THE Augusta-Margaret River Make it Happen Group is finalising the preparations for official Leavers’ celebrations, to be held from November 25 to 28.
The group comprises representatives from the Augusta-Margaret River Shire, Margaret River Police, Margaret River District Hospital, volunteers and community members.
Planning for 2008 involved collaboration with the South West Leavers Group and the Busselton-Dunsborough Make it Happen Group to implement the Office of Crime Prevention Leavers WA State Strategy.
Augusta-Margaret River Shire Community development officer Renae Davies said the main intent of the group was to support and implement various harm minimisation strategies for school leavers.
“Keeping young people safe while allowing them to celebrate in a way that has minimal impact on the local community is our key focus,” she said.
It is estimated that 600 school leavers will visit the Augusta-Margaret River Shire for Leavers celebrations.
“The strong community partnerships fostered by the Make it Happen Group really indicates a shift in the way our community perceives and manages Leavers Week,” Ms Davies said.
“Young people can have a good time without imposing on the community.”
With no ‘official’ events planned in the shire, accommodation providers in Prevelly and Hamelin Bay will be supported by the Red Frog Crew, Drug Arm, Seventh Day Adventist Volunteers and the Augusta-Margaret River Shire to provide a range of onsite support services and social activities with the aim of promoting safety and fun.
Funding from the Office of Crime Prevention and sponsorship provided by the Royal Automobile Club, the Water Corporation and shire will be distributed with health promotion, harm minimisation and driver safety messages in mind–with water bottles and hacky sacks mong the items donated.
More than 100 extra police are to be posted in the South West.
Margaret River sergeant Stuart Mearns said it is their intent to ensure the safety and security of leavers as well as the general community.
“Historically in Margaret River the general behaviour of visiting school leavers has been good,” he said.
“Issues that have previously occurred were caused by “toolies”, locals who are too old to participate in the celebrations who attempted to gatecrash Leavers.
“Our message to them is that it’s not your celebration.”
WA Police and the Office of Crime Preventions are formulating a strategic response with a focus on binge drinking.
Police will not tolerate street drinking, antisocial behaviour or any criminal acts.
Under the new Liquor Control Act juveniles are unable to possess alcohol in a public place, can be fined $200 and opened or unopened alcohol will be confiscated by police.
Adults who purchase liquor for juveniles can also be fined a maximum of $2000.
For more information on Leavers Week contact Ms Davies on 9780 5269 or visit the official Leavers website http://www.leaverswa.com.au
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