If anyone knows how to party and do it with style, it’s our community. But have you ever wondered how to manage to party hard and stay smart, sexy and sane over the more frantic times of the year?
Considered getting involved in community events but don’t want to get overwhelmed with responsibility?
The many community members who make up the ACON Rovers may have found the perfect way to incorporate a healthy balance in the wilder times of the year. Somewhere between celebrating with all their hearts and still being in good enough shape to go for a run the next day are the ACON Rovers.
The Rovers have been in action since 2003. Yes, they are a bunch of girls and guys who look particularly fabulous in hot pink, but more importantly, they are a vital part of LGBT events and parties such as Mardi Gras, Harbour Party, Toybox and now Big Gay Weekend.
Our beloved Rovers can be seen walking around parties wearing the well known pink Rover vest and light wands. Rovers are equipped with knowledge to assist people who want to know more about how to party safely. They are also the queer eye for the medical and other event staff, there to help out if someone is more affected by drugs or alcohol than they intended,
More often than not people, approach the Rovers just to have a friendly party chat, or to answer those burning, urgent questions like “What time is Sveta playing?”
Being a Rover is a great way to meet new people and be an active part of building a stronger, safer community.
Here are some hot Rover tips for the hot times ahead.
“It’s getting warm — finally! Don’t forget to sip water regularly when you’re dancin’ up a storm.”
”If you plan to use drugs, sweetheart, only carry the amount of the drugs that you intend to use yourself. Makes it easier to keep yourself nice and avoid overdoing it.”
”It’s easy to overdose on GHB. ‘G drops’ keep the Rovers busy at big events. If you and your friends use G at events, avoid alcohol, and make sure you have a friend to look out for you — or is it your turn to return the favour?”
If you see Rovers at the next event you attend, be sure to say hello, as they are the people who give up a few hours of celebration and partying to look after others and make the event a safer place to be.
Anyone can become a Rover. It’s fun, it’s social and it’s an opportunity to experience parties from a different angle. Not to mention that warm fuzzy feeling you get from being a part of something greater than the individual.
If you would like to know more about the ACON Rovers or you want to get involved, contact Tjana on 02 9206 2047 or [email protected]
See you on the dancefloor.
By TJANA ISHTER
INFO: Tjana Ishter (Pictured left) is ACON’s Alcohol and Other Drugs Project Officer
