Strawberry Fields festival is set to become the latest major event to host an onsite drug checking service as part of New South Wales’ ongoing drug checking trial. The initiative, aimed at enhancing harm reduction measures for festivalgoers, will see its fifth installment at Strawberry Fields, scheduled from November 21 to 23, 2025, in Tocumwal, southern NSW.
The free and anonymous service will allow attendees to bring small samples of substances they intend to consume for onsite analysis by qualified health professionals. Through rapid evaluation, festival patrons will receive detailed information about the substances, including potency when possible, and advice on reducing risks if they choose to proceed with consumption. Trained peer workers will also be on hand to offer tailored guidance and confidential support.
Background and Objectives of the Drug Checking Trial
This development follows the New South Wales Government’s decision to implement a 12-month drug checking trial at music festivals, a move stemming from recommendations made during the 2024 New South Wales Drug Summit. The trial, which includes up to 12 festivals, aims to inform individuals about the substances they may consume, enabling them to avoid dangerous drugs and make safer, more informed choices.
NSW Chief Health Officer, Dr. Kerry Chant, emphasized the trial’s focus on harm reduction.
“This trial aims to inform individuals about substances, allowing them to avoid dangerous substances, discard high-risk drugs, make safer and more informed choices and potentially avoid serious health risks,” Dr. Chant stated. “Our priority is to reduce harm and keep people safe.”
Festival Organizers Embrace Harm Reduction Initiatives
Strawberry Fields General Manager Vicky Keeler expressed strong support for the initiative, highlighting its alignment with the festival’s commitment to safety.
“We are committed to creating the safest possible environment for everyone who attends our events,” Ms. Keeler said. “Drug checking is an important step forward in harm reduction, giving patrons access to free, professional advice that can help them make more informed decisions.”
The partnership with NSW Health underscores the festival’s ongoing focus on safety, care, and wellbeing for its community. This collaboration is part of a broader effort to address the realities of drug use at music festivals, despite the continued illegality of illicit drugs in NSW.
Implications and Future Directions
The announcement comes as part of a broader shift towards harm reduction strategies in Australia, reflecting global trends where drug checking services are increasingly recognized as a pragmatic approach to reducing drug-related harm. The trial’s outcomes will be independently evaluated at its conclusion in February next year, potentially influencing future policy decisions.
As the trial progresses, stakeholders will be closely monitoring its impact on festival safety and public health outcomes. The initiative represents a significant step in acknowledging and addressing the complexities of drug use in recreational settings, with the potential to inform future harm reduction strategies both within and beyond New South Wales.
For more information on the NSW drug checking trial, interested parties can visit the official website.
