For thousands of Year 12 students across Western Australia, Leavers Week marks the exciting transition from high school to the next stage of life. It’s a time to unwind, celebrate with friends and reflect on the journey that brought you here. But while the excitement builds, it’s also important to think ahead and make smart choices, because what happens during Leavers Week can leave a lasting impact.
From preparing students for peer pressure, to supporting healthy relationships, programs like those offered by Constable Care help ensure that young people are equipped to stay safe while enjoying every moment of this important milestone event.
What Is Leavers Week and Why Safety Matters
Leavers Week WA 2025 is officially set to run from Monday 24 November to Friday 28 November, with a major celebration scheduled for Wednesday 26 November. This end-of-school tradition brings thousands of Year 12 students together in popular coastal destinations such as Dunsborough, Busselton and Rottnest Island. Official events are organised by local authorities and supported by agencies like WA Police, Red Frogs and the Leavers WA team.
But amid all the music, beach parties and fun, there can also be risks. Alcohol, social media, crowds and peer pressure can lead to situations that compromise safety. That’s why early planning, respectful decision-making and community support are so important during Leavers Week.
Top Safety Tips for Leavers Week
Whether you’re heading to an official Leavers Zone or catching up with mates locally, the best celebrations are the ones where everyone feels safe, respected and included. A few smart strategies can go a long way:
- Stay hydrated and eat regularly. Heat and alcohol don’t mix well without water and proper nutrition.
- Set a meeting point before splitting up in large crowds, just in case someone gets lost or their phone dies.
- Use safe transport options. Plan ahead for buses, taxis or designated drivers and never get in a car with someone who’s been drinking.
- Check in with friends regularly. A quick text can make all the difference.
- Respect boundaries and consent. Everyone has the right to feel safe, say no and be heard at all times.
How Constable Care Empowers Youth for Safety and Smart Choices
At Constable Care Foundation, we believe preparation is power. That’s why our Youth Programs Perth offer real-world insights that help teens make informed decisions before, during and after Leavers Week.
City After Dark
The City After Dark film experience takes students through a realistic night-time journey in urban Perth. It highlights issues like poor lighting, alcohol use, group dynamics and personal safety and offers a chance to reflect on how to respond in risky situations. It’s especially relevant in the lead-up to Leavers.
Youth Choices Programs
The Youth Choices Programs are secondary school workshops that explore respect, empathy, peer pressure and decision-making. These programs for youth provide a strong foundation for navigating the social landscape of Leavers.
Substance Abuse Programs
Our Substance Abuse Programs allow students to explore how drugs and alcohol can affect their wellbeing and judgement. The programs unpack pressures faced in social situations and offer healthy strategies for making informed choices.
Cultural Diversity and Anti-racism Program
The Cultural Diversity and Anti Racism Program encourages understanding and respect across cultures. It’s designed to ensure that every young person feels welcome and valued, no matter their background, so that events like Leavers celebrate everyone in the broad cultural makeup of WA.
LGBTQ Gender Diversity Programs
The LGBTQ Gender Diversity Programs celebrate gender diversity and help students become strong allies to their peers. These sessions give young people the language and tools to support each other and to speak out against discrimination or exclusion.
Anti-bullying Programs
Bullying can sometimes go unnoticed in high-energy social settings. The Anti Bullying Programs reinforce respectful relationships and remind students to look out for each other, especially in group environments like Leavers.
Plan Before You Party: Staying Safe from Day to Night
A little planning goes a long way in reducing stress and avoiding last-minute chaos. Here are a few things to remember when planning for this year’s festivities.
Before you head out:
- Pack water, snacks, sunscreen, a fully charged phone and a portable charger.
- Store emergency contacts in your phone and write them down somewhere just in case.
- Know your accommodation details and have a reliable check-in time with family.
At night:
- Stick with a buddy or small group.
- Use official Leavers transport where available.
- Trust your instincts! If something doesn’t feel right, leave.
Look After Each Other: Creating a Culture of Care
Leavers Week is a celebration of freedom, friendship and finishing school, but that doesn’t mean leaving responsibility behind. Looking out for each other is one of the most powerful ways to make the experience enjoyable and safe.
Encourage your group to:
- Stick together and keep an eye on one another throughout the day and night.
- Speak up if someone’s behaviour changes or they seem unwell.
- Check in regularly and have a plan if someone goes missing or loses their phone.
- Know who to contact in case of a medical emergency or unsafe situation.
Remember: Support services like Leavers Green Team, Red Frogs and local emergency crews are there to help. Know where to find them, save their contact details and don’t hesitate to reach out if something doesn’t feel or look right.
Final Thought: A Safe Leavers is a Memorable One
Leavers Week should be unforgettable for all the right reasons. With support from schools, families, youth organisations and trusted programs for youth, we can help ensure the Class of 2025 starts their next chapter with confidence, happiness and safety in mind.
So, let’s give this milestone the celebration it deserves by planning ahead, taking care of one another and encouraging young people to make choices they will be proud of.