An advertising campaign launched on Monday will target Australian young people to increase awareness of alcohol-related risks abroad after the death of best friends Holly Bowles and Bianca Jones.
The message? Australian young people should watch their drinks and take care of their companions abroad.
Melbourne’s 19 -year -olds died of methanol poisoning while vacation in Laos after consuming drinks in the tourist town of Vang Vieng in November.
Hot advertising will take place during periods of peak travel and school and university holidays in a government attempt to prevent families from going through the pain of losing a child or a loved one in this way.
The government’s travel consulting site, Smartraveller, will launch messages in April to alert travelers about methanol poisoning signs, ways to protect themselves from peak drinking and broader alcohol security.
Airlines and travel sector will also be in charge of disseminating public health ads, focusing on certain destinations and regions.
A new online security hub on the smartravel will host resources for schools, universities and parents, as education and non-governmental organizations such as Red Frogs and Nicole Fitzsimmons Foundation, will make alcohol security presentations to students.
The campaign will help Australians protect themselves from methanol poisoning, peak drink and other alcohol damage while being abroad, says Foreign Minister Penny Wong.
“The families of Holly and Bianca are first in my mind today, as well as the many families from other Australians who have lost loved ones,” said Senator Wong.
“We want our children to be curious and explore the world – but, above all, we want them to be safe.”
Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs, Tim Watts, said messages will increase the awareness of additional and different risks of alcohol abroad.
Bowles died in a Bangcoc hospital on November 22, a day after Jones died in another hospital in the Thai capital.
One American man, two Danish women and a British woman were among the six foreigners who also died.
At least eight people who believe themselves are hotel employees and management have been detained, but have since been released.
The Laotano government reduced offers from the Australian Federal Police to help with the investigation.
Although the federal government continues to press a transparent investigation, local authorities have announced almost no detail about the case of mass poisoning since November.
The two said goodbye to separated funerals in December, with their families asking the public to give to a Gofundme appeal, which will increase awareness of the dangers of methanol poisoning.
