Hi-Ground

Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from Hi-Ground, Brisbane.

Advancing harm reduction and community care across Queensland through education, peer support, and on-the-ground work in music events, nightlife, and the AOD sector. The Hi-Ground Team is a multidisciplinary group of health care workers, social workers and peer educators, who are all passionate about caring for the Queensland and wider Australian drug user community! We hope that by providing a space free from judgement and damaging stigmatisation and instead offering support and harm reduction education we can improve the health and wellbeing of our fellow Queenslanders and broader Australian Community.

07/10/2026

SEPTEMBER HI-Q SNAPSHOT | Queensland = 12 reports

Overdose reports — 2 
1 fatal overdose involving he**in
2 non-fatal overdose reports. One involving substance believed to be methamphetamine, another report involving a combination of he**in and lyrica.

Unusual effect reports — 9
5 methamphetamine reports
3 ketamine reports
1 steroid report

Methamphetamine report:
“Used the same amount as normal, fell asleep shortly after which is not normal. Tested the substance with fentanyl strip which came back positive”

2 additional reports described not being able to move and dissociative effects after using what they believed to be methamphetamine.

Ketamine reports:
3 separate incidents of individuals doing a bump and reporting very strong effects lasting ~4-6 hours and needing care at festival.

Ongoing Concern:
Several overdose and unusual effect reports may indicate unexpected opioid exposure. Multiple people experienced unexpected opioid-like effects after using substances sold as co***ne and methamphetamine – leading to 1 death and 1 SA.

On the 4th of September, CanTEST released their third public drug warning relating to he**in being present in drugs sold as co***ne in recent months

Notice from Victorian Department of Health 1 July 2026: he**in found in methamphetamine. One person died and four other incidents recorded.

In June 2026, NSW Ministry of Health issued a safety notice alerting Health clinicians of ongoing risk of unintentional opioid overdose in patients who were expecting to use co***ne, M**A or methamphetamine

Carry Naloxone – even if you don’t intend to use opioids.

Planning ahead can make a difference.

The QuIVAA Peer Qnect phone line can provide support and help you create a safety plan — you don’t have to do it completely alone. Staying connected and knowing what to do in an emergency can help. 

FREE & CONFIDENTIAL SUPPORT

QuIVAA Peer Qnect 1800 175 889 Mon–Fri, 9am–4pm 

ADIS 1800 177 833 24/7  

Know what’s happening. Stay connected. Plan ahead.

Live in Queensland and want to make a report? Head to our website or hi-q.org.au

30/09/2026

🌀 When the party starts to go a bit sideways…

Sometimes the music is too loud, the lights are too much, your body is telling you to slow down, or you just need a minute to regroup.

Having a few things in your back pocket can make a big difference:

🧊 Find a chill spot
Know where you can step away from the crowd, cool down, breathe and give your nervous system a chance to settle. It can also help to have a designated meeting spot where you and your friends can reconnect if you get separated.

💧 Know where the water is
Knowing where you can access clean drinking water means you don’t have to go searching for it when you need it. Take regular sips, especially if you’re dancing or it’s hot.

🧠 Know what you’re taking
Understanding the effects, dose, duration and risks of different drugs can help you make more informed decisions. Some combinations can be particularly risky, so knowing what not to mix matters too.

🎧 Protect your ears — and your nervous system
Earplugs aren’t just about protecting your hearing. For some neurospicy party people, reducing the volume and sensory input can help take the edge off sensory overload while still letting you enjoy the night.

🌬️ Give yourself permission to pause
Step outside. Sit down. Take some slow breaths. Get some fresh air. Find a familiar face. You don’t have to push through when your body is asking for a break.

And remember: looking after yourself is part of having a good night. 💚

Got a harm reduction tip, sensory hack or little trick that helps you get through a big night out?

Drop it below and share the knowledge 👇

28/09/2026

AUGUST HI-Q SNAPSHOT | Queensland

In August, 9 HI-Q reports were received through QuIVAA.

Overdose reports — 9 

• 3 fatal overdoses, 1 involving a combination of he**in and Lyrica, 1 involving substance believed to be co***ne, 1 involving he**in

• 6 non-fatal overdoses, 1 involving methamphetamine, 2 involving co***ne, 2 involving he**in, 1 involving steroids 

Emerging Concern:
Several overdose reports may indicate unexpected opioid exposure. Three people experienced unexpected opioid-like effects after using substances sold as co***ne - leading to 1 death; another person after smoking what they believed to be methamphetamine. Of the three people who used he**in together, the two survivors reported the he**in was unusually strong.  

On the 4th of September, CanTEST released their third public drug warning relating to he**in being present in drugs sold as co***ne in recent months

Notice from Victorian Department of Health 1 July 2026: he**in found in methamphetamine. One person died and four other incidents recorded.

In June 2026, NSW Ministry of Health issued a safety notice alerting Health clinicians of ongoing risk of unintentional opioid overdose in patients who were expecting to use co***ne, M**A or methamphetamine

Carry Naloxone – even if you don’t intend to use opioids.

Planning ahead can make a difference.

The QuIVAA Peer Qnect phone line can provide support and help you create a safety plan — you don’t have to do it completely alone. Staying connected and knowing what to do in an emergency can help. 

FREE & CONFIDENTIAL SUPPORT

QuIVAA Peer Qnect 1800 175 889 Mon–Fri, 9am–4pm 

ADIS 1800 177 833 24/7  

Know what’s happening. Stay connected. Plan ahead.

 

 

10/09/2026

Mushroom Valley Harm Reduction Hub

We’re excited to once again bring a dedicated Harm Reduction Hub to Mushroom Valley 2026, creating a welcoming, non-judgmental space where festival-goers can access support, information, education and a moment to reset.

This year, The ConsciousNest and Hi-Ground are teaming up to offer a broad range of harm reduction services throughout the festival.

The ConsciousNest will be running a chill-out and support space, providing a calm environment for anyone who needs some time out, a friendly chat or peer-led support. Their community-run approach focuses on creating safe, conscious and positive alternatives within music and festival culture, while supporting people to make informed decisions about their wellbeing.

Hi-Ground will be bringing free harm reduction education and safer partying resources, with a team experienced in social work, alcohol and other drug services and AOD counselling. They’ll be available to have open, honest conversations about alcohol and other drug use, share practical information and help festival-goers better understand and reduce potential risks. We are also running a free training for anyone on site interested in learning about party related harm reduction and overdose prevention/responses. Thursday 7pm @ the hub.

Whether you’re looking for a quiet place to recharge, want to grab some resources, have a question, or simply want to chat with someone without judgement — come and say hi.

We’re here to support safer, healthier and more conscious festival experiences, while recognising that everyone’s journey and choices are different.

Look after yourself. Look after your mates. Stay curious, stay connected and party with care. 🍄

14/08/2026

🚨 COMMUNITY DRUG ALERT | C0CAINE WITH UNEXPECTED OPIOID EFFECTS

We have received reports of fatal and non-fatal overdoses across the Sunshine Coast, Brisbane and Gold Coast after people used cocain€ and experienced unexpected opioid-like effects.

These reports are concerning because people may believe they are taking cocain€, but the substance may contain an unexpected opioid—or may not contain cocain€ at all.

In recent drug-checking services across ACT, NSW and Victoria, some samples sold as cocain€ were found to contain h€roin. In some cases, samples contained h€roin and no cocain€ was detected, suggesting the substance may have been mis-sold.

⚠️ If it’s a new supply — START LOW, GO SLOW.

Even if you are buying from the same person you normally buy from, a new batch can be different.

If you don’t get the effects you normally expect, DO NOT take more.
Unexpected drowsiness, nodding off, slowed or unusual breathing, vomiting or difficulty waking can be signs of opioid exposure or overdose.
If you’re using in a group, avoid everyone taking the substance at the same time.
Where possible, have 1–2 people wait before using so someone is available to respond if there is an unexpected reaction.
Carry naloxone and make sure people around you know where it is and how to use it.

💜 Naloxone isn’t just for people who use opioids.

With increasing reports of unexpected opioids in illicit drugs, people who use powders should consider carrying naloxone too.

You can drop into a QuIHN Needle and Syringe Program (NSP) for free naloxone and training.

🚨 If someone is difficult to wake, unresponsive or not breathing normally:

CALL 000 immediately.
GIVE NALOXONE if available.
START CPR if they are not breathing.

If cocain€ doesn’t produce the effects you expect—or instead makes you unusually sleepy or causes you to “nod off”—don’t assume you need to take more. Stop and treat the unexpected effects seriously.

Start low. Go slow. Stay connected. Carry naloxone.

📞 QuIVAA Peer Qnect: 1800 175 889
Free and confidential peer support
Monday–Friday | 9am–4pm

10/08/2026

🚨 **Community Alert | Opioid overdoses reported in South-West Brisbane**

We are sharing a recent community alert following a serious opioid-related incident in the south-western suburbs of Brisbane this August.

A group of people were using opioids together privately in a home. **Two people survived an overdose, while another person sadly passed away.**

Our thoughts are with everyone affected, including the person’s family, friends and community.

This is an important reminder that overdose can happen to people who have used opioids before and consider themselves experienced users. The effects can be much stronger than expected, particularly when tolerance has changed after a period away from use or when the strength or contents of a drvg are unknown.

# # # If you’re using opioids, think about a safety plan 💜

• Avoid using alone if you can. Stay with someone you trust or arrange regular check-ins.
• Have naloxone available and make sure the people around you know where it is and how to use it.
• If returning to use after a break, remember that tolerance can drop quickly and overdose risk can increase.
• Be extra cautious with a new or unknown supply, as the strength and contents may not be what you expect.
• If you use powders or other illicit drvgs, consider carrying naloxone. Opioids can be present unexpectedly in illicit drugs.

📞 **You don’t have to make a safety plan alone.**

**QuIVAA Peer Qnect** provides free and confidential peer support and can help you think through ways to stay safer and stay connected.

☎️ **1800 175 889**
**Monday–Friday | 9am–4pm**

🚨 Know the signs of overdose

If someone is difficult to wake, unresponsive or not breathing normally:

**Call 000 immediately.**
**Give naloxone if available.**
**Start CPR if they are not breathing.**

Free naloxone and training are available through **QuIHN Needle and Syringe Programs (NSPs).**

No one plans for an overdose. **Having naloxone, knowing what to do and staying connected can make a difference.**

💜 Please share this information with anyone who may benefit from it.

30/07/2026

Harm reduction knowledge is for everyone! We love teaching and running workshops at events. We have a huge range of topics from understanding the basics of harm reduction to a deep dive into providing peer psychedelic care.

Our next event will be Mushroom Valley Festival we can’t wait to return to the lush site in the Cathu State Forest on the Whitsunday coast.

We will be there with our education and harm reduction supplies stall and offering free training pre event to all staff, volunteers and attendees!

If you run an event in Queensland and interested in training or educational workshops for your team please reach out!

💚

29/07/2026

What do you do if your friend is feeling unwell after using cannabis or a THC product? 🌿

Most people recover with time, but it can sometimes cause anxiety, panic, dizziness, vomiting, confusion, or, particularly with edibles or high-THC products, stronger-than-expected effects.

Here’s how you can help:

💚 **Stay with them** – Reassure them that the effects will pass and don’t leave them alone.

🪑 **Move to a calm, safe place** – Sit or lie them down somewhere cool, quiet, and away from crowds.

💧 **Offer small sips of water** – Help them stay comfortable, but don’t force them to drink large amounts.

🌬️ **Encourage slow, steady breathing** – If they’re anxious or panicking, staying calm yourself can help them feel calmer too.

🚫 **Don’t encourage them to use more substances** – Avoid alcohol or other drvgs, which can make things worse.

🍎 **If they’re able to eat,** a light snack may help if they haven’t eaten for a while.

🚑 **Call emergency services immediately if they:**

* Become difficult to wake or unresponsive
* Have trouble breathing
* Have a seizure
* Experience chest pain
* Become extremely confused, violent, or are at risk of harming themselves or others
* Continue vomiting and can’t keep fluids down

If you’re ever unsure, it’s always okay to ask event first aid, medical staff, or call emergency services. It’s better to get help early than wait until someone becomes seriously unwell.

23/07/2026

⚠️ Hi-Q Summary Report | Overdoses & Unexpected Effects!

We’ve received multiple reports of unexpected and concerning effects from drvgs sold as m€th, cocain€ and h€roin, with some people describing opioid-like, k€tamine-like or unusual psychedelic effects.

Most concerning, all people who overdosed on opioids were experienced users who said the effects were much stronger than expected. We lost three mothers.

We’ve also received reports of:
• M€th causing people to “go on the nod”, vomit, and experience headaches and tingling sensations.
• Suspected f€ntanyl or other opioid contamination in m€th, causing sleepiness, nausea, migraines and vomiting.
• Cocain€ producing effects more like k€tamine.
• Unexpected psychedelic-like effects after using h€roin.
• Severe adverse effects after using a substance purchased online.

⚠️ Tolerance warning. Three people who overdosed had recently returned to using after a break. Even a short period without using can significantly reduce tolerance and increase overdose risk. All three people were reported being alone when using.

If you’re using:
• Avoid using alone if you can.
• Let someone you trust know you’ll be using.
• Carry naloxone and make sure people around you know how to use it.
• Start with a much smaller amount, especially after a break or when using a new supply.
• Test drugs where possible using reagent kits and f€ntanyl test strips.
• Follow other state drvg checking services across ACT, VIC and NSW for info.

📞 Need support? The QuIVAA Peer Qnect phone line can help you create a safety plan so you don’t have to navigate things alone.

🚨 Know the signs of overdose. If someone is difficult to wake, not breathing normally, or unresponsive:
• Call 000 immediately.
• Start CPR if they’re not breathing.
• Administer naloxone if available.

With increasing reports of unexpected opioids in illicit drugs, people who use powders—not just opioids—should consider carrying naloxone. You can collect free naloxone and training from your local QuIHN Needle and Syringe Program.

☎️ QuIVAA Peer Qnect: 1800 175 889
Monday–Friday | 9:00am–4:00pm

Please share this alert to help keep our communities informed and safe.

21/07/2026

Multiple choice harm reduction questions at a party, let’s go!!!

**❤️ What to Do if Your Mate Isn’t Doing Well After Taking MD/\/\A**?!?

I hope we all know the answer definitely isn’t a cheeky butt smack!!

Knowing what to do in an emergency can save a life.

🚩 **Warning signs include:**

* Very high body temperature or hot, dry skin
* Confusion, agitation, or unusual behaviour
* Difficulty breathing
* Seizures
* Excessive sweating and/or vomiting
* Collapsing or becoming unresponsive

**If they’re unwell:**
✅ Stay with them—don’t leave them alone.
✅ Move them to a cool, shaded or air-conditioned space.
✅ Help them cool down by removing excess clothing and using cool water or wet towels.
✅ If they’re awake and able to swallow, encourage small sips of water—don’t force fluids.
✅ Find out if they are on any medications that might be having a negative reaction with it.
✅ Get help from event medical staff or call **000** immediately if symptoms are severe or you’re unsure.

⚠️ If they’re unconscious but breathing, place them in the recovery position. If they’re not breathing normally, call **000** and start CPR if you’re trained or guided by the operator.

Remember: Getting help sooner rather than later could save a mates life. 💙

Address

Brisbane, QLD

Website

http://www.hi-ground.org/, https://linktr.ee/higround_qld

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Hi-Ground posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Featured

Australian Leadership Skills Centre
320 Adelaide Street
QCE Tutors
67, Springwood Road, Springwood