Victoria’s mobile pill testing service will be available at the 2026 Victoria Pride Street Party, marking the first time the service has been used at a street festival since it began operating last year.
The trial was announced by Minister for Mental Health Ingrid Stitt and Minister for Equality Vicki Ward, with testing set to be available at the event on Sunday, 8 February. Festival-goers will be able to access free drug checking alongside harm reduction advice.
The Victoria Pride Street Party, part of the annual Midsumma Festival, takes place in Fitzroy and attracts more than 50,000 people each summer. The event features LGBTIQA+ art, live music, performances and community celebrations.
The mobile pill testing service operates confidentially and is staffed by health professionals and trained peers. Alongside testing, workers provide information aimed at helping people better understand what substances may contain and the potential risks involved.
The service is able to test a range of drugs. If a high-risk substance is identified, organisers can issue warnings to attendees using geolocated alerts and signage at the event.
Pill testing has been used at music festivals and major events across Victoria, with the stated aim of reducing drug-related harm and supporting public health efforts. Data gathered through the service also contributes to drug monitoring, allowing for earlier identification of dangerous substances.
Last summer, 10 drug notifications were issued across five events, with two escalating to statewide alerts.
In addition to the Victoria Pride Street Party trial, the Victorian Pill Testing Service’s fixed site in Fitzroy will extend its operating hours over summer. The site will open on Thursdays and Fridays and on additional days in the lead-up to New Year’s Eve.
The expanded access follows a recent drug alert warning of high-dose MDMA circulating in Victoria, prompting renewed attention on harm reduction services.
The Victorian Pill Testing Service is being delivered as part of an 18-month trial by a consortium including Youth Support and Advocacy Service, The Loop Australia and Harm Reduction Victoria.
