11 November 2005

Alcohol awareness messages made by young people for young people

NSW Minister for Health John Hatzistergos today congratulated young people for taking the message of the dangers of alcohol abuse to their peers.

The finalist entries for each category of the 2005 "Play Now Act Now" Youth Alcohol Awareness Competition were showcased last night at Gala Awards at the Metro theatre.

"A large number of entries were received from across NSW under four categories - short film, graphic design, creative writing and logo re branding," Mr Hatzistergos said.

"Play Now/Act Now is unique as it specifically targets young adults aged 18 to 25 who are likely to already regard alcohol as a part of every day life.

"The diversity and quality of this year's entries demonstrate that many young people are well informed about alcohol and drug abuse and can portray their concerns in a creative and responsible manner," he said.

The Minister also launched a DVD education pack featuring all the short listed films, graphic design, logo re branding and creative writing entries.

"This pack will be distributed across NSW to health, youth and community services, liquor accords and schools," Mr Hatzistergos said.

"Young people are much more likely to respond to alcohol awareness messages that have been developed their peers and have relevance to them," he said.

Play Now Act Now is an alcohol education project that centres on raising awareness, sharing information, and encouraging young people to think about their drinking patterns and act responsibly.

Play Now Act Now, featuring the works from local entrants as well as State finalists, will also tour NSW in late 2005 and early 2006. Locations will include

• Armidale
• Bankstown
• Bathurst
• Bellingen
• Enmore
• Goulburn
• Grafton
• Griffith
• Gymea
• Port Macquarie
• Robertson
• Ryde
• Singleton
• South Nowra
• Tamworth
• Wagga Wagga
• Warringah
• Wyong

"I want to congratulate all of the finalists, and particularly the prize winners, on their creativity and hard work."

The following winners for each category were presented with cash and industry development prizes:

• Film 1st prize - $5,000 + industry placement: Janice Johnson from Cranebrook for "Mourning"
• Film 2nd prize -$2,000 + training courses + equipment hire: Kazimir Sas from Rozelle for "Punch Drunk"
• Film 3rd prize - Training courses + equipment hire: Li Ang from Central Sydney for "Pay Day"
• Recognition Award - Film Internship with production company 'Big Hart': Joshua Daley from Tamworth for "The Worst In Me"
• Creative writing for online magazine prize -$1,500: Stephanie Hing from Mosman for "The Only Drink for a Wise Man"
• Graphic for online magazine prize -$1,500: Peter Majarich from Bradbury and Christian Jones from Kurrajong Heights
• Logo re-branding - $2,000: Peter Adamson from Blacktown, Peter Majarich from Bradbury and Elaine Hoyeck from Guildford

For detailed information on Play Now Act Now 2005, visit the website:
http://www.playnowactnow.net.au/

For a range of health information, go online to www.health.nsw.gov.au