Harm Reduction - Lost Paradise

HARM REDUCTION

THE LOST PARADISE & DANCEWIZE CREW ARE HERE FOR YOU

Each of us has a role to play in taking care of ourselves and each other. Your wellbeing is our number one priority – each and every one of you are part of our community and help create our pop-up Paradise. We want you to have fun at Lost Paradise, but we also want you to be safe. 

Lost Paradise is a drug free festival and condemns all illegal drug use. Please make sure you equip yourself and your mates with the knowledge and tools to prevent unnecessary mishaps and be armed with info to aid those who may be in need, including yourself. Keep your Lost Paradise experience a positive one – please party safe, take care of one another and look after yourself and your friends.

WE’RE HERE TO SUPPORT

We are a pop-up village, in a valley, in the middle of Summer. This naturally requires a significant amount of planning and collaboration with the local authorities to provide a safe environment for all involved.

We have our amazing team of medics on call 24/7, operating from the medical tent within the main festival site. We have the support of the local authorities providing vital year round consultation, planned back-up resources and operating on site during the event. This includes the NSW Fire and Rescue, NSW Ambulance and NSW Police.

Additionally, we have the DanceWize NSW crew back for 2023, as well as our own team of 24/7 security and event management staff who are well equipped, experienced event professionals all working to achieve one common goal: a safe event.

We are all approachable and happy to assist you in any way we can. Please don’t hesitate to reach out, we stand for community and embrace open communication.

DANCEWIZE

We’re thrilled to welcome back DanceWize NSW, NUAA’s latest harm reduction outreach program.
DanceWize NSW utilises peer education to reduce drug-and-alcohol-related harm at NSW dance parties and festivals. Our staff and volunteers attend events in order to host a chill-out space; discuss safer drug use with peers and disseminate health resources. Come say hello!

What do dancewize provide?

  • A safe space if you need to chill out, away from loud music and bright lights
  • A team of extensively trained, sober volunteers who are at the festival 24/7 to give you support
  • Substance-specific harm reduction information
  • An ear to listen
  • Condoms, dental dams, female condoms, lollipops, suncream, earplugs, water, referrals and further information about blood borne virus, STIs, police powers and your rights
  • Blankets, hot water bottles, dry clothes, tea and toast
  • Games if you need some distraction
  • Support from security and medical services if you are feeling unsafe or unwell
Read more about DanceWize

LOOK AFTER YOURSELF & YOUR MATES

To increase your likelihood of having a great time at this beautiful festival and reduce the risk that you will experience a health disturbance, please prepare yourself by reading the following:

Be prepared for the weather. Bring sunscreen, hats, breathable clothing, appropriate footwear, a reliable tent and adequate bedding.


You are in charge of your body. Know your own limits. Be gentle with yourself. Pushing your limits may result in a negative experience and can be dangerous. 

This may come across as a bit heavy but we cannot stress enough how important this is: using alcohol or other drugs is never without risk.


We have free water stations all over the site. Bring a re-usable drink bottle with you and keep yourself and your mates well hydrated.


Maintain a healthy balance by eating regularly and keeping those essential nutrients in your body. If you feel unwell, seek help early.

Cooling down is important to prevent your body from overheating. Never continue dancing when you are not feeling well, drink water, sprinkle yourself with water and find a nice spot in the shade or head to the chill out tent at DanceWize.

Eat regular meals, drink water, sleep, maintain your personal hygiene and apply self-care practice to keep you going with a positive mindset!


As are our friends at DanceWize. If you need help – do not hesitate. They will not judge you and they will not get you in trouble. 

Everyone on the Lost Paradise team, including security and police, prioritises your health, safety and wellbeing. We are a community that cares for each other.

Be someone who asks, listens, and cares about consent.

Loud music is nice as you can feel it flowing through your body. To ensure you will be able to enjoy this as long as possible in life, please use earplugs.


Getting home safe is half the journey. Never drink or take drugs and drive. When leaving the festival, make sure you are well-rested, fed, hydrated, and sober. Don’t consider driving if you are in any way fatigued.

If you see somebody in the festival grounds you suspect could be in trouble – either physically or emotionally – please don’t just keep walking. We are a community who looks out for one another, and the concept of ‘look out for your mates’ includes friends you have yet to meet.

  • Stop and ask if the person is ok.
  • Do not leave a person in distress alone at any time.
  • Send a passer-by for assistance if required.
  • Do not move a person who is physically injured.
  • Calmly reassure the person until help arrives.
  • Know that the loving kindness of a new friend can make the world of difference when someone is experiencing difficult circumstances.

Please familiarise yourself with the festival map for the locations of first aid, our info tents and DanceWize.