Hypersonic music festival will be the next major event to host an onsite drug checking service as part of the NSW drug checking trial, further strengthening harm reduction measures for festivalgoers.
Hypersonic is the sixth festival to take part in the 12-month NSW drug checking trial and will take place on Saturday 29 November at Sydney Showground.
The free and anonymous drug checking service will allow festival patrons to bring a small sample of substances they intend to consume to be analysed on-site by qualified health staff.
Through rapid evaluation, patrons will be provided with information about what was found in the sample, including potency where possible, in line with available technology. They'll also receive advice on how to reduce risks if they choose to take the substance.
Trained peer workers will be available to provide tailored guidance about the risks, confidential support and information about additional support services.
While illicit drugs remain illegal in NSW, the trial acknowledges the reality of drug use at music festivals.
NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant said the service is intended to help people make informed decisions to reduce drug-related harm but is not a guarantee of safety.
"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," Dr Chant said.
"Our priority is to reduce harm and keep people safe."
NSW Health is working closely with festival organiser Symbiotic and other stakeholders to ensure safe and effective implementation of the trial at the Hypersonic festival.
Symbiotic Co-Director Janette Bishara said their priority is always the safety and wellbeing of patrons.
"Drug checking is one more tool in the belt to create a safer event, and we welcome and support NSW Health on this Government-led harm reduction initiative," Ms Bishara said.
"Providing people with free, confidential and non-judgemental advice from qualified professionals helps them make better decisions."
The NSW drug checking trial will include up to 12 music festivals through to the end of February next year when it will be independently evaluated.
The trial comes after the NSW Government's Drug Summit concluded in December 2024. The Report on the 2024 New South Wales Drug Summit provided a priority action recommending a trial of music festival-based drug testing.
Further information can be found at NSW drug checking trial.
More information for young people around how to keep themselves and their friends safe at music festivals is available on Your Room.
