By Clyde Mooney
Drinkwise, the not-for-profit organisation dedicated to promoting a healthier and safer drinking culture in Australia has appointed former 'Oarsome Foursome' gold medal-winning Olympian, Mike McKay, as its new CEO.
McKay has a strong background in health and business, and takes up the position February 13.
"Through my sporting and health interests and as a Sport Australia Hall of Fame Ambassador, I've seen the good and the bad of Australians' attitude towards
drinking," he said.
DrinkWise chair and former Liberal member for Adelaide, the Hon. Trish Worth, told TheShout McKay will bring a wealth of experience.
"I think he will be a really good fit for the role," said Worth.
McKay is settling into new digs in Canberra and declined to comment further before taking up the chair.
DrinkWise initiates national information and education campaigns, partnerships with community leaders and organisations, and develops strategies and resources to better support the community in relation to alcohol use and misuse.
The organisation has been an active participant in public awareness campaigns such as Get the Facts and the awarding of grants to tackle alcohol-associated problems.
The most recent Drinkwise Australia consumer campaign has been a joint venture with Pernod Ricard’s Jacob’s Creek called The Wine Line, which is aimed at educating consumers on the amount of alcohol they are consuming.
According to Pernod Ricard marketing director, Glen Brasington, the campaign includes helpful information for consumers such as that a 150ml glass of wine equates to 1.5 standard drinks, not one standard drink as often thought.
The campaign began during the recent Jacob’s Creek sponsorship of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne and is supported by a digital advertising and social media campaign that also features Drinkwise’s logo and web URL.