Top Spin competition
Published on 16 April 2019
Maribyrnong City Council will join VicHealth in its mission to call out the sneaky advertising tactics used by the alcohol industry to target young Victorians.
For the second year in a row, Top Spin, a statewide competition, is offering over $5,000 in prizes for young people’s ideas about the sneaky tactics the industry uses to influence them to drink.
Council is bringing Top Spin to the community thanks to a VicHealth grant to get more young Victorians to share their ideas and thoughts about alcohol industry tactics.
City of Maribyrnong Mayor, Cr Martin Zakharov, said Top Spin is a fantastic way to get young people talking about alcohol harm.
“We are excited to be able to support Top Spin in listening to and amplifying the voices of young people who are not only surrounded by booze advertising, but targeted by the industry,” Cr Zakharov said.
“We’re working with VicHealth to spread the word about the Top Spin competition so that more young people can recognise how the alcohol industry sneaks into their lives and to give them an opportunity to share their ideas about how to change the status quo.”
VicHealth Acting CEO Dr Lyn Roberts said last year’s competition entries showed young people are fed up with booze companies’ harmful advertising tactics.
“Young people are increasingly supportive of action to reduce the harm from alcoholic drinks,” Dr Roberts said.
“The alcohol industry deliberately targets young people who are drinking the most – Top Spin is about turning the tables and giving young Victorians the opportunity to have their say.
“Last year hundreds of young Victorians shared their views on what really bugs them about the alcohol industry. In 2019, we want to empower many more young Victorians to voice their concerns and spark a broader conversation about reducing alcohol product harm in our communities.”
Top Spin asks young people aged 18-29 to share their thoughts, experiences and reflections on harm caused by the alcohol companies through a creative competition. Each week a judging panel of young people, creative professionals and health experts will award one contribution a $1000 cash prize. Entries are now open at topspinvic.com.au
Maribyrnong News
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