Schoolies in Byron Bay

Byron Shire Council is supporting the 2011 Schoolies holiday period with an additional funding allocation of $29,000.

The funds have been allocated to provide for additional safety such as lighting, extra waste collection and cleaning of public toilets.

Council will also fund a marquee to be placed next to the surf club to act as a rest and safety zone for the schoolies.

Mayor Jan Barham said it appears that Byron Bay is becoming a more attractive destination for school leavers and through service providers and the business community working together, we have an opportunity to guide how we would like to see the future of this event develop.

"School leavers will be coming to Byron Bay to unwind and celebrate the end of exams but we ask them to do so with respect to the environment and community.

"There is more to Byron Bay and surrounding areas than partying. We have a vibrant beach culture for surfing, kayaking and long walks and an ecological significant hinterland for those who might want to explore the region's environment.

"The area also offers a rich artistic and entertainment experience and an abundance of health and wellbeing opportunities. It's all there to be explored and experienced," Mayor Barham said.

Schoolies Safety Response Group

The inter-agency group includes members from: Byron Youth Service, NSW Police (Byron Bay), Byron Liquor Accord, Byron Hospital, Byron Bay Community Centre, Byron's Core Values, Byron Bay High School, Cape Byron Security, INTRA/ The Buttery, BUDDI, Byron United, Holiday Letting Organisation (HLO), Byron Visitor Centre and Byron Shire Council staff.

Aims for the period

The following desired aims have been formulated.  Evaluation will be measured against 2008 statistics from a number of sources including police, hospital, security firms and Byron Shire Council:

1. A decrease in the number of arrests and official warnings in relation to anti-social behaviour, alcohol consumption and drug related incidents.
2. A decrease in the number of hospital presentations for alcohol related incidents.
3. Contain schoolie visitors to one central gathering area.
4. Reduce the potential risk for sexual assaults to occur.
5. Minimise the community cost of 'cleaning up' after the schoolies period.
6. Minimise damage to property, including holiday accommodation and public infrastructure.
7. Minimise the disturbance to residents; particularly at night.
8. Minimise Byron Bay community antagonism towards schoolies; particularly from local young people.
9. Reduce the number of overall complaints to Byron Shire Council, the Holiday Letting Organisation and Police.

Key Messages

Respect

• Respect Byron Bay both in terms of the natural beauty and the community
• Tread lightly - take only photographs - leave only footprints
• Honour this sacred place

Be Responsible

• Be responsible about alcohol and drug consumption, beware of drink spiking
• Take care of yourself, your mates and consider others
• Know your boundaries and stick to them
• Drink lots of water and eat well
• Stick with your mates (don't go anywhere with anyone you don't know)
• Know where to go for help
• Know the rules in your accommodation place
• Be mindful not to litter
• Move between locations in a quiet manner, particularly at night

Relax

• "Chill Out", relax, enjoy and appreciate what Byron Bay has to offer
• Engage in activities available to enjoy Byron Bay and surrounding areas including walks, water activities, cycling, appreciation & scenic tours, food, air activities, horse riding, and art activities.

Strategies

The main proposals of the strategy for Byron Bay 'Safety Response' include:

1. Providing a 'hub' for emergency and support services close to the place where schoolies like to congregate in Byron Bay; namely Apex Park, Main Beach and the area around the Byron Bay Surf Club. A marquee will be erected to house these services in Apex Park. This will also act as a rest/safety zone for schoolies.
2. The Red Frogs, a chaplaincy service that cater for schoolies and university celebrations, have been offered the use of the Youth Activity Centre to use as their base during the time they are in Byron Bay.
3. Apex Park and Main Beach well be well lit to discourage anti-social behaviour.
4. Byron Shire Council will plan for the anticipated excess waste and clean up in response to previous community issues.
5. The Holiday Let Organisation (HLO) is working with their members to enforce a maximum number of occupants per residence. The HLO guideline states that the number of people is not to exceed booking agreement ­of maximum 8 adults per property at two per bedroom.
6. Several organisations will be approached to help provide activities during the day to keep schoolies occupied, including existing licensed tourism operators such as learn to surf schools, the Surf Life Saving Club and the staff from the Department of Sport and Recreation facility in Lennox Head.

Risk Management

Security

1. Byron Bay Police will have a command post  in Main Beach car park from 18 November until 4 December.
2. Cape Byron Security work with the Holiday Let Organisation responding to complaints to the 'Accommodation Hotline'. They will also have a presence at the taxi rank and around town throughout schoolies.
3. The safety of schoolies and community members is of the utmost importance throughout the schoolies period
4. Key messages about staying safe will be provided to schoolies
5. Interaction with local volunteers and Red Frogs will reinforce the key messages
6. The hub and all activities organised by the Schoolies Inter-Agency Group will be set up and operated in the safest possible manner
7. Minor first aid will be provided for at the hub
8. Ambulance will be advised dates of schoolies
9. Drug, alcohol and sex counsellors will be available at the hub at various times to reinforce safety messages
10. Surf Life Savers will patrol the beach on a daily basis
11. The emergency procedures below will apply in emergencies

Safety

1. The safety of schoolies and community members is of the utmost importance throughout the schoolies period
2. Key messages about staying safe will be provided to schoolies
3. Interaction with local volunteers and Red Frogs will reinforce the key messages
4. The hub and all activities organised by the Schoolies Inter-Agency Group will be set up and operated in the safest possible manner
5. Minor first aid will be provided for at the hub
6. Ambulance will be advised dates of schoolies
7. Drug, alcohol and sex counsellors will be available at the hub at various times to reinforce safety messages
8. Surf Life Savers will patrol the beach on a daily basis
9. The emergency procedures below will apply in emergencies

Emergency Procedures

In the event of an emergency, the following procedures will apply:

1. The appropriate emergency telephone numbers will be made available to all event staff, volunteers, stakeholders and security personnel leading up to the event.
2. Should a response to an accident or incident be required, the Byron Bay police, fire or hospital should be contacted immediately.
3. A responsible volunteer will wait for the relevant authority or resource and guide them to the emergency site.
4. In the event of an emergency where an evacuation may be necessary, event staff, stakeholders or security personnel should dial '000' immediately. The Byron Bay Police and Hub Coordinator should be notified immediately after dialing '000'.

In case of evacuation:

1. The eastern side of the Surf Club near Peace Pole or Railway Park is the designated assembly and evacuation point.
2. The Hub Coordinator will double check that no-one is left behind and stay with patrons until resources arrive.
3. Coordinator will do last check and be responsible for site check.
4. Coordinator will stay and wait for further instructions from local authorities.