With Year 12 students preparing to finish school and Christmas and New Year celebrations fast approaching, Ipswich Police are reminding residents to plan ahead, look after their mates and make safety a priority during the party season.
The Queensland Police Service is encouraging young people, parents and party hosts to take precautions to prevent celebrations from getting out of hand, particularly as school leavers prepare for end-of-year festivities and Schoolies.
Speaking on West Bremer Radio’s Crime Watch, Sergeant Nadine Webster from the Ipswich District Crime Prevention Unit said the coming weeks were an exciting time for many families, but celebrations could quickly turn into dangerous situations without proper planning.
“Can you believe we’re talking about partying safe as our Year 12 students come to the end of the schooling year, with Christmas just around the corner and then, of course, New Year celebrations?” Sergeant Webster said.
“Party season is about upon us.”
Police warn of increased party-related incidents
While parties provide an opportunity to celebrate achievements and spend time with friends and family, Sergeant Webster said police often experienced an increase in calls for assistance during the festive period.
These incidents can involve celebrations becoming disorderly or uninvited guests arriving at private gatherings.
“Police often experience an increase in calls for service at this time relating to parties getting a bit out of hand or people that weren’t invited turning up,” she said.
Sergeant Webster said hosts needed to understand their responsibilities when organising celebrations, particularly those involving young people finishing school.
“Whilst we understand that everybody has a party to celebrate a special event, it’s important to also consider your responsibility to help make these celebrations enjoyable and less stressful,” she said.
Police are encouraging families to discuss party arrangements in advance and establish clear expectations for guests.
Planning ahead can prevent parties getting out of hand
The Queensland Police Service has provided several practical tips to help residents organise safe celebrations.
One of the most important recommendations is to keep parties private and avoid advertising events publicly on social media.
“Ensure the party is by invitation only and avoid advertising through social media,” Sergeant Webster said.
Publicly sharing party details can increase the risk of unwanted visitors attending, potentially creating safety and security concerns.
Police also recommend establishing clear start and finish times so guests understand when the celebration will end.
Other precautions include ensuring the venue is suitable for the number of people attending and making transport arrangements before the event.
“Encourage guests to have pre-arranged transport to and from the party,” Sergeant Webster said.
Hosts should also discourage guests from taking open alcoholic drinks onto streets or footpaths and ensure they have access to a working phone in case emergency assistance is required.
Police say these simple measures can help reduce the risk of incidents and make celebrations more enjoyable for everyone involved.
Schoolies urged to take extra care on the roads
With thousands of Year 12 students preparing to celebrate the end of their schooling, road safety is another major focus for police.
Sergeant Webster said young drivers travelling to Schoolies destinations needed to remain patient and avoid taking unnecessary risks.
“We want them to adhere to the road rules. That’s a given, but especially when perhaps they’re in celebration mode,” she said.
Police are reminding drivers to obey speed limits, drive to the conditions and avoid rushing to reach their destination.
“Be patient and don’t rush to get to your destination,” Sergeant Webster said.
Wearing seatbelts and ensuring all passengers are properly restrained is also essential.
Drivers are being reminded to avoid distractions, particularly mobile phone use behind the wheel.
Police say the excitement of finishing school should never come at the expense of road safety.
Don’t drink and drive
Alcohol and drug-related driving offences remain a significant concern during the festive season.
Sergeant Webster said anyone planning to consume alcohol should arrange safe transport before celebrations begin.
Drivers must also understand the alcohol limits applying to their licence, with some licence holders required to maintain a zero blood alcohol concentration.
“For those that are drinking, plan ahead so that you know how many drinks that you can have, especially if you’re on a certain licence, you may have to be zero,” she said.
However, police stressed that anyone who had been drinking should avoid getting behind the wheel.
For those volunteering to drive their friends home, the message is particularly clear.
“If you plan to be the designated driver, you are just that, and don’t drink at all,” Sergeant Webster said.
“Don’t drink and drug drive. And if you’ve been drinking, don’t get behind the wheel.”
Police encourage partygoers to consider taxis, rideshare services or other safe transport arrangements when returning home.
Sergeant Webster also reminded young people to look after their friends and ensure designated drivers were fit to drive.
Look after your mates and trust your instincts
Beyond road safety, police are encouraging school leavers and partygoers to remain aware of their surroundings.
Sergeant Webster said people should trust their instincts and remove themselves from situations that make them feel threatened or uncomfortable.
“Stay alert and be aware of your surroundings, and if you feel threatened or find yourself in an uncomfortable situation, leave immediately and go to a place where you do feel safe,” she said.
Police recommend moving towards well-lit public areas where other people are present if assistance is needed.
Locations such as operating service stations may provide a safer environment while someone contacts friends, family or emergency services.
Sergeant Webster also encouraged young people to establish a network of trusted friends who could help if something went wrong.
“Trust your instincts and recognise those early warning signs,” she said.
“Develop a safety network of people who can assist you in an emergency that are there with you, and look for help and look after your friends.”
Police say keeping an eye on friends, staying together where possible and checking that everyone gets home safely are important parts of responsible celebrations.
Register your party with Queensland Police
Residents planning to host parties are also encouraged to register their events through the Queensland Police Service’s Party Safe initiative.
Sergeant Webster said registering a party could help police prepare for potential issues and provide hosts with useful safety information.
Police recommend registering celebrations at least two weeks before the event.
“You can also register your party with us, Damien, and we encourage at least two weeks prior to the event,” she said.
Registration can be arranged through a local police station or through the Queensland Police Service’s available online and email options.
The Party Safe initiative also provides information about hosting celebrations responsibly and preventing unwanted incidents.
Residents can find further information through the Queensland Police Service website.
Parents encouraged to prepare for Schoolies
Police are also encouraging parents and carers to speak with their teenagers about safety before they head away for Schoolies celebrations.
Sergeant Webster said planning ahead could help young people make safer decisions while enjoying their end-of-school celebrations.
Families are encouraged to discuss transport arrangements, staying with trusted friends, responding to uncomfortable situations and seeking assistance when needed.
Additional information for parents and school leavers is available through Schoolies safety resources.
Sergeant Webster said it was important for young people to enjoy this milestone while recognising that their decisions could have lasting consequences.
Police’s party safety checklist
Before hosting or attending a celebration, Ipswich Police recommend keeping these precautions in mind:
- Keep parties invitation-only: Avoid publicly advertising private celebrations on social media.
- Set clear times: Establish when the party will begin and finish.
- Choose a suitable venue: Make sure the location can safely accommodate the expected number of guests.
- Organise transport: Arrange a safe way to travel to and from the celebration.
- Follow road rules: Obey speed limits, wear seatbelts and avoid distractions.
- Never drink or drug drive: Use a sober designated driver, taxi or rideshare service.
- Stay aware: Pay attention to your surroundings and leave situations that feel unsafe.
- Look after your mates: Stay connected with friends and check that everyone gets home safely.
- Be prepared for emergencies: Keep a phone available and know how to contact emergency services.
- Register your party: Notify Queensland Police at least two weeks before a planned celebration where possible.
Celebrate safely and make lasting memories
As Ipswich students prepare to finish Year 12 and families look forward to Christmas and New Year, Sergeant Webster said police wanted everyone to enjoy the celebrations without putting themselves or others at risk.
She stressed that planning, responsible behaviour and looking after friends could make all the difference.
“There’s nothing worse than these moments and highlights in people’s lives ending in tragedy,” Sergeant Webster said.
“So make it a celebration, but celebrate safely.”
For further information about hosting a safe party, visit the Queensland Police Service’s Party Safe initiative.
School leavers and parents can also find safety information through Schoolies.
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