Peers will play a key role in permanent NSW drug checking service

Tuesday, 1 September, 2026

NUAA is thrilled to announce it will continue to work alongside the NSW Government as part of the newly revealed permanent drug checking at festivals.

Drug checking will be offered at up to 15 festivals a year beginning in October.

The government’s announcement comes after an evaluation of the 2025-26 drug checking trial which found the service reduced drug-related hospital presentations.

NUAA’s Chief Executive, Mary Harrod, said:

“Drug checking at festivals is an important step in keeping the community safer and we welcome this announcement by the government.

“The trial proved what the community has been saying for years; drug checking helps people make more informed choices and reduces overdose

“We look forward to continuing to work with NSW Health to making these services more widely accessible.

“The service announced today is built upon the model developed by NUAA and NSW Health over the drug checking trial.

“NUAA peer workers played a central role in the success of the trial and we look forward to continuing and strengthening our role in this service.

“People with lived and living experience of drug use are a fundamental part of evidence based harm reduction and NUAA and our peer workers have been a critical part of the successful NSW festival response and drug alert system for years now.

“I want to especially acknowledge the years of advocacy of Jenny Ross king whose daughter Alex tragically died at a festival in 2019. Ms Ross King’s courageous and tireless advocacy is a big part of making this service happen.”

NUAA peer workers will take festival goers through the service to answer questions and explain the results of the testing. They will also provide naloxone training and support in the safe disposal of unwanted drugs.

NUAA’s Acting Harm Reduction Manager, Tim Powell, said:

“We’re pleased peer workers will continue their vital role at the heart of the service.

“For a lot of patrons, the trial was the first time they’d spoken to any kind of expert about drug use.

“Our peer workers all have lived or living experience and are festival goers themselves.

“When service users can see themselves reflected in the person supporting them, they’re far more comfortable listening to our advice which improves their safety.

“Eventually we’d love to see drug checking available at all festivals and high-risk events.”

The first festival to offer drug checking will be announced soon.