Schoolies celebrate on the Gold Coast

Tens of thousands of schoolies have descended on Surfers Paradise, kicking off a
week of celebrations on the Gold Coast.
Up to 25,000 school leavers started pouring through the entrance of a schoolies-only
"hub" on Surfers Paradise beach at 6.30pm (AEST), for a party which was due to wrap
up at 1am on Sunday.
The hub has been sealed off by twin security fences, with entry restricted to
schoolies wearing wristbands which can be obtained only by providing Year 12 school
identification.
Night-time commander for schoolies, Inspector Jeff James, said police were as ready
as possible for the week ahead.
"We don't reveal precise numbers of officers we have on the job, but tonight's as
big an operation as New Year's Eve," he said.
"We've got them here from all around the southeast of the state, and we bring a lot
of special units down to the Gold Coast, too.
"We've got detectives here from State Crime Operations Command and we've got
specialist resources from Operations Support Command and that includes members of
the Public Safety Response Team.
"And we obviously have other specialist resources that work with us."
Police say while tens of thousands are likely to attend organised concerts each
night, the first Saturday night is traditionally the busiest of the week as school
leavers start to let off steam.
Many didn't wait for the official start of festivities, with balcony parties kicking
off through Saturday afternoon.
In high-rise apartment blocks along The Esplanade at Surfers Paradise groups of
schoolies were on balconies, chatting, singing, and calling out to each other from
one floor to another and between buildings.
Police have appealed to schoolies not to party on balconies.
Four years ago a teenager was killed during schoolies when he fell 11 storeys from a
balcony in Surfers Paradise.
Police have also arrested a number of teenagers in recent years for climbing from
one balcony to another on the outside of high-rise apartment blocks.
But the atmosphere on Saturday evening was relaxed and happy.
A group of eight Gold Coast schoolies from Coomera said their big party was off to a
good start.
"There's no aggro and everyone's just out for a good time," said one.
"I think a lot of respect has to be given to the Gold Coast City Council for the
work they've done in helping make the whole week a lot safer," he said.
"The message has really got through about sticking together and looking after your
mates; that's what we'll be doing.
"Party on."
Salvatori from Brisbane said the first night of schoolies was a great way to start
the week.
"Everyone's just out to have fun," he said.
"There might be a few idiots who want to cause trouble, but practically everyone
just wants to blow off steam and have a great party."
Dean from Brisbane said kids were taking notice of the message, "Be safe and watch
your mates".
"There's a lot of police around, and we're hearing a lot of stuff about no alcohol
and no drinking," he said.
"I think schoolies is getting better and better each year.