High dollar sends schoolies ‘to Bali’

MICHELLE HERBISON
THE HIGH Australian dollar will draw some schoolies away from the Surf Coast to Bali instead this year, according to a traders’ group.
Torquay Commerce and Tourism Association president Martin Duke said he was expecting fewer schoolies in the region this year.
However, the region would still benefit because most of Torquay and Lorne’s accommodation that usually catered for schoolies was already booked, he said.
Schoolies, Australia’s end-of-year celebrations for year 12 students, unofficially begins this weekend. Students traditionally flock to coastal areas including the Surf and Gold coasts for the three weeks of celebrations.
Mr Duke said the dollar would change some plans this year.
“In Bali they’ll get a lot more value for their dollar.”
Mr Duke said behaviour of the majority of past schoolies on the Surf Coast had been “excellent”.
The celebrations also injected welcome spending into the area, he said.
“Schoolies actually bring about $2 million of financial gain. That’s from surfing lessons to accommodation to fish and chips and of course alcohol.”
Mr Duke said Torquay Lions Club would again host two barbeques for schoolies this year.
“We want to encourage them to do things like surf lessons and horse riding rather than sit around and sleep all day then go out at night,” he said.
“They can have a great time but should look after their mates.”
Geelong Police Inspector Bruce Kitchen said extra officers would allow Torquay and Lorne stations to operate 24 hours over the next three weeks.
Police would be “firm but fair”, he said.
Insp Kitchen warned schoolies of large fines for “behavioural offences”.
“Residents need to be patient during this time and if unruly behaviour occurs they should contact the appropriate authority.”