Alcohol-related violence and underage drinking focus of new city wide community campaigns

Alcohol-related violence and underage drinking focus of new city wide community campaigns

The harsh realities of alcohol-related violence and underage drinking are the focus of two new community campaigns being rolled out in Wagga Wagga.

‘One Punch Can Kill’ and ‘Rethink That Sneaky Drink’ campaigns focus on consequences of people’s actions when under the influence of alcohol, and reinforces the city’s no-tolerance approach to alcohol-fuelled violence and defiance of the law.

“Both campaigns have a strong youth focus, aged 13 to 25 years, and are about educating the community to think about their decisions and behaviours. The take-home message is think before you drink as there can be real life-changing consequences,” Director Environmental and Community Services Janice Summerhayes said.

The ‘One Punch Can Kill’ campaign highlights that a split second decision could result in a jail sentence for a minimum of eight years.

‘Rethink That Sneaky Drink’ reinforces Wagga Wagga’s blanket rule of being caught underage drinking at any pub, club or restaurant, means you’ll be barred from entering a licensed premises in the city until your 19th birthday.

Campaign posters have been put up at five bus stops across the city and supplied to pubs and clubs. Wagga Wagga high schools are also being approached to help spread the message.

Wagga Wagga Local Area Command Licensing Supervisor Sergeant Nigel Turney said a united front by local liquor accord, licensees, police and other key stakeholders has helped with a general decline in alcohol-related problems in Wagga.

The campaigns are initiatives of the City of Wagga Wagga and have the backing of The Wagga Wagga Liquor Accord, The Australian Hotels Association NSW Sub Branch and the NSW Police Wagga Wagga Local Area Command.

Media opportunity

What: ‘One Punch Can Kill’ and Rethink That Sneaky Drink’ campaign launch
Who: Wagga Wagga Local Area Command Superintendent Bob Noble and Licensing Supervisor Sergeant Nigel Turney, President of Australian Hotels Association NSW Sub Branch and Secretary/Treasurer of the Wagga Wagga Liquid Accord David Barnhill, Licensee Home Tavern Trevor Jones, Deputy Mayor Dallas Tout, Director Environmental and Community Services Janice Summerhayes
When: 10.30am, Wednesday 25 May
Where: Home Tavern, 142 Fitzmaurice Street