A consortium consisting of Monash and Deakin Universities undertook a research project to identify the most important cultural drivers of low risk and risky alcohol consumption by Victorian youth.  The group researched were from inner and outer suburbia plus provincial and rural locations in Victoria.

Results from the project revealed that:

• Young people view drinking positively and that it’s central to Australian culture and identity.
• Friendship and the ease of access to cheap alcohol make drinking an attractive activity. However key deterrents are the risks of drink driving, parental pressures and the responsibilities of work and study.
• Most young people didn’t agree with the stereotypes of youth drinkers as ‘out of control’. They also didn’t feel that the new drinking guidelines applied to them.
• Research revealed that sporting clubs played an important role as community hubs where families spend leisure time. The serving of alcohol to under-age members (in the presence of parents) was flagged as a grey area. Clubs nominated training, education and surveillance as key to responsible club practices around alcohol consumption.

This project was published in 2009.

An electronic copy of this report is available under ‘resources’ on this page. Free hard copies can be requested via info@drinkwise.org.au.