Aussies urged to watch their drinks and mates overseas

The dangers of alcohol-poisoning will be impressed upon young Aussies heading overseas, as the government ramps up efforts to protect holiday-goers. or signup to continue reading An advertising campaign launching on Monday will target young Australians to raise awareness of overseas alcohol-related risks following the deaths of teen best friends Holly Bowles and Bianca Jones. The message? Young Australians should watch their drinks and watch out for their mates overseas.

The Melbourne 19-year-olds died from methanol poisoning while holidaying in Laos after consuming drinks in the tourist town of Vang Vieng in November. Advertising blitzes will occur during peak travel periods and school and university holidays in a government bid to prevent families from going through the pain of losing a child or a loved one in this way. The government's travel advisory site Smartraveller will roll out messaging in April to alert travellers to the signs of methanol poisoning, ways to protect themselves from drink spiking and broader alcohol safety.



Airlines and the travel industry will also be tasked with disseminating public health announcements, with a focus on certain destinations and regions. A new online safety hub on Smartraveller will host resources for schools, universities and parents while education and non-government organisations such as Red Frogs and the Nicole Fitzsimmons Foundation will deliver alcohol safety presentations to students. The campaign will help young Australians to protect themselves from methanol poisoning, drink-spiking and other alcohol harms while overseas, Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong says.

"The families of Holly and Bianca are foremost in my mind today, and also the many families of other Australians who have lost loved ones," Senator Wong said. "We want our children to be curious and explore the world - but above all else, we want them to be safe." Assistant Foreign Affairs Minister Tim Watts said the messaging will raise awareness of the additional and different risks of alcohol overseas.

Ms Bowles died in a Bangkok hospital on November 22, a day after Ms Jones died in another hospital in the Thai capital. An American man, two Danish women and a British woman were among the six foreigners who also died. At least eight people believed to be hotel staff and management were detained but have since been released.

The Laotian government has knocked back offers from the Australian Federal Police to help in the probe. Despite the federal government continuing to press for a transparent investigation, local authorities have released almost no details on the mass poisoning case since November. The pair were farewelled at separate funerals in December, with their families asking the public to donate to a , which will go towards raising awareness about the dangers of methanol poisoning.

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