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Heightened support in Dunsborough and Busselton for Leavers WA 2023
- More than 8000 high school leavers descended upon Dunsborough and Busselton.
- Multiple agencies, led by WA Police Force, successfully kept young people safe during a heatwave and COVID-19 surge.
- St John WA provided more than 38 additional team members for the event, supporting Dunsborough and Busselton crews.
St John WA heightened its commitment to the South West community for Leavers WA 2023 ahead of scorching temperatures and new COVID-19 wave.
More than 8000 school leavers flocked to the South West from Sunday, November 19 to Friday, November 24.
St John WA (SJWA) was part of the in-depth Harm Minimisation strategy led by WA Police Force (WAPF) with the mission: ‘To provide a coordinated approach to Leaver celebrations in the South West through the provision of a safe and managed environment for school leavers.’
The multi-agency effort to ensure this year’s Leavers was an enjoyable and safe event also included:
- Hope Community Services
- Red Frogs WA
- Royal Life Saving WA
- City of Busselton
- City of Dunsborough
- Leavers Green Team
- South West Coach Lines
- WAAC
- The Department of Health, including Disaster Preparedness and Management Directorate representatives.
SJWA provided crucial support at the Leavers Medical Zone and additional crews in Dunsborough and Busselton, with more than 38 additional team members attending.
SJWA Emergency Management Operations Manager, Stacey Abbott said environmental factors were a key focus in 2023.
“Record high temperatures this year resulted in additional care being taken, with volunteers and staff prepared for heat-induced illness and presentations,” she said.
A rise in COVID-19 numbers in the South West added another level of complexity to working in the warmer conditions.
“The 2023 Leavers event wouldn’t be made possible without the collaborative efforts and dedication of all agencies involved; and sincere thanks to our passionate staff and dedicated volunteers, who travelled from across the state to attend,” Ms Abbott said.
“Although the 2023 Leavers event was a resounding success, we are still able to take away key learnings from the event to inform our response for continuous improvement for future years.”
For more information on how to become a SJWA volunteer visit https://stjohnwa.com.au/changelives/volunteer
