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 all international airports across Australia via multiple social media platforms
• 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 Partying Safely Hub
• in-flight videos onboard Jetstar international flights from December delivering key safety messages as school leavers head overseas
• youth media engagement and partnerships with 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 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 CEO 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”
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