25 years of show-stopping risky choices
CQUniversity’s applied theatre production, Choices is continuing to create a positive impact on Queensland students in their final year of schooling.
Now in its 25th consecutive year, Choices has supported generations of high school students through the academic pressures, newfound freedoms, and societal expectations associated with the transition from adolescence to adulthood.
Developed by CQUniversity Bachelor of Theatre students and supported by serving police officers, the educational initiative was created to mitigate harmful behaviours among 17 and 18-year-olds in an engaging and interactive format.
The CQUniversity students play a key role in the success and implementation of the initiative with performers touring schools across the Mackay, Pioneer Valley, Sarina, Whitsunday, Issac, and Townsville regions this month.
Sergeant Nigel Dalton of the Mackay Crime Prevention Unit stressed the importance of the initiative in communicating a harm-minimisation framework.
"Year 12 is a risky period for young people," Sgt Dalton said.
"As most students turn 18 in their final year of school, gain provisional driver’s licenses, and grapple with the demands of young adulthood, they encounter a multitude of challenges that can significantly impact their wellbeing.
“Moreover, the tradition of Schoolies, a mass celebration marking the end of formal schooling, amplifies these risks, with thousands of school leavers flocking to beachside destinations in the region.
"It's imperative that we equip our young people with the knowledge and resources they need to make informed decisions in these potentially dangerous situations.”
The Mackay Crime Prevention Unit has been involved in the project since its inception in 1997.
The presence of uniformed police officers has added vital credibility to the messages being presented and helped to build positive bridges between the school leavers and the police – an important aspect of crime prevention.
CQUniversity Director of the Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music, Professor Judith Brown AM emphasised the impact of Choices has made over the past three decades.
“Choices delivers more than 40 essential health, safety, and legal messages in a peer-to-peer format.
“This serves as a crucial intervention, addressing a spectrum of issues – from drinking and illicit drug use, to domestic violence and fatigued driving,” she said.
“Our research has shown that students who attend the show significantly decrease their likelihood of engaging in risky behaviours by 59 per cent.”
She added that the script is continuously updated to reflect contemporary issues and cultural references that resonate with current Year 12 students.
“We are proud of Choices' successful impact, and plan to continually evolve the project in a way that will offer guidance and empowerment to future generations.”
