About 10,000 school leavers are expected to descend on Dunsborough in Western Australia's south-west next week for end-of-year celebrations. For the first time, attendees must show proof of COVID-19 vaccination to enter sanctioned events.
The City of Busselton says unsanctioned events are a fact of life each year, but this time unvaccinated students may also host their own parties. Mayor Grant Henley said such events are not unheard of, and police are well resourced to handle any issues.
So far, only about 2,700 of the expected 10,000 leavers have registered for the official Leavers WA celebrations and provided vaccination proof. Red Frogs state director Hayden Glass said the slow registration rate is not surprising, as students are busy with exams and packing, but he is confident they will register.
Acting Deputy Police Commissioner Darryl Grant said pop-up vaccination clinics will be available at the event, but encouraged leavers to get vaccinated before heading south to avoid long queues. The ABC understands two pop-up clinics will operate from Sunday to Tuesday at the sanctioned event, with no appointment required.
Mayor Henley said the city does not yet know where the pop-up clinics will be located. The clinics will operate alongside check-in points.
