Tess's story

A Schoolies Youth Reference Group member, Tess is studying Health Promotion at Deakin University . She loves sport and wanted to become part of the youth reference group because she had an awesome time on her schoolies holiday and wanted to help make sure that future Year 12s have just a good as time - and also stay safe!

Schoolies at Anglesea

My schoolies trip was a lot of fun. At the end of school a group of my friends and I travelled to Anglesea in Victoria. During our eight-day holiday we also spent a lot of time in Torquay, as it was only a short drive away. Our accommodation in Anglesea was great. We stayed in a family friend's house and had no troubles there at all.

Being schoolies we spent a lot of time partying, but we also spent a lot of time shopping, swimming, having fun at the beach and also really getting to know one another - we all became even better friends than before.

Anglesea itself is a pretty small place in regards to schoolies so although we met a few other groups of schoolies there we had no troubles at all, apart from having to walk everywhere if there was no one 0.00 to drive!

Torquay had a lot more people and crowds of course can always bring trouble. As a group of all girls we always made sure we stayed together and so were perfectly fine, yet we will still occasionally harassed by groups of males and the notorious 'Toolies'.

Torquay had a strong police presence though which helped to make us feel safer, and there were also a lot of schoolies youth workers around who gave us important information, helpful hints and a free BBQ! These guys are certainly on our side so make sure you track them down!

Tess's tips

Schoolies is a great time and highly recommended to all. A few hints:

• have plenty of people who can be designated driver
• always stay in large groups with people you trust
• don't venture too far away from main streets
• always carry your mobile phone on you
• get as much information on services in the area as you can
• buy your own drinks
• find the schoolies youth workers
• and most of all have fun!

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