I haven't had a month off alcohol for a few years so I thought it might be time. FebFast, the original fundraiser of its kind in Australia, is now in its third year. It's annual education, awareness and fundraising campaign invites people to participate in a booze-free February, and at the same time raise funds to support organisations working in research, prevention and service delivery concerning the use of alcohol and other drugs by young people. This year's proceeds from registration payments and fundraising go towards the Australian Drug Foundation, Mater Kids in Mind, ADAWS (Qld), Ted Noffs Foundation (NSW & ACT), Youth Substance Abuse Service (Vic) and FebFast's grants program for smaller grass-roots organisations.

Wish me luck. I am partial to a pinot noir, so it's going to have to wait til March to be brought out again. I'm looking forward to being booze free actually. When I do have a week off here and there my skin loves it, as do the scales, not to mention a happy liver.

We do have a drinking culture here in Australia, something that's really evident when you go to Europe. Folks aren't getting absolutely trashed when they go out. They drink moderately and stay out all night, dancing, eating, talking. Their social culture always impresses me. By doing FebFast I hope we can show others that you can have a good time without alcohol always being involved.

Check out there website if you're thinking about getting involved. Go on. It's for two good causes - charity and you. www.fabfast.com.au