What is the NSW drug checking service?
NSW Health, in partnership with NUAA, will deliver a free and confidential drug checking service at up to 15 music festivals per year, where festival goers 18 years and over are able to provide a small sample of a drug to be checked. Qualified forensic chemists then rapidly identify the main components of substances provided and, where possible, provide an indication of potency. Drug checking equipment on site at festivals is able to identify the main components of most common pills, capsules, powders, crystals or liquids.
It is important to note that drug checking services cannot provide certainty about all the components in a drug – drug components can be unexpected, and the manufacture and mixing are not pharmaceutical grade. The technology used at the drug checking service may not identify components present in very low amounts. Some less common drug components can cause harm even in very low amounts.
Drug checking services provide a safe space for people to ask questions and get help without judgment.
The drug checking service is about keeping festival goers safe, helping them make informed decisions, and avoiding harms.
Starting in March 2025 and finishing in February 2026, NSW Health, in partnership with
NUAA , delivered a 12-month trial of the drug checking service at select music festivals around the state.
The trial was
independently evaluated to inform program development and found that it helped more than 1800 people to better understand the risks and make informed decisions around drug use.
Drug checking is one harm reduction strategy festival goers can use to help them STAY OK at music festivals. Here are some others to consider:
- The safest option is to avoid drugs, but if you do, take precautions to protect yourself.
- Stay hydrated, especially in hot weather. Drink water and electrolytes regularly.
- Festivals are more enjoyable with friends, so look out for your mates. If someone feels unwell, get help right away. You won't get in trouble for asking for help.
- Signs like overheating, confusion, or difficulty breathing are serious. Seek help immediately - staff at medical services onsite at festivals are there to help, not to judge.
- Major festivals also have chill-out zones and harm reduction services. Visit them if you need a break or support.
- Set limits, have a sober friend with you, and know where to go for help before you need it.
The goal? To help festival goers make informed, safer choices.
