The Lost Paradise music festival will be the next major event to implement an onsite drug checking service as part of the New South Wales (NSW) drug checking trial. This initiative aims to enhance harm reduction measures for festivalgoers. The festival is scheduled to take place from December 28, 2025, to January 1, 2026, at Glenworth Valley on the NSW Central Coast, marking it as the eighth festival participating in this 12-month trial.
The free and anonymous drug checking service allows attendees to submit small samples of substances for analysis by qualified health professionals. Through rapid evaluation, patrons will receive detailed information about the contents of their samples, including potency when possible, in accordance with available technology. This service not only informs festivalgoers but also provides advice on how to mitigate risks associated with substance use.
Trained peer workers will be on-site to offer personalised guidance concerning the risks, confidential support, and information about additional resources. Despite the ongoing illegality of illicit drugs in NSW, the trial acknowledges the prevalence of drug use at music festivals.
Dr Kerry Chant, NSW Chief Health Officer, emphasised the importance of this initiative, stating, “This trial aims to inform individuals about substances, allowing them to avoid dangerous substances, discard high-risk drugs, make safer and more informed choices and potentially avoid serious health risks.” She reiterated that while the service is designed to reduce drug-related harm, it does not guarantee safety.
Collaboration between NSW Health and the Lost Paradise festival organisers, along with other stakeholders, is ongoing to ensure the effective implementation of the trial. A spokesperson for the Lost Paradise music festival highlighted the significance of drug checking as a proven harm reduction measure. “Our priority is always the safety and wellbeing of patrons. Providing free, confidential, and non-judgmental advice helps them make better decisions,” the spokesperson said. “We welcome and support NSW Health on this Government-led harm reduction initiative and advocate for a safer festival environment.”
The NSW drug checking trial aims to include up to twelve music festivals through to the end of February next year, at which point it will undergo independent evaluation. This trial follows recommendations from the NSW Government’s Drug Summit, which concluded in December 2024. The summit’s report outlined a priority action advocating for the trial of music festival-based drug testing.
For further details about the NSW drug checking trial, interested parties can refer to the official resources available. Additionally, young people seeking information on keeping themselves and their friends safe at music festivals can visit the Your Room website.
