Schoolies sell party wristbands to 'toolies' for $100 on 'black market'
Schoolies are reportedly turning to Facebook to illegally sell passes to official Gold Coast parties to non-school leavers, for up to $100 each.
But event organisers say they won't be fooled by the antics of "toolies" or non-school leavers trying to get into official events by illegally buying wristbands on social media.
They say they are well aware Facebook is being used as a "black market" for Schoolies selling official wristbands in an attempt to make some quick cash.
The official Schoolies hub on Surfers Paradise beach is a six-night drug and alcohol-free zone, strictly for schoolies-only, with music and DJs running until midnight.
Entry to the event site is "restricted to legitimate Year 12 school leavers only" according to the Queensland Government website, and party-goers must have an official Schoolies wristband to gain access.
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A 17-year-old Brisbane girl told the Gold Coast Bulletin a number of people in her leavers' group were able to loosen their wristbands to sell to non-Schoolies for profit.
“They plan to just go line up and get another band with their school ID," said the teen who didn't wish to be named.
“I think the people doing it are really just out for a bit of cash, but you have to wonder why a non-Schoolie would even want to get into the Hub in the first place.”
Schoolies advisory group chair Mark Reaburn told reporters on Monday "we are not fooled in terms of working out what kids try to do - some kids try and crash the party".
He says second-hand wristbands, which were super-glued and stapled on, will be randomly checked when entering the event precinct, particularly on those who look older.
"There are some big, big boys and they've allegedly left School a couple of days beforehand and they've got a full beard. It doesn't quite cut the mustard in terms of 'I'm a Schoolie'," Mr Reaburn said.
Queensland Police arrested 41 people, including 22 "toolies" and 19 Schoolies during the first weekend of end-of-school celebrations, with the majority of offences related to drug possession.
Police said they were "generally pleased" with the crowd behaviour in the first weekend of celebrations for schoolies at Surfers Paradise.
There were 10 non-schoolies arrested on 12 charges, mostly relating to public nuisance and drug possession, police said in a statement.
Gold Coast Inspector Bruce Kuhn added police will not hesitate to act against anyone found with drugs, with drug-detection dogs already deployed on the streets and around the event.
While police were generally pleased with crowd behaviour, they reminded school leavers possession and consumption of dangerous drugs is illegal and could have fatal consequences.
Schoolies are also advised to act responsibly, stay safe and watch their mates.
