Source: Australia Government Statements 2
The Australian Government is today launching the next phase of its alcohol awareness campaign as part of efforts to help protect young Australians travelling overseas.
In partnership with DrinkWise, the youth-focused safety push, ‘Drinking? Drink Mindfully’, aims to equip school leavers with the tools to travel safely, make informed decisions about alcohol, and celebrate with confidence.
Resources are being rolled out online, at airports and are available to schools, providing students and their parents with practical advice on topics such as moderating alcohol consumption, looking after friends, the risks of methanol poisoning and knowing what to do if things go wrong.
As part of this partnership, Australian parents and students can expect to see:
- video content for both school-leavers and parents to support conversations around partying, drinking and celebrating safely overseas – featuring messages from the families and friends of Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles, who tragically died overseas last year from methanol poisoning;
- digital advertising targeting school-leavers nationally, including at all international airports across Australia, via multiple social media platforms; and
- promotional events at Brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne international airports to reach young people as they depart for popular overseas Schoolies.
This will also be supported by broader Smartraveller activities including:
- release of new Schoolies ‘cheat sheets’ tailored to popular destinations for school-leavers on the Smartraveller Partying Safely Hub;
- in-flight videos onboard Jetstar international flights from December, delivering key safety messages as school leavers head overseas; and
- youth media engagement and partnerships with other non-government organisations such as Schoolies.com and Unleashed travel.
We want young people to enjoy their experience but to stay vigilant. Watch your mates and watch your drinks. And please travel safe over summer.
Visit Smartraveller.gov.au to check travel advice, explore the Partying Safely Hub, and access resources.
Quotes attributable to Foreign Minister Penny Wong:
“As we approach one year since the tragic deaths of Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles, we are reminded of the dangers that can confront young people when travelling abroad.
“We want every young Australian celebrating Schoolies, whether here at home or overseas, to have the tools to do so safely.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Education Jason Clare:
“Schoolies is a time to celebrate the end of school and the hard work it took to get here.
“You’ve earned it but you’ve also got to look out for yourself and your mates. That’s what this campaign is about. Having fun and staying safe.
“We know the sense of freedom at the end of school can sometimes lead to risky choices, especially when alcohol is involved.
“My Department has shared these resources with our State and Territory counterparts. I encourage schools, students and parents to take a look at them.
“We want the end of school to be remembered for the right reasons.”
Quotes attributable to Assistant Foreign Minister Matt Thistlethwaite:
“We know Schoolies is an exciting time for young Australians, but things can go wrong if you’re not prepared.
“This partnership with DrinkWise demonstrates the Government’s continued work to help protect young Australians travelling overseas and throughout Australia.”
Quotes attributable to DrinkWise, Chief Executive Officer Simon Strahan:
“DrinkWise research shows school-leavers are making safer choices at Schoolies, but timely reminders remain critical.
“This is why we have joined the Australian Government, and the Jones and Bowles families to develop advice and tips to help keep school-leavers safe, and empower parents to have the pre-Schoolies conversations with their children.”
Media note: Imagery is available via the DFAT media library.
