ClubsNSW joins DrinkWise, Queensland Hotels Association and Clubs Queensland to remind patrons about the importance of moderation and respect.

DrinkWise and ClubsNSW have partnered to expand the moderation, respect and support campaign into New South Wales. With the support of the New South Wales Government, the NRL, emerging NRL star Zac Lomax and support services, the campaign aims to remind New South Wales residents about the importance of moderating their alcohol consumption, always being respectful towards others and knowing that support services are there to provide help and advice if needed.

DrinkWise, in collaboration with the Queensland Hotels Association (QHA) and Clubs Queensland, has been actively promoting responsible drinking and respectful behaviour in licensed venues across Queensland. Building on this momentum, ClubsNSW has now joined the initiative.

This partnership aims to reinforce the importance of moderation and respect for those who choose to drink in social settings, particularly in community clubs and hospitality venues where Australians gather to enjoy sports, social events, and entertainment. It also strengthens DrinkWise’s ongoing education efforts in New South Wales, particularly following recent research that highlighted 90% of New South Wales residents agreed it is important to drink in moderation¹. Despite this, the research also uncovered that over a quarter (26%) of people surveyed in New South Wales exceeded the guidelines in 2024¹, underscoring the need for increased awareness and responsible drinking practices.

This initiative expanded upon DrinkWise’s education efforts in Queensland, which increased after DrinkWise research revealed Queenslanders (34%) are significantly more likely to be drinking alcohol at risky levels when compared with the nation’s average (28%)². Risky drinkers are classified as people who consume 10 or more standard drinks a week or more than four standard drinks during a day.³

DrinkWise Chief Executive Officer Simon Strahan said: “Recent DrinkWise and Australian Government Statistics⁴ have shown that Australian drinking habits have improved dramatically over the last 20 years, however ongoing education is vital.

“Of course, while the majority of Australians are choosing to drink within the recommended government guidelines, there are still some who are drinking at risky levels, engaging in anti-social behaviour or turning to alcohol as a coping strategy, which is why we’re continuing our education campaigns.”

Our partnerships with QHA, Clubs Queensland and now ClubsNSW will play an important role in further shifting the attitudes of patrons visiting licensed venues to watch sporting events or to socialise with friends or family. We’re confident about the positive impact this partnership will have in 2025 and beyond in reinforcing expectations around respectful behaviour and responsible consumption for those drinking,” said Strahan.

Support from the NRL and NRL players

The National Rugby League (NRL) and NRL players Zac Lomax, Felise Kaufusi and Kyle Feldt expressed their strong support for the initiative, wanting all fans to celebrate the NRL action, but to ensure they and those around them could do so in a safe and respectful way.

	Parramatta Eels star Zac Lomax said: “As players, the wellbeing of our fans is always a top priority, not just in the stadium but also in licensed venues where our games are watched. We want everyone choosing to drink to do so responsibly and treat each other with respect ahead of the upcoming season kicking off. That’s why I’m proud to support the partnership between DrinkWise and ClubsNSW’, Lomax said.
	Dolphins legend Felise Kaufusi said: “The initiative is something all the Dolphins players are passionate about. We’re proud to work with DrinkWise to remind Queenslanders to take care of one another and if choosing to drink alcohol at a game, at a club or at home, it should always be in moderation and respecting those around them.”
	North Queensland Cowboys star Cohen Hess, said: “All the Cowboys players are passionate about the initiative. We’re proud to work with DrinkWise to remind Queenslanders to take care of one another.”

DrinkWise’s educational materials play a vital role in reminding patrons of the importance of drinking responsibly and engaging respectfully with others. Additionally, these resources highlight the availability of support services, reinforcing that seeking help is a sign of strength.

Premier of New South Wales, Chris Minns

Support from Government and Police

The campaign, aiming to help set expectations around acceptable behaviour in licensed venues, was launched with the support of the New South Wales and Queensland Governments, Police and local Mayors from the Cairns, Townsville and Mount Isa area:

	New South Wales Premier, Chris Minns said: “We’re pleased to see the DrinkWise and ClubsNSW partnership come to life. DrinkWise’s educational materials play a vital role in reminding patrons of the importance of drinking responsibly and engaging respectfully with others. Additionally, these resources highlight the availability of support services, reinforcing that seeking help is a sign of strength. “We look forward to seeing similar programs implemented across the country, helping to create a culture of responsible drinking for Australians that are choosing to consume alcohol.”
	Then Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Minister for Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence, the Honourable Yvette D’Ath said: “Everyone should feel safe and respected in our Queensland hospitality venues, so I’m proud to support this great new initiative. Education is important and these DrinkWise materials will serve as consistent reminders to those customers who choose to drink, to do so responsibly and to socialise in a respectful manner. They also remind customers that if they or someone they know need help managing alcohol consumption, there are support services available and that asking for help is a sign of strength.”
	Then Member for Cairns and Assistant Minister for Tourism Industry Development, Mr Michael Healy said: “This collaboration with police, industry, community and government will help to promote a great experience for patrons as well as reinforcing expectations when entering out pubs, bars and bottle shops in regional Queensland.”
	Member for Traeger, Robbie Katter said: It’s very pleasing to see this dedicated support in our regional Queensland communities to continue to educate the local communities on the importance of drinking in moderation and that help is available. These initiatives also help promote a great experience for patrons and provide reassurance to those attending venues in regional Queensland.”
	Member for Townsville and then Minister for Resources, Scott Stewart said: “This collaboration with DrinkWise, industry, community and government will help to promote a great experience for patrons as well as reinforcing expectations around individual responsibility when entering our pubs, bars and bottle shops in regional Queensland.”
	Senior Sergeant of Queensland Police, Gary Hunter, said: “The DrinkWise messaging is really important to educate the wider community about drinking in moderation and being respectful to those they live with and the wider community at all times. “The resources remind our community about expected behaviour in our licensed venues and encourage them to reach out for help if they or someone they know needs support managing their alcohol consumption.”

Support from industry - QHA, Clubs Queensland and ClubsNSW

QHA Chief Executive Bernie Hogan said: “QHA is proud to support this initiative to remind patrons that having a great experience at licensed venues means respecting those around you and consuming in moderation if drinking alcohol. It is important that QHA are helping promote messages that encourage conversations about mental health, with pubs integral to our regional Queensland communities. We want to ensure that as our customers come together at licensed venues, to socialise, have a meal, catch up with friends and family, they have a great time and they also use these opportunities to talk about local issues and support each other.”

Clubs Queensland Chief Executive Kelly Egan said: “Clubs Queensland is proud to get behind this initiative that further supports our patrons and families having a great experience in Queensland clubs. Respecting those around you and consuming responsibly if drinking alcohol is a key element. Clubs Queensland are always supportive of messages that encourage conversations about mental health, given that clubs play a vital role as a social hub in Queensland communities.”

ClubsNSW CEO Rebecca Riant said “Clubs across the state have strict standards regarding the service of alcohol because we want all members and patrons to enjoy socialising and dining with their friends and family, or enjoying live entertainment, at their local club.

“Our partnership with DrinkWise is another proactive step in promoting responsible consumption for those choosing to have an alcoholic drink at a club, ensuring patrons are mindful of their drinking and are respectful to those around them. Supporting our local communities is our priority and this partnership is a significant part of that commitment.”

Support services back the initiative

The initiative also reinforces that if people are having trouble managing their alcohol consumption or behaviour, asking for help is okay. 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:

The campaign - getting the message out

Moderation, respect and responsibility themed posters, coasters and digital assets that are displayed in Clubs Queensland member venues, including community, sporting, RSL, golf, bowls and surf lifesaving clubs and Queensland Hotels Association venues in Cairns, Mount Isa and Townsville will now also begin to be displayed in ClubsNSW licensed venues. The moderation, mental health and support service social media messaging that was shared with adult audiences in Queensland will also be rolled out to New South Wales residents as part of the partnership with ClubsNSW.