School's out and Schoolies is back as the Gold Coast prepares to host 20,000 youngsters for a week-long party.
Despite the return of the mullet and a resurgence of Kate Bush's music, Schoolies has changed drastically since the 1980s.
No longer the wild beach party with lax laws, Schoolies has evolved to include nightly entertainment and a health-and-wellbeing hub.
A robust multi-agency Safer Schoolies Response will be carried out to make the celebrations safe.
Police have vowed not to dampen spirits by being the "fun police," and paramedics have promised a "no judgement" approach to intoxicated youths.
This is what the class of 2022 can expect when they flood the glitter strip this year.
Police to 'wand' for weapons
Chief Superintendent Craig Hanlon said more than 130 officers will be on duty around the Schoolies precinct every night.
"We want everyone to have fun, we're not the fun police, but we want people to do it respectfully," he said.
"Be safe, watch your mates, be respectful of everyone."
A wanding trial, which involves police using a metal detector to "wand" for knives, is underway in Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach.
"You will be wanded as you walk around the precinct," he said.
Superintendent Hanlon said traffic "will be considerable" on the M1 on Saturday morning, and urged patience.
'Non-judgement' zone
Emergency doctor Jeff Hooper said doctors, nurses, a psychiatrist, a psychologist and a social worker would be on duty every night.
Dr Hooper advised against taking illicit drugs, but said partygoers should not fear repercussions if they needed medical help.
"We'd much rather [people are brought] to us so we can look after them," he said.
"We're non-judgement, we'll just look after them and care for them.
"There's no safe level of drug use and there's no safe drug.
"We are pragmatic and we are realistic and these young people are emerging adults."
The Queensland Ambulance Service's (QAS) Justin Payne said paramedics could see up to 100 people per night.
He warned people affected by drugs or alcohol to stay away from the water.
"Alcohol and swimming definitely don't mix, so let's avoid that," he said.
"Let's stay and party and enjoy the beaches during the day."
Focus on Burleigh, Palm Beach, Coolangatta, too
Venues in popular "outlier" party areas like Burleigh, Palm Beach and Coolangatta will be "saturated" by liquor compliance officers, according to Tony Forden from the Queensland Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation.
"We'll also have a focus on bottle shops … and checking that minors don't have fake IDs," he said.
"Those Schoolies who look like they may be under 18, we will be checking ID… If we believe it may be fake, we'll be taking appropriate action."
He said 40 per cent of school leavers were already 18.
Red Frogs Queensland state director Chris George offered some wise words for Schoolies.
"Never leave a mate behind," he said.
"Make sure you're drinking plenty of water and eating plenty of food.
"Schoolies is a bit of a long week — it's more of a marathon not a sprint."
