The annual Schoolies festival for school leavers to celebrate the end of their secondary education will be held from 17 to 19 November this year in Victor Harbor.

Encounter Youth has been involved with the festival since 1999, working with South Australian Police (SAPOL) to create a safe and organised event.

It has invited local businesses and residents to attend the Schoolies Operation Working Group meetings in the lead up to this year’s festival.

The meetings provide a forum for local businesses, caravan parks, SAPOL, Victor Harbor Hospital, SA Ambulance, St Johns, the local council and the community the opportunity to raise and address event related issues.

They will also facilitate community collaboration on elements of the operation.

The first working group meeting will be held at the Victor Harbor Visitor Centre at 2pm on Wednesday 30 August.

Further meetings will be held on Wednesday 11 October at the Civic Centre and Wednesday 1 November at the Visitor Centre, both at 2pm.

A final debrief meeting will be held after the festival, at the Visitor Centre on Wednesday 29 November at 2pm.

Anyone who wants to attend should RSVP to Daniel Greer, Programs Director, Encounter Youth via email.

For more information about Encounter Youth and the Schoolies Festival, go to the website.