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 region and we welcome everyone as always and encourage our schoolies to enjoy themselves, but to celebrate responsibly, Mr Lyon said.

“Certainly, enjoy the nightlife, but also take it easy and look after one another, so that you can enjoy the many other things our region has to offer, like the beautiful beaches, lighthouse walk, markets and shops around the region,” he said.

While ‘Schoolies’ in Byron Bay is not an organised event, Byron Shire Council will support NSW Police and other community organisations, which provide services to keep young school leavers safe.

Mr Lyon said local

Police were prepared for the many school leavers.

“I hope all the teenagers who come to Byron Bay go home with fond memories of a wonderful time.

“I do ask everyone to please respect our town, our residents, businesses and our natural environment while you are here,” he said.

Council has also provided funding to Red Frogs, an Australian charity which provides a positive peer presence in alcohol-fuelled environments to educate young people on safe partying behaviours.

Last year Red Frogs recorded about 13,000 interactions with Schoolies in the Byron Shire, helping them when they needed assistance, including first aid.

Schoolies will also be directed to Byron’s Youth Service’s Street Cruise program, which connects teenagers with information and services.

Much of Byron Bay’s CBD is an alcohol-free zone.

Council and Police enforce these zones yearround, including during

Schoolies Week.

Meanwhile, businesses are set to profit from the annual event with much of the lower-middle range accommodation completely booked out from late November to early December.

Many sold out schoolie events will take place at a large number of bars and clubs across the town.

‘In

By Samantha Elley

If Tere Sheehan gets his way, purple will be the colour everyone sees each Friday, stretching from Ballina, where he is CEO of Cherry Street Bowling Club, right up to the Tweed.

“We have been running a Purple Friday campaign to show our support in the fight against domestic violence,” he said.

“Two Christmases ago we joined with Rotary and put our staff in purple shirts every Friday.

“Then on 1st January this year of 2023, there was news of a woman in our area dying from domestic violence.”

From there Mr Sheehan said they had to really