The message from the Alcohol and other Drugs Council of Australia (ADCA) to everyone celebrating Schoolies, caretakers of the events, parents and the community is to “have an end of year bash, but don’t go overboard - do it sensibly.”

“It’s not cool to binge drink, or experiment with any type of drugs,” Chief Executive Officer of ADCA, David Templeman said.

“During the three week end of school celebration, it’s important that groups participating in Schoolies have buddies or minders - someone to take care of those who are drinking, are tempted by drugs or want to cause havoc.”

Mr Templeman said Schoolies deserve their well earned break, but activities combined with alcohol should be carried out in a responsible manner.  He highlighted ADCA’s concern regarding the promotion of sweetened alcoholic drinks, and their influence on the teenage market.

“Sweetened, spirits-based Ready-to-Drinks (RTDs) have been widely promoted and diffused, and as a result have become a very substantial part of the under-age drinking market.”

“Binge drinking is partly why alcohol is linked to the deaths of people aged under 35 more than any other drug.”

 “Advertisements in any medium for alcoholic beverages should be required to include a series of warning messages about the potential harms of use; similar to what has been carried out within the tobacco industry,” Mr Templeman said.

The ACT NGO Alcohol and Drug Sector strongly supports ADCA’s position and hopes that there will be a reduction in the number of alcohol and other drug related incidents at this year’s ACT Schoolie celebrations.

“There needs to be a united effort, starting with parents, caretakers and the community to ensure that the 2007 Schoolie celebrations don’t present an environment of risk,” Carol Mead, Directions ACT said.

The ACT NGO Alcohol and Drug Sector believes the excessive use of alcohol to celebrate events, such as Schoolies, sends the wrong message to the community, young and old, that you need alcohol to have a good time.

Media enquiries:
Brian Flanagan – ADCA Strategic Communications/policy on 6281 0686 or 0400 860 058
Carol Mead – Directions ACT on 0423 388 354