Leavers 2020: Dunsborough schoolies take celebrations too far as medical tent visits surge by 45 per cent

Some school leavers took the first night of celebrations a little too far last night — with visits to the Dunsborough schoolies medical tent nearly 50 per cent higher than last year’s figures. According to St John Ambulance WA, 173 leavers sought medical attention on Monday night, the beginning of 2020’s end-of-year-12 celebrations. Paramedics and volunteers were able to treat most on site, but eight of the 173 ended up in hospital. The number of medical presentations marks a 45 per cent increase on last year’s figures. In 2019, just 119 Dunsborough leavers sought medical attention on the first night of the festivities. Country Ambulance Service senior operations manager Karen Stewart said St John ambulances were “prepared for the surge”. “St John WA has been prepared for one of the largest turnouts to leavers this year, with dedicated ambulance resources stationed at the leavers event; and additional resources stationed around the neighbouring communities,” she said. However, she warned that the number of leavers needing medical help was likely to increase as the week goes on. “In past years, Monday night was generally the quietest night for medical treatment,” she said. With other traditionally popular destinations like the Gold Coast and Bali off the cards this year, the usually-sleepy Dunsborough will host record numbers of celebrating school-leavers. More than 8000 recent Year 12 graduates had already registered by noon on Monday, undeterred by long delays caused by COVID-19 protocols. The “Zone” — the hub of the organised festivities — has a capacity of 10,000, almost double Dunsborough’s population of 5400 . WA Police South West district forward commander for leavers Sgt Scott Morrissey praised the the class of 2020 for their “patience” while local cops have commended the majority of school-leavers for their good behaviour. The West Australian understands that cops have laid a few minor drug charges, but no more than might be “expected”. For much of the year, it was uncertain whether or not schoolies would go ahead. No other State will host official festivities — though police are bracing for unsanctioned celebrations. In COVID-free WA, leavers will enjoy rides, DJs, and mosh pits. Leaver Alex Krajcar, 17, from Hillarys intends to make the most of it. On Monday, his group of friends spent six hours in the Zone. “We’ve made a rule — we’re gonna make sure we get the last bus home every night, that’s the deal,” he said. “We went to everything; silent disco, the two raves, we stayed right to the end just a little group of us and we were just raving. “Good fun, so much fun. Last bus ride home was fun as well.” Alex said he wanted to “optimise” his leavers experience. “We’ve paid the $110, we just want to get our money’s worth,” he said. Eighteen-year-old Sacred Heart graduate Grace Tunstead echoed Alex’s sentiment. “It’s been eventful to say the least,” she said. “Silent disco, chill zone for a bit — beanbags, recovery, mosh, bit of dancing, rides.” “It’s packed, I can’t believe we are all just one year. Lots of new friends, everyone is very social.” Celebrations end on Thursday night.