Dunsborough Leavers Week plans take shape

Extra buses and security will ensure Leavers Week 2012 runs smoothly, say Dunsborough police.

The mass party is about three weeks away, with up to 7500 revellers from throughout WA expected to descend on Dunsborough.

Sergeant Craig Anderson said the mid-week format would help deter “toolies” who would, hopefully, be at work.

“We’ve added to security on the buses, with volunteers and security staff on each bus and as always we’re taking a zero-tolerance approach to underage drinking,” he said.

“In recent years we’ve seen a downturn in incidents. Last year we issued infringement notices to only one per cent of kids, so the vast majority are wellbehaved.”

Themes for this year’s zone include Beauty and the Geek and superheroes, while the popular Meelup Beach party will be held on Wednesday, November 28.

Wrist bands cost $100 and are restricted to those proved to be Year 12 leavers.

They can be collected from Lions Park and the Visitor Centre in Dunsborough and South West Coach Lines in Busselton from November 25.

City of Busselton event coordinator Shane Walsh said extra buses were being put on to ensure leavers were delivered safely to their accommodation each night.

“We’re encouraging accommodation providers to give out their own wristbands to the kids so if anything happens we know where they’re staying,” he said.

“We’re also telling the kids to bring warm clothes as it gets chilly at night and last year we gave out loads of thermal blankets.

“We’d also like them to leave their cars at their accommodation and use the buses provided to reduce traffic on the roads.”

Zinn’s Liquor Store owner Gary Zinnecker said he would be taking a tough stance during Leavers Week.

“They must have ID to come in and the ones who don’t won’t even be allowed to step foot inside the shop,” he said.

“Those who are 18 will be limited to how much alcohol they can buy and I’ll also be taking spirits off the shelves.”

Mr Zinnecker said he was putting in extra measures even though most leavers brought their alcohol with them from Perth or elsewhere.