DrinkWise Australia (DWA) is a not-for-profit social change organisation created to harness the power of evidenced-based social marketing to bring about a healthier, safer drinking culture in Australia - where drinking to excess or too young is considered undesirable. We achieve our vision through national information and education campaigns and the provision of practical resources that inform and support the community about alcohol use. We were established in 2005 in recognition that a whole of community approach involving industry, government, health and education professionals and the broader community is more likely to be effective in achieving cultural change and reducing the significant individual and community harms associated with alcohol misuse. Our philosophy is founded on industry leadership and community partnerships. Prevention through education is at the heart of our work and we work collaboratively to raise awareness of the patterns of drinking that lead to harm. We do not advocate abstinence from alcohol consumption for adults but rather an approach of enjoying alcohol in moderation, where the individual taking informed responsibility for their own wellbeing is paramount. Our Board is made up of 7 community members with backgrounds including business, politics, community service, academia, education, research, and marketing, and 6 alcohol industry members from across the various producer groups, retail and licensed venues. The Board reflects the DWA view that our society can only create a healthier, safer drinking culture if we collaborate with shared purpose across community, business and government. In recognition of a perceived conflict of interest, and in an attempt not to duplicate the work of others, DWA will not: • speak on behalf of the alcohol industry; • engage in policy debates unless they are directly impacting our vision; or • become directly involved with the management of harm as a result of alcohol misuse.
