Remember that New Year’s Resolution you made to drink less in 2011?

Now you can recommit to that goal when Oc-sober kicks off for another year.

Brock Taylor reports.

TRANSCRIPT

It’s enough to make beer drinkers sick to their stomach.

But ultimately giving up the grog for Ocsober may help to prevent more serious illnesses.

Michael Fawsitt, CEO Life Education Queensland: “Well Ocsober’s vital because it provides funding for drug and health and alcohol education programs in schools right across Australia.”

Three of Queensland’s brightest young sporting stars joined the cause today, vowing to stay off the drink for the whole of October.

They poured out the average amount of alcohol an Australian consumes in just one month.

Amy Steel, Australian Netballer: “I like to have a glass of wine here and there definitely, but I think giving it up for a worthy cause makes it worthwhile. I think it’s great as role models that we get to show people that you don’t need to drink to have fun.”

Titans fullback Jordan Rankin has personal motivation to be a part of Ocsober.

Jordan Rankin, Gold Coast Titans: “I’ve had my own personal troubles with family and friends involved with alcohol and drugs so it’s well worth it and I’ll definitely be going the month without alcohol that’s for sure.”

Australian Cricket Captain Michael Clarke is also an Oc-sober ambassador.

Participants can purchase “leave passes” for one or two days, to allow them to drink whilst still contributing to the fund.

Chris Lynn, Queensland Bullls: “The only hard time will be after a Queensland victory but I’m sure I might use a leave pass which is also donating into a good cause.”

Ocsober coincides with the start of the drinking season, as most Australians wind down at the end of a long year.

Michael Fawsitt: “Following October it’s the worst time of the year for alcohol abuse. We come to Schoolies and then Christmas and New Year, where alcohol consumption goes through the roof. So this is a very timely reminder that we should be looking at alcohol consumption and being careful and being responsible.”

Organisers are hoping to raise enough money to ensure the Life Education message can continued be delivered to 115,000 Queensland children.

Brock Taylor, QUT News.