About Us
DrinkWise is an evidence-based social change organisation dedicated to transforming the Australian drinking culture to one that is safer and healthier.
We do this through:
- national education campaigns
- partnerships with government, academia, community organisations and industry
- development of practical strategies and resources to promote the responsible use of alcohol.
DrinkWise is an independent, not-for-profit organisation. It was established in 2005 with funding from the Federal Government and alcohol industry producers.
The DrinkWise approach promotes moderation, respect and responsible drinking for people who consume alcohol. We do, however, advocate abstinence from alcohol for people aged under 18 years, those trying to conceive or who are pregnant and people that are having trouble managing their consumption. DrinkWise encourages community awareness of the potential harms of drinking and has a role in the promotion of available support services.
Through a consumer-led approach, DrinkWise has created innovative campaigns that resonate with Australians and provide a meaningful contribution to cultural change.
Our philosophy
We believe that a sustained, multi-faceted and inclusive approach is the way to bring about positive change. Our philosophy and organisation are founded by industry leaders and community partnerships. This includes a governing board of eight community and six industry representatives.
The structure of DrinkWise provides a whole-of-community approach, bringing together expertise from the preventive health sector, community organisations, government and industry.
DrinkWise aims to
- promote a generational change in the way Australians consume alcohol.
- increase the age that young Australians are introduced to or first consume alcohol, as evidence has shown that alcohol can negatively impact the development of the adolescent brain1.
To promote such significant behavioural changes, we develop and implement a range of national information and education campaigns, as well as provide practical resources to help inform and support the community about alcohol use. DrinkWise’s campaigns have been recognised in Australia and internationally for effectively challenging entrenched social norms in the nation’s drinking culture2.
Supporting research
As an evidence-based organisation, DrinkWise relies on key independent research and clinical advice. The information underpinning our campaigns and programs has been gathered from a range of authoritative studies and sources including from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, Australian Bureau of Statistics and the National Health and Medical Research Council. These include consultations with experts in research, public health, medicine, neuroscience, epidemiology, child and adolescent psychology and social marketing.
We work with accredited health writers, clinical experts to produce the information found on the DrinkWise website. In 2024, the website content was reviewed and edited by WriteSource Medical (WSM). WSM is a bespoke medical writing, data management and biostatistics consultancy that provides professional services to the academic, government and pharmaceutical sectors. WSM’s medical writers have diverse backgrounds covering nursing, medicine, pharmacy, public health and regulatory writing. Clinical content was fact checked and reviewed by appropriate health care professionals.
DrinkWise contributors
DrinkWise is funded primarily through voluntary alcohol industry contributions. Coalition and Labor governments have also supported DrinkWise through financial and in-kind support.
Industry contributors of DrinkWise:
