Schoolies ‘all quiet’

Alex de Vos
The first week of schoolies celebrations has been quiet on the Surf Coast, according to police, residents and social service providers.
Torquay Police Constable Darren Looker said he had not encountered any “schoolies trouble”.
“It’s been very quiet and there are no real issues to address,” he said.
Const Looker attributed the good behaviour to extra police at Torquay and improved services such as Red Frog volunteers who provide assistance and advice to schoolies.
Surf Coast Community Ratepayers Group secretary Lyn Smith said she had feared a repeat of “stupid” property damaged during previous schoolies weeks when celebrations got out of hand.
“They do a fair amount of damage, they whip out post boxes – just silly things. Generally it’s not anything serious – just really dopey things,” Ms Smith said.
“Generally the first week is the worst but this year’s it’s been very quiet.”
Youth Substance Abuse Services spokesperson Rose Salvo also reported a quiet start to schoolies week.
“It’s so quiet down there,” she said.
“A couple of nights ago there were only 50 people in the local pub and about six of them were schoolies.”
Ms Salvo said she expected more schoolies to arrive in Torquay next week, which she predicted would “liven up” the town.