Free condoms and a drug information booklet sponsored by the Church of Scientology will be available to school-leavers letting off steam when official celebrations start on Saturday.
About 7000 Victorians will flock to the Gold Coast, at least 5000 will party at Lorne teens are anticipated at Phillip Island after exams finish today. Volunteers from a Scientology-backed drug campaign group will be at Surfers Paradise handing out free booklets about popular party substances, including cocaine, ecstasy and LSD.
The guides have been produced by Drug Free Ambassadors Australia, who are backed by the Church of Scientology.
The booklets, explaining the dangers and health impacts of drug use, will be available at community centres in Lorne and Torquay. A health care provider is offering free condoms to teens on schoolies holidays.
Marie Stopes International's `TXT 4 Free Condomz' campaign will post teens two condoms when they send a message on their mobile. The organisation said some young people were too embarrassed or don't have the money to buy condoms at a chemist or supermarket. But family groups have warned the guides could be sending the wrong message.
Pro Family Perspective president Angela Conway said the right approach was important. "It is legitimate to ask questions about this and what message it's really sending," Ms Conway said. "The reality is sadly kids know a lot about what's out there. This could just be promoting it."
