Strawberry Fields festival is set to become the latest major event to participate in the New South Wales (NSW) drug checking trial, further enhancing harm reduction measures for festivalgoers. The festival, scheduled from November 21 to November 23, 2025, in Tocumwal, southern NSW, marks the fifth event to join this 12-month initiative.
This free and anonymous drug checking service allows festival patrons to bring small samples of substances intended for consumption, which will be analyzed on-site by qualified health staff. Through rapid evaluation, attendees will receive detailed information about the substances, including potency where possible, and advice on risk reduction if they choose to consume the drugs.
Trained peer workers will also be present to offer tailored guidance, confidential support, and information about additional support services. Although illicit drugs remain illegal in NSW, the trial acknowledges the reality of drug use at music festivals and aims to mitigate associated risks.
NSW Health’s Stance on Drug Checking
NSW Chief Health Officer Dr. Kerry Chant emphasized that the service is designed to help individuals make informed decisions to reduce drug-related harm, though it does not guarantee safety.
“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.”
The trial represents a significant step in harm reduction strategies, reflecting a shift towards more pragmatic approaches to drug use at festivals. This development follows the NSW Government’s Drug Summit in December 2024, which recommended the trial as a priority action in its report.
Festival Organizers Embrace the Initiative
Strawberry Fields General Manager Vicky Keeler expressed strong support for the service, highlighting its alignment with the festival’s harm minimization efforts.
“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.”
Partnering with NSW Health on this initiative underscores the festival’s ongoing focus on safety, care, and wellbeing for its community. The trial, which will include up to 12 music festivals, is set to be independently evaluated at the end of February next year.
The Broader Context of Drug Checking Trials
The introduction of drug checking services at music festivals is not unique to NSW. Similar initiatives have been implemented in various parts of the world, including Europe and New Zealand, with positive outcomes reported in terms of reducing drug-related harm.
These programs often face challenges, including legal and logistical hurdles, but they are increasingly seen as a pragmatic approach to addressing the realities of drug use in recreational settings. By providing festivalgoers with accurate information about substances, these services aim to prevent overdoses and other health complications.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Drug Checking in NSW
The success of the NSW drug checking trial could pave the way for broader implementation across the state, potentially influencing national policies on harm reduction. As the trial progresses, its findings will be closely monitored by public health experts and policymakers.
Meanwhile, the festival community and health advocates continue to push for more comprehensive harm reduction strategies, emphasizing the importance of education and support in reducing drug-related risks.
As the trial unfolds, stakeholders will be keenly observing its impact on festival safety and public health outcomes. The results could inform future approaches to drug policy, balancing legal frameworks with the need to protect public health.
