Yours & Owls Festival is making history in 2025, becoming the first music festival in New South Wales to introduce pill testing. Taking place on March 1st and 2nd at Wollongong Foreshore, the festival will be part of a groundbreaking harm minimisation trial announced by the NSW Government.

For the first time in Australia, a government-run agency will oversee pill testing at a festival, with NSW Health professionals, peer workers, and analysts providing free substance checks. Festival-goers will have the opportunity to have their substances tested for purity, potency, and harmful adulterants before speaking with a qualified counsellor about potential risks. The testing facility will be located within the festival’s medical tent, ensuring complete anonymity.

Festival co-founder Ben Tillman expressed strong support for the initiative, stating, “While Yours & Owls maintains a zero-tolerance policy, we recognise the importance of harm minimisation. This isn’t a solution to all issues, but it’s a proven strategy that has saved lives worldwide.”

Despite the introduction of pill testing, festival-goers are reminded that illicit drugs remain illegal in NSW, and police will be present on-site. With Yours & Owls 2025 already nearing a sell-out, this landmark move is set to make festival history in Australia.