Safe Schoolies in SA
Encounter Youth is a South Australian health promotion charity that runs the Schoolies Festival™ in Victor Harbor, an alcohol and other drug-free event for school leavers.
When and where is Schoolies in South Australia?
In 2026, South Australia’s Schoolies Festival runs from Friday 20 to Sunday 22 November at Warland Reserve, Victor Harbor. Victor Harbor has been South Australia’s main Schoolies destination for more than 25 years.
Schoolies (called Leavers in some states) is an Australian rite of passage that marks the end of high school. Encounter Youth works with the City of Victor Harbor, Alexandrina Council, SA Police, ambulance services and other state agencies, so that thousands of young people can celebrate safely.
How Encounter Youth makes Schoolies safer
Encounter Youth makes Schoolies safer by combining harm minimisation with positive engagement and community collaboration. CEO Nigel Knowles says Schoolies used to mean a chaotic convergence of young people on the seaside town, with negative impacts on local residents and businesses. A joint effort from government, emergency services, volunteers and locals has turned it into a safe and fun three-night event
Our aim was to not see young people as a problem but to try and support them. Nigel Knowles, CEO, Encounter Youth
Design a festival young people want to go to
The festival is split into zones, so celebrations happen in one area away from where people are staying. There’s a welcome zone, a festival zone, and a bus zone with free transport.
Encounter Youth makes the festival attractive, with something for everyone: high-quality DJs and bands, a dance stage, chill-out areas, a gaming arcade, theme nights with dress-ups, free donuts, and activities such as basketball and chalk drawing. “We want the Schoolies to own their celebration, which helps to reduce harm,” says Nigel.
Involve parents and caregivers early
Encounter Youth builds protective factors by getting parents and caregivers involved early, with seminars and fact sheets ahead of the event. “Parents and caregivers are teens’ number one influencers,” says Nigel. Encounter Youth encourages parents to talk with their kids about personal safety and what to do if something doesn’t go to plan, and to stay connected with them over Schoolies.
Put trained volunteers on the ground
More than 450 trained volunteers from the Encounter Youth Green Team look out for school leavers. They do everything from cooking free food and picking up rubbish to helping young people who get into trouble.
If your community needs volunteers for an event like Schoolies, see how to recruit volunteers for events.
How community groups can respond to Schoolies
Community groups can best support Schoolies by first finding out what already happens in their state. “Most states have an established Schoolies’ management response with good safety strategies,” says Nigel. “Set up a local community working group to try and find the avenues where you can provide support.”
To find out who is already involved locally, see Consult your community on AOD issues and AOD and community partnerships.
Tips for planning Schoolies activities
Nigel’s top tips for community groups are:
- keep school leavers on your site for no more than three nights, as risks increase when young people become tired
- consult current graduates and design the event around what they want
- recognise that parents, state government, education providers and emergency services all have a role
- provide free buses, because driving is a big risk for school leavers at this time
- don’t try to scare young people with shocking stories, as research shows positive engagement gets messages through better.
In New South Wales, the Byron Shire LDAT has supported young people at Schoolies in Byron Bay. Read the Byron Shire LDAT story.
Bring AOD education into schools
Encounter Youth’s work goes beyond Schoolies. It is the largest provider of alcohol and other drug (AOD) education to South Australian secondary students, their parents and teachers.
Local Drug Action Teams (LDATs) have included Encounter Youth’s AOD education in their Community Action Plans. Using this model, South Australia’s Streaky Bay LDAT hosted a ‘Parents Night Out’ seminar ahead of Schoolies, with a focus on safe celebrations. In 2023, Alexandrina LDAT also worked with Encounter Youth to deliver AOD seminars for students, teachers and parents. Read the Alexandrina Youth Hub story.
Find out more about what works in AOD education in schools, or see the Education in schools toolkit.
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Further reading
Last reviewed: 30 October 2026
