Leavers praised for safe celebrations on Rottnest Island

3/12/02
Tourism Minister Clive Brown said school leavers who visited Rottnest Island for their end of exam celebrations last week were generally well behaved and aware of the need to celebrate safely and be responsible for themselves.
Mr Brown said reports from the Rottnest Island Authority and the Rottnest Island police indicated that Leavers' Week was generally successful, with the exception of some incidents that involved unacceptable behaviour.
"Approximately 4,000 leavers visited Rottnest Island between November 22 and November 29, and the Rottnest Island Authority, island police, the Nursing Post and the 60 volunteers that assisted them worked tirelessly throughout the week," the Minister said.
During the Leavers' Week period, 123 people were evicted from the Island and 1,797 were issued with verbal liquor cautions.
"As in previous years, it is important to note that not all the people issued with fines and infringements were school leavers, but were instead older people who visited the island to take part in the celebrations," Mr Brown said.
High profile incidents involved two units being damaged, and the tenants subsequently being evicted.
"These tenants will be pursued to cover the full cost of cleaning, damages and replacing inventory items for the units," the Minister said.
He said many organisations planned ahead for Leavers' Week and it was important to recognise all the people who contributed their time and their energy - often on a voluntary basis - to assist with promoting safe and responsible celebrations.
"On behalf of the Government of Western Australia, I would like to thank everyone involved for their enormous effort in committing themselves to making Leavers' Week successful," Mr Brown said.
"These groups include the Schoolies Island Chaplaincy Service, who worked throughout each night, the Drug Arm who staffed the Chill Tent and the WA Aids Council who also provided support services."
Minister's office: 9222 9699