Yours and Owls returns to Wollongong without drug testing
The festival loses access to drug-checking services that tested 1500 samples and reported zero harm incidents last year.
Yours and Owls comes to Wollongong on October 3 and 4, with day one at Flagstaff Hill and day two across the city's CBD. Last year, the festival hosted drug-checking tents where health workers tested samples of MDMA, ketamine and cocaine.
No drug-related harm was reported. The NSW government committed $4.3 million to continuing the service at 15 festivals this year, but organisers said they didn't get enough notice to apply.
Founder Ben Tillman called it a missed opportunity. Up to 20 millimetres of rain is forecast across the weekend, though Tillman said this won't affect setup or performances.
The festival will feature acts including PNAU, Ball Park Music and Hiatus Kaiyote.
- October 3-4, Flagstaff Hill and CBD
- Festival dates and locations
- 4.3 million dollars for 15 festivals
- NSW government commitment
- Ben Tillman
- Founder
- Up to 20 millimetres
- Rain forecast
Why it mattersThe removal of a harm-reduction tool leaves festivalgoers without a tested safety measure that was proven effective, even as the festival itself proceeds.
AustraliaWollongong residents attending the music festival lose access to free drug-checking services, though organisers expect the event will go ahead with full programming.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 2 h ago
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