Kathy is forecasting a long, dry October !

Kathy is forecasting a long, dry October all to help her good mate Healthy Harold

Far from being a booze hound, Kathy Bayliss is a moderate drinker who enjoys a glass of wine in the evening. However, since beginning her fundraising quest to stay sober for October, which means abstaining from alcohol for the whole month to raise vital funds for Life Education, Mrs Bayliss has realised how much social drinking is a part of the Australian psyche - and how much she enjoys that glass of wine with her meal!

The nationwide money raiser for Life Education was coined Ocsober and was launched at the beginning of this month. About 3000 Australians die yearly from alcohol abuse. Alcohol is a contributing factor in 50% of sexual and physical violence cases.

Mrs Bayliss, an educator with Life Education QLD, has not touched a drop of alcohol for two weeks. "Everyone who is participating in this fundraiser is having a great liver cleanse," Mrs Bayliss said. Sixty per cent of the money raised by the Bundaberg team, which includes Mrs Bayliss and Member for Bundaberg Jack Dempsey, will stay in Bundaberg to fund the Life Education team that visits the city and surrounding area's primary schools.

"Life Education is a positive health and avoidance of drugs misuse resource for primary school children," Mrs Bayliss said. "The most important reason I'm doing this is because I believe in how powerful the Life Education programs are- how effective and positive they are for young people. "Bundaberg Life Education receives no federal or state funding ... and it's sad to see that for a government that is concerned about our young people binge drinking and obesity issues, they don't fund these vital programs."

The Bundaberg team is desperately seeking sponsors to help them reach their $1000 goal.

To donate to the Bundaberg team or to sign up yourself, visit www.ocsober.com.au

QLD Life Education CEO Michael Fawsitt is also giving up the grog in October for a great cause!

Who else is Ocsobering up?

• LIBBY TRICKET - QLD Olympian
• MICHAEL CLARKE - Australian Cricketer
• LISA WILKINSON - co-host of Channel Nine's Today Show
• CHRISTINE NIXON - NSW Police Commisioner