The Choices program presented by CQUniversity's Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music in Mackay, in conjunction with government agencies, has been praised as an antidote, reducing bad behaviour at the recent ‘Schoolies Week' in the Whitsundays.

Whitsunday Police Senior Sergeant Steve O'Connell told ABC Radio (Dec 01) that authorities were impressed with the general behaviour of the schoolies.

A recent Choices production

He said the contributing strategies that assisted with this excellent result were the preventative education programs undertaken by the Crime Prevention Unit, Queensland Health and the Schoolies Committee during the year.

"The Choices program is the prime example of that plus, also, the school visits that are undertaken by police," Sergeant O'Connell told ABC Radio.

The Queensland Government departments of Health, Police, Communities and Transport partnered with CQUniversity and the Whitsunday Schoolies Committee to promote safety messages to senior school students. Mackay Rotary also provided financial support.

The Conservatorium has established an annual project, now in its 11^th year, to create and produce a drama presentation - titled Choices - promoting key safety messages about partying responsibly. Choices encourages students to look after each other while partying, especially during Schoolies celebrations.

Choices was performed for year 12 students at most schools in the Mackay region, including Moranbah, Dysart, Mirani, Proserpine and Bowen.