SCHOOLIES 2017 is expected to bring approximately 10,000 teenagers to Byron Bay from 17 November to 4 December this year.
Byron Shire Mayor, Simon Richardson, said he hoped the school leavers enjoyed relaxing on the beach with friends and celebrating the end of their high school education.
“I still remember how I felt when I finished high school and most people will agree that it was a fantastic feeling and a very memorable time,” he said.
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“My message to the Schoolies of 2017 is to enjoy all that Byron Bay offers – the beaches, the relaxed vibe, the hinterland and great food,” he said.
“It’s easy to get carried away in the moment so make sure you look after yourselves and your friends and please respect our town and the people who live and work here.
Byron Shire Council will be investing in additional community safety measures this year with temporary concrete bollards to be temporarily placed around Apex Park.
BUDDI Byron Inc is coordinating the Schoolies Safety Hub at Apex Park which will be staffed 24 hours a day by local volunteers.
“Niqui Yazdi does an amazing job coordinating this service; it’s an enormous undertaking.
“The Schoolies Safety Hub is run by Niqui and an army of volunteers, mums, dads, grandparents and people from the community and I thank them for caring so much about young people.
“Since the Schoolies Hub started there has been an 80% drop in Ambulance call-outs and this is purely because of the work of Niqui and her team of committed volunteers,” Mayor Richardson said.
“The Hub is a free service where kids can drop in, have a break, get something to eat or drink or simply talk to a caring person.
“First Aid officers will also be on hand to help with cuts and other minor things,” he said.
“The Red Frogs will be working alongside the Schoolies Safety Hub set up in Apex Park as well looking after teenagers who are finding the pressure of the celebrations a little too much to bear.
“Finishing school is a landmark milestone for teenagers and the world is whatever they want to make of it,” Mayor Richardson said.