The Northern Rivers Times
November 23, 2023
2 NEWS
Schoolies about to descend on Byron Bay By Sarah Waters School is out for summer and more than 8000 year-12 school leavers or ‘schoolies’ are expected to arrive in Byron Bay tomorrow to celebrate. The Australian rite of passage, which has been going for 43 years, will see high school graduates party through late November to early December. Byron Bay’s relaxed coastal atmosphere and eclectic night life has made it a ‘top schoolies destination’ with thousands of young people continuing to flock there year after year. Byron Shire Mayor Michael Lyon congratulated the young people, who had finished their schooling, but cautioned them to be responsible. “It’s always a busy time of the year for the
School’s out: More than 8000 schoolies are expected to descend on Byron Bay this weekend
walk, markets and shops
Police were prepared for
provided funding to Red
assistance, including first
Schoolies Week.
around the region,” he
the many school leavers.
Frogs, an Australian
aid.
Meanwhile, businesses
said.
“I hope all the
charity which provides
Schoolies will also
are set to profit from the
While ‘Schoolies’ in
teenagers who come
a positive peer presence
be directed to Byron’s
annual event with much
to celebrate responsibly,
Byron Bay is not an
to Byron Bay go home
in alcohol-fuelled
Youth Service’s Street
of the lower-middle
Mr Lyon said.
organised event, Byron
with fond memories of a
environments to educate
Cruise program, which
range accommodation
“Certainly, enjoy the
Shire Council will
wonderful time.
young people on safe
connects teenagers with
completely booked out
nightlife, but also take it
support NSW Police
“I do ask everyone to
partying behaviours.
information and services.
from late November to
easy and look after one
and other community
please respect our town,
Last year Red Frogs
Much of Byron Bay’s
early December.
another, so that you can
organisations, which
our residents, businesses
recorded about 13,000
CBD is an alcohol-free
Many sold out schoolie
enjoy the many other
provide services to keep
and our natural
interactions with
zone.
events will take place at
things our region has to
young school leavers
environment while you
Schoolies in the Byron
Council and Police
a large number of bars
offer, like the beautiful
safe.
are here,” he said.
Shire, helping them
enforce these zones year-
and clubs across the
beaches, lighthouse
Mr Lyon said local
Council has also
when they needed
round, including during
town.
region and we welcome everyone as always and encourage our schoolies to enjoy themselves, but
Local News Rural Entertainment Puzzles/Horoscope TV Guide
2 23 25 26 27
Puzzles/Cartoons Travel Motoring Real Estate Business
31 37 38 40 41
Wine Cooking Health/Seniors Gardening Funerals
42 43 44 46 47
Classifieds Trades & Services Community Weather Sports
48 49 50 53 54
CONTACT US - The Northern Rivers Times ✆ 1300 679 787 SALES 02 6662 6222 sales@thenorthernriverstimes.com.au ✆ Ballina - 02 5601 9201, Casino - 02 6662 6222, Grafton - 02 5632 3041, Lismore - 02 5605 8529, Tweed Heads - 07 5551 4161 Directors, co-owners and co-founders: Jeffrey Gibbs and Sharon Bateman ISSN: 2652-7928 a Genesis Media company ABN: 84 134 238 181 All rights reserved © 2023 Distribution Coffs Harbour north to Southport and west to Tenterfield weekly.
www.thenorthernriverstimes.com.au ‘In the spirit of reconciliation The Northern Rivers Times acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.’
