Big Hearts Of The Red Frogs

You may not have met Jill and Geoff Wilson, but you’ve definitely felt their influence and their dedicated work.

For 20 years now, this couple have been logistical powerhouses, assisting Red Frog Schoolies efforts and making sure that young people return home safe and sound every single night of their Schoolies celebrations.

However, Geoff is very humble: “It’s not about me, it’s about the amazing young people, the Red Frogs who take the time off work, travel to Airlie Beach, and work frontline with Schoolies.”

“I’m more behind the scenes, assisting with organising, preparations, that sort of thing,” he explained.

“I look after the Red Frogs themselves.”

However, there is always more to the story.

This past Airlie Beach Schoolies saw over 1,400 school leavers celebrate in Airlie Beach, with 75 Red Frog volunteers, from across the state checking-in alongside them.

“They gave up a week of work, and signed up for the 2am walk homes, helping people who maybe indulged a little too much.

“It’s great work, holding back the hair of someone while they vomit, knowing that they are in good hands.”

Geoff described the work as impact and intercede, being a helping hand, keeping young people hydrated, doing a lot of walk homes, mediation.

“The legend of the Red Frogs is far reaching. The reputation itself earns a lot of respect with young people.”

In the 20 years Geoff and Jill have assisted the behind the scenes of Airlie Beach Schoolies, they have helped approximately 90,000 Schoolies, given out over five tonnes of Red Frogs, and secured 1,600 volunteers with accommodation, while they helped with Schoolies celebrations.

And of course, Geoff and Jill have already signed on for the 2024 Schoolies celebrations.

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Geoff and Jill Wilson being honoured for 20 years of service with Red Frogs. Photo supplied