With Schoolies celebrations wrapping up on the Gold Coast, Darling Downs Health is reassured by the high number of secondary students who have re‑examined their attitudes towards risk, alcohol, and trauma through the Prevent Alcohol and Risk‑Related Trauma in Youth (P.A.R.T.Y.) program.
More than 800 young people across the Darling Downs have participated in the program throughout the year.
This Queensland Health initiative is an in‑hospital injury prevention program delivered to students aged 15–18 at hospitals across the state.
Darling Downs Health Associate Nurse Unit Manager and P.A.R.T.Y. Program Coordinator, Dani Williams said the program has reached record numbers this year.
“We’ve completed 14 hospital-based programs at Toowoomba Hospital for over 300 students, and for the first time, delivered five school-based programs to more than 470 students across Toowoomba, Dalby, Warwick and beyond.
“Having the opportunity to facilitate the program was hugely rewarding, and we’ve already got schools on a waitlist, so expanding access has been exciting,” Ms Williams said.
The program combines confronting, real-life clinical scenarios with powerful guest speakers, including trauma survivors, to show students the consequences of risky choices.
Some of the toughest kids will shake your hand at the end and thank you for the honesty and respect we share with them,” Ms Williams added.
“That connection is what makes the program so impactful.”
One Fairholme College student who attended, Val Holland described the experience as life changing.
“It was very confronting – nothing was sugar coated, which I preferred because it’s a serious topic. It made me uncomfortable, but in a good way,” Ms Holland said.
Ms Holland explained that the simulated hospital scenarios and hearing from trauma survivor Zac had a lasting impact.
“Seeing how doctors respond in emergencies and hearing Zac’s heartfelt story made me realise how quickly life can change.
“I’m now a very cautious driver and I know I’m responsible not just for myself but for everyone in the car,” she said.
The program has also shifted her attitude toward alcohol and risk-taking.
“I don’t drink, I don’t want to binge drink, and I’ve become that person who asks if people should have more water when they’re drinking.
“I’ve even been inspired to consider pursuing studies to become an Emergency Department doctor,” Ms Holland said.
Ms Holland has been encouraging her peers to attend.
“It’s really important that young people realise their personal decisions can impact others – every action has a reaction. I love the P.A.R.T.Y program and recommend it to everyone,” she said.
For nine years, the P.A.R.T.Y program at Toowoomba Hospital has been helping 15–18-year-olds understand the real consequences of risky behaviours.
With plans to continue delivering the program delivery in 2026, Darling Downs Health is committed to encouraging young people to make safer choices.
