Each year, approximately 10,000 school leavers travel to the South West, Western Australia (WA), at the end of November to celebrate the end of their schooling.

The South West has been identified as the key location for Leavers WA (Leavers) celebrations since 2000. In response, the State Government introduced a harm minimisation strategy for managing the celebrations to keep leavers safe and reduce the burden on the local community and service providers. 

The goals of the strategy are to:

• create a safe and attractive environment for leavers;
• empower leavers to make responsible decisions;
• support and collaborate with the community in delivering Leavers to ensure community safety; and
• create and promote a positive and inclusive Leavers culture.

Events are held throughout the Leavers week period, supported by a large number of Government, private and not for profit agencies. As part of the ‘Management by Event’ approach to Leavers celebrations, leavers are able to purchase a wristband entitling access to Leavers-only activities and support services.

The Entertainment Zone (The Zone) is one such event operating within a fully fenced and secure area providing entertainment, food and activities (for example, carnival rides) in a safe and controlled environment. 

Various support services are also provided within The Zone, including:

• A supported health services environment staffed by medical personnel and volunteers;
• A Police operational command post; and
• Volunteers from a variety of community services.

The desired community outcome is to provide a coordinated and flexible approach to Leavers celebrations in the South West through the provision of a safe and managed environment for school leavers, and to minimise the impact of celebrations on the community, services and resources.

With the vision to make Leavers a positive and safe experience for all and the mission to provide a coordinated and flexible approach to Leavers celebrations, the Western Australia (WA) Police Force is seeking a suitably qualified Contractor for the provision and management of an accessible, safe, drug, smoke and alcohol-free Entertainment Zone.