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Schoolies are drinking less and behaving better as the week-long celebrations for this year's high school graduates kick off in Queensland.
Some 22,000 teenagers have descended on the Gold Coast and have been given an A-plus after the first night of activities.
Police commissioner Katarina Carroll was full of praise for the class of '22 with only four schoolies arrested overnight for minor public order offences.
"I want to really thank the school leavers of 2022 - it has started off fantastically. This is one of the best starts we've ever had to schoolies," the commissioner said.
"It was such a wonderful, joyous feeling ... I think that is because of so many years of difficulties with COVID that we've all now come out to celebrate."
Gold Coast Superintendent Rhys Wildman said this year's graduates were very different to earlier generations.
"We are seeing a trend of decreased alcohol consumption over the previous years," Supt Wildman said.
"Normally ... we wouldn't see school leavers till around midday when they'd actually start surfacing.
"Driving through the Gold Coast early this morning, and school leavers are out and about. They're going to cafes, and they're having breakfasts - it is a different cohort."
Minister Ryan said he was happy to see Schoolies looking out for each other and enjoying their celebrations.
"This is such an important time for young people across Queensland and it was great to see them acting responsibly on night one," Minister Ryan said.
"We had an excellent day on the Gold Coast for day one of Schoolies with our Queensland weather well and truly on display.
Police will maintain a strong presence on the Gold Coast, conducting random checks for concealed weapons and venue checks for underage revellers trying to party with fake IDs.
