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The Good Mates Guide

Monday, 3 October 2011 - 8:10am

Getting through the night without a fight is the aim of a new campaign that targets the 18-30 year old age group.

An initiative of Tasmania Police and the State Government, The Good Mates Guide, incorporates the use of Facebook and a phone application called Mate Minder in a bid to reduce alcohol-fuelled violence and communicate practical skills to lessen the likelihood of becoming a victim.

“While recent statistics have shown that public place assaults are being reduced in Tasmania, it’s something that we continue to work on further improving,” said Acting Assistant Commissioner Glenn Frame.

“In 2009-10, 46 per cent of public place assault victims were aged between 18 and 30; that’s nearly half of all public place assault victims.

“The Good Mates Guide and Mate Minder aim to empower the target group to change their behaviour when they are out at night.

“It gives them commonsense, practical advice without the taint of authority and has an engaging, positive and high energy tone and manner designed to appeal directly to youth,” Mr Frame said.

The Minister for Police and Emergency Management, David O’Byrne, said The Good Mates Guide campaign had been developed so that it is relevant to the target group, many of whom use Facebook and have an iPhone.

“While most in this age group are aware of the dangers of alcohol-fuelled violence, The Good Mates Guide, through Facebook and the Mate Minder phone application, give instant advice on how to protect yourself and your mates when out on the town and how to avoid becoming involved in a fight or becoming the victim of random violence,” said Mr O’Byrne.

The Facebook page will include discussion boards and encourage members to submit their own Good Mates Guide tips. A Ladies Lounge will allow women to share their thoughts, tips and experiences about going out and getting home safely while a Close Calls area allows members to share experiences of how they have removed themselves from unwanted situations. A poster and coaster series can also be found on this page

Mate Minder, which is a free application for iPhone, uses GPS to allow people to keep track of their mates on a map in real time and avoid numerous “where are you?” phone calls. The application is secure and does not allow unauthorised access from strangers.

“Mate Minder is the easy way to look after your mates during a night out on the town,” said Mr O’Byrne.

“You can add as many friends as you want when you’re heading out for the night and then set your active party time and check-in reminders. The application has a ‘Come Find Me’ function if you require assistance from your mates and also a function to let your mates know that you have made it safely home at the end of the night,” he said.

The campaign includes advertising on television and Metro buses, a series of posters, coasters and take-away food bags that provide safety messages and encourage interaction with The Good Mates Guide on Facebook, and the iPhone application Mate Minder.

“The support given to this campaign by the numerous stakeholders reflects their willingness to take a stand on the issue of alcohol-fuelled violence, and demonstrates a commitment to our youth and to making the Tasmanian community an even safer place,” said Mr O’Byrne.

Sponsors and supporters of The Good Mates Guide campaign:

  • Tasmanian Hospitality Association
  • Metro Tasmania
  • Neighbourhood Watch
  • The Federal Group
  • Devonport City Council
  • Burnie City Council
  • Hobart City Council
  • Clarence City Council
  • University of Tasmania
  • The Mercury
  • The Advocate
  • The Examiner
  • Southern Cross
  • Knopwood’s Retreat
  • Clemenger Tasmania.