Project: Book design, development and printing

Client: Community Solutions /  Queensland Helath

View Project: 2005 pdf file, 2006 pdf file, 2007 pdf file

This series of booklets was produced annually  over  5 years  by our Sunshine Coast graphic design and printing business aimed  at informing young people about responsible behavior at Schoolies Week celebrations.

Typical content:

Party Tips

Know where you are staying. This may seem obvious but if you’re from out of town and you can’t remember the name of your apartments, it might be hard to get home. When you check in to your accommodation, ask for a brochure or card and keep it with you. You are in control. You are responsible for setting your limits and sticking to them. The choices you make will determine whether your Schoolies Week is one to remember… or one to forget. Know the phone number for local taxi services. When you’re out, it’s much easier (and cheaper) to ring directly for a taxi than to try and locate a phone book or spend money dialing directory assistance for the taxi service number. If you have a mobile phone, you could put the taxi service number in your “speed dial” function. That way you’d have it with you all the time. Make sure you eat. Whether you are attending or hosting a party during Schoolies Week, you need to have a plan that includes food. Eating is important, particularly if you are drinking alcohol. Bring food or eat before the party. The host may not provide enough food for everyone. Never leave your drink unattended. This includes allowing someone else to make your drink. Drink spiking isn’t just putting drugs into someone’s drink. It’s also giving people double and triple shots of alcohol to make them intoxicated. If you choose to bring alcoholic drinks to a party, it may be safer to drink coolers, beer or other similar drinks. At least you know what you’re drinking

Friendships

Friendships are an important part of life. But Schoolies Week can really test a friendship, even ones with years of sharing and laughter behind them. Things like late nights, being together 24/7, meeting new people, peer pressure and drug or alcohol use may cause conflict between you and your friends. Here are some things you can do to work through these issues: Remember – friendship is a two way street, it’s about give and take. Before you go, agree on some ground rules with your friends – what behaviour you will/won’t tolerate, strategies for safety, plans for the week. You may not like or agree with some of your friend’s choices at Schoolies, but it is important not to criticise them behind their backs. If tension starts to build, remember that these are your friends and they have shared important parts of your life, so give them some space. People can say nasty, horrible things when they are tired, hungry or stressed, so don’t take things too personally. Try to resolve conflict by talking it over, when you are both calm, rested and ready to focus on the issue at hand. Tell them how you feel, without blaming or accusing them. Be honest, respectful and assertive (not aggressive or confrontational). Allow the other person to tell you their side of the story. Be a good listener, which means not interrupting and really trying to understand their point of view. Violence is not acceptable at any time. No matter what happens, it is important to make sure that you and your friends are safe at all times. Even if you’re fighting, you’ll be safer together