Always respect, always DrinkWise
Each year in the lead up to NRL State of Origin, the NRL and AFL Finals series and Gather Round, some of the game’s heavyweights and archrivals join with DrinkWise, State Police forces, governments and support services to remind the community to Always respect, always DrinkWise. These whole-of-community collaborations remind sports fans about the importance of moderating their alcohol consumption and always being respectful towards others.
To remind fans about the importance of moderating alcohol consumption and always being respectful towards others during Gather Round, this year DrinkWise has teamed up with:
- Former and current AFL stars (Brownlow Medalist and South Australian Football Hall of Fame inductee, Gavin Wanganeen and AFL stars – Geelong’s Patrick Dangerfield, Adelaide’s Reilly O’Brien and Port Adelaide’s Ollie Wines)
- Support services – 1800RESPECT, the No to Violence – Men’s Referral Service and 13YARN
- South Australian Government (THINK! Road Safety and Adelaide Metro)
- South Australia Police (Acting Assistant Commissioner John De Candia for the South Australia Police Metropolitan Operations Service)
- Adelaide Oval
- Retailers (Coles Liquor, Endeavour Group, Retail Drinks Australia)
- Australian Hotels Association | South Australia
DrinkWise Chief Executive Officer, Simon Strahan reinforced that the positive shift in drinking behaviour among footy fans is continuing to grow.
“Our latest research shows that 89% of footy fans say they typically drink responsibly at sporting events and 94% believe excessive drinking can ruin the sporting experience for others*. It’s clear that attitudes are trending in a positive direction, with fans prioritising a more respectful and enjoyable game-day experience, but reminders are always helpful for those that are yet to heed the message.
“With 83% of footy fans agreeing that having a drink or two at a sporting event is an Australian tradition, the Always respect, always DrinkWise campaign is here to remind fans choosing to drink to do so in moderation – whether they’re watching the match at Adelaide Oval, Norwood Oval, Barossa Park, at a pub or at home. We don’t want to moderate the excitement around Gather Round, but we do want fans to moderate their consumption,” concluded Strahan.
Support from past and current players
Former AFL star, Brownlow Medalist and South Australian Football Hall of Fame inductee, Gavin Wanganeen has joined current AFL stars – Geelong’s Patrick Dangerfield, Adelaide’s Reilly O’Brien and Port Adelaide’s Ollie Wines – in throwing his support behind the Always respect, always DrinkWise campaign, encouraging everyone to embrace the atmosphere and for those who choose to drink, to do so in moderation.
Wanganeen is encouraging everyone to embrace the atmosphere and for those who choose to drink, to do so in moderation.
“We all love getting swept up in the excitement of a big game, especially during Gather Round. No one wants to miss a last-minute goal or a high-flying speccy so if you’re choosing to have a drink, do it in moderation to ensure you and everyone around you can enjoy every moment.”
Gavin Wanganeen.
Dangerfield, O’Brien and Wines all delivered important reminders for fans to moderate if choosing to consume alcohol and to always show respect to those around them, reinforcing community expectations around behaviour at all Gather Round games.
Support services back the Always respect, always DrinkWise message
DrinkWise has again partnered with 1800RESPECT, the No to Violence – Men’s Referral Service and 13YARN to ensure the Always respect, always DrinkWise campaign also serves as a reminder that seeking help is encouraged. If you or someone you know is struggling with managing alcohol consumption or behaviour, especially when these choices impact the safety of their family or others, you are encouraged to visit our support services page for a range of support services or contact one of the following services directly:
If you are concerned about your behaviour or use of violence, you can contact the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491 or visit www.ntv.org.au.
If you are a person impacted by domestic, family and sexual violence, including those supporting someone, please contact 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, text 0458 737 732 or visit 1800respect.org.au for online chat and video call services.
If you or someone you know is an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander and are feeling overwhelmed or having difficulty coping, call 13YARN on 13 92 76 or visit 13yarn.org.au.
Support from Government and Police
The Gather Round Always respect, always DrinkWise campaign has the backing of the South Australian Government (THINK! Road Safety and Adelaide Metro) and South Australia Police.
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Acting Assistant Commissioner John De Candia for the South Australia Police Metropolitan Operations Service said: “South Australia Police will have a visible presence at venues and on roads near the Adelaide Oval, Norwood Oval and Barossa Park ensuring community safety during the 2025 Gather Round. We want to ensure fans have a great experience, but police will target antisocial behaviour as well as drink and drug-driving offences. We encourage all footy Gather Round attendees and fans watching from home to drink responsibly if consuming alcohol and do their part to keep themselves and everyone around them safe.
“It’s fantastic to work with a whole range of different stakeholders – DrinkWise, the South Australian government and footy legends like legend Gavin Wanganeen. It certainly adds to the emphasis and the value and importance of everyone looking after their mates and drinking in moderation so we can all enjoy the experience.” |
The campaign - getting the message out
The Always respect, always DrinkWise campaign messaging will be promoted in the lead up to and during Gather Round matches via:
- television, press and radio coverage (helping to ensure awareness and understanding of the Always respect, always DrinkWise message amongst South Australian and visiting footy fans and the broader community)
- television and BVOD community service announcement commercials featuring Patrick Dangerfield during Channel Seven and Kayo match broadcasts
- billboard advertisements located in high traffic areas in and around Adelaide, including at the arrivals hall of the Adelaide airport
- a mobile messaging trailer that roamed around the Adelaide city centre and near game venues (Adelaide Oval, Barossa Park and Norwood Oval) in the lead up to matches
- awareness messages from AFL players from Geelong (Patrick Dangerfield), Port Adelaide (Ollie Wines), Adelaide (Reilly O’Brien) sent to fans
- social media messaging and the digital channels of the South Australian Government, South Australian Police, DrinkWise, 1800RESPECT, No to Violence – Men’s Referral Service and 13YARN (to highlight the community-based efforts to encourage responsible consumption and respectful behaviour)
- geo-targeted social media messages (to encourage fans to celebrate responsibly)
- SEN during Gather Round match radio broadcasting (to help reach fans during the game)
- in the AFL record (to help reach fans during the game)
- messaging on the big screen, on totems and on beer traps and payment registers in bars and points of purchase at Adelaide Oval during Gather Round games (to help reach fans during the game)
- Always respect, always DrinkWise messaging displayed in Coles Liquor, Endeavour Group, Retail Drinks Australia, Australian Hotels Association | South Australia, licensed pubs, bottle shops and venues across South Australia (to help set expectations around moderation and behaviour prior to or during consumption)
- advertising signage near bottle shops and supermarkets (to help set expectations around moderation and behaviour prior to or at the point of purchase).
In addition, Australian Grape & Wine, South Australian Wine Industry Association (SAWIA) and Barossa Australia are helping to spread DrinkWise’s Stay tasteful while tasting messaging across all South Australian cellar doors, ensuring the moderation message reaches winery visitors throughout the region.
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