, a plan was officially endorsed by the Queensland Government to make Gold Coast Schoolies safer for both the local community and school leavers attending.
  • Today, Gold Coast Safer Schoolies is attended by up to 20,000 Year 12 school leavers.