Strawberry Fields Festival to provide onsite drug testing as part of NSW trial
13 Nov 2025
The festival, scheduled for Friday 21 to Sunday 23 November 2025 in Tocumwal, southern NSW, is the fifth event participating in the 12-month NSW drug checking trial.
Festivalgoers can anonymously submit a small sample of any substance they intend to use. Trained health professionals will analyse the sample on-site and provide immediate feedback about its contents, including potency where possible. Attendees will also receive advice on safer use or how to avoid risks if they choose not to consume the substance.
Peer workers will be on hand to offer confidential support, guidance on reducing harm, and information about additional health services.
NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant said the service is designed to help people make informed decisions but does not make drug use safe.
“This trial allows people to know more about substances, make safer choices, avoid high-risk drugs, and potentially prevent serious health issues. Our focus is on keeping people safe,” Dr Chant said.
Strawberry Fields General Manager Vicky Keeler said the initiative aligns with the festival’s commitment to attendee safety.
“Providing onsite drug checking offers professional advice that helps our community make better decisions. Working with NSW Health reinforces our dedication to care and wellbeing,” she said.
The trial will continue across up to 12 music festivals until the end of February 2026 and will be independently evaluated. It follows recommendations from the NSW Government’s 2024 Drug Summit, which highlighted the importance of testing programs at music events.
More information about the program is available via the NSW drug checking trial website, while young people can access safety advice at Your Room.
Source: NSW Health
