Exploring Safely Abroad: Government’s Partying Safely Hub — and How Safer Sips Complements It. Penny Wong's drink safety campaign

Penny Wong and Australian Government, motivated by the heartbreaking deaths of Melbourne teens Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles from methanol poisoning in Laos, has launched a Partying Safely Hub via Smartraveller to help young Australians travel more safely abroad.

What the New Hub Offers

• Targeted education led by Foreign Minister Penny Wong, emphasising risks like methanol poisoning and drink spiking, and encouraging vigilance when enjoying nightlife overseas.

• A digital safety hub on Smartraveller with tools for students, parents, and educators — launching mid-2025, timed for schoolies and peak travel season.

• A multi-channel communications campaign across social platforms, airport messaging, SMS, and partnerships with groups like Red Frogs and education providers.

Foreign Minister Wong framed the initiative as a way to let young Australians “explore the world with confidence… but come home safely.”

How Safer Sips Aligns (and Steps Up)

Safer Sips shares a clear mission with the Partying Safely Hub: empowering individuals to stay safe, informed, and in control. Here’s how:

1. Real-World Product Tools for Real-World Risks

• CYD® Drink Spike Test Strips — instant, evidence-grade detection for GHB, Ketamine, and over 650 other amines.

• NightCap® Drink Covers — stylish and reusable, acting as visible deterrents against drink tampering.

2. Matching Awareness with Action

The Hub provides education; Safer Sips provides tangible tools for testing and covering drinks, turning advice into proactive safety.

3. Amplifying Safety in Social Scenarios

The campaign meets young people where they are. Safer Sips’ compact, portable products do the same, making safety both social and convenient.

4. A Mission That’s Personal and Earned

Founded by a survivor of drink spiking and her father, Safer Sips combines lived experience with rigorous product validation and UK police accreditation.

How They Work Together

• Government Hub: Raises awareness about methanol and drink spiking risks.

• Safer Sips: Provides real-world tools for testing and prevention.

• Government Hub: Reaches young travellers at scale through schools, socials, and airports.

• Safer Sips: Gives travellers compact, everyday tools they can carry anywhere.

• Government Hub: Encourages vigilance and buddy systems.

• Safer Sips: Enables active protection through NightCap® covers and CYD® testing.

Final Thoughts

The Partying Safely Hub is a timely and thoughtful initiative that educates young Australians about the risks of drink spiking and methanol poisoning abroad. But awareness alone isn’t enough.

Safer Sips bridges the gap between knowing and doing. With prevention tools like CYD® tests and NightCap® covers, Safer Sips ensures that young Australians not only understand the risks but are empowered to act against them.

Together, the Hub’s education and Safer Sips’ practical tools form a powerful safety ecosystem — giving young people the confidence to travel, party, and come home safely.

Penny Wong drink safety campaign