School leaver festivities are a time for graduating students to celebrate the
end of their secondary school education. It is a time to unwind and have fun
with friends, but also a time of increased risk of alcohol and other
drug-related harm. To reduce these risks, it is important not only for school
leavers but also parents and the wider community to be involved and informed.
School leaver celebrations in Australia generally take place between
14 November and 6 December. Popular destinations offer a range of organised
events such as concerts and festivals. National and state specific information
can be found on the following websites:
For school leavers
When celebrating the end of school with their friends it is important that
young people are aware of the risks, especially when alcohol and other drugs are
involved. It is also important that party plans include how they will avoid
these risks and stay safe. The Australian Drug Foundation has produced the
following fact sheets on safe partying:
More information on safe partying and looking after friends can be found at
the following links:
For parents
Parents play an important role in ensuring their children understand the
risks involved with school leaver celebrations. It is also important that
parents understand their legal obligations if hosting parties. Information to
help parents do this can be found at the following links:
For community members
Media images of alcohol and drug fuelled antisocial behaviour can create
concern among community members who live in areas where celebrations occur.
However, research suggests that community involvement in the management of
school leaver celebrations can minimise problems and help establish mutually
respectful relationships between school leavers and the wider community (Midford,
Midford & Farringdon 2007).
In recognition of this, one of the primary focuses of this year's National
School Leavers Conference was engaging community members in supporting school
leavers to celebrate safely. The three day conference held in Lorne, Victoria,
included presentations from a number of local government bodies who have
implemented strategies to gain such involvement. Presentations and the conference program are available on the
Australian Drug Foundation website.
News and forthcoming events
The Australian Drug Foundation is celebrating its 50th year. To recognise
this milestone, we have produced a book titled Arduous endeavour: the first
50 years of the Australian Drug Foundation. The book recalls the struggles,
obstacles and ultimately the victories of the Foundation since people like Sir
Edward "Weary" Dunlop decided to tackle Victoria's heavy drinking culture in the
1950s. To reserve your copy please call Melody on (03) 9278 8102 or email:
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.
The International Harm Reduction Association's (IHRA) 21st International
Conference "Harm Reduction 2010" will be held on 25–29 April 2010 in Liverpool,
England. Please visit the conference website for full details: www.ihra.net/HarmReduction2010
For more forthcoming news and events, visit the DrugInfo Clearinghouse
website at www.druginfo.adf.org.au
