Federal Member for Cowper Luke Hartsuyker has urged North Coast residents to make their first port of call the Smartraveller website, in light of a new national awareness and advertising campaign launched last month. The new Smartraveller advertising campaign will feature TV, digital, print and social media advertisements and a new Smartraveller smartphone application for android devices which complement the existing iPhone application. “Overseas holidays can be a great adventure, but also a whole lot of trouble, if you don’t do your research and protect yourself,” Mr Hartsuyker said. “Now is the time when many North Coast residents plan and book their summer holiday vacations overseas, so make sure you visit the Smartraveller website as your first port of call,” Mr Hartsuyker said. “Be informed, be prepared and check the Smartraveller website. The new national advertising campaign educates travellers to know the local laws, get insurance and be aware of the health risks of the country you are traveling to. “Almost 10 million trips were taken by Australians in the last financial year, and so many things can go wrong if you don’t research beforehand and arm yourself with the facts – and comprehensive insurance,” Mr Hartsuyker said. Mr Hartsuyker said the number of Australians seeking consular assistance continued to rise with many cases preventable with the right preparation, planning and purchase of comprehensive travel insurance. “When Australians travel without adequate preparation, or make irresponsible choices, there can be very serious consequences for themselves and their family,” Mr Hartsuyker said. For more information about Smartraveller visit smartraveller.gov.au To see the advertising campaign visit www.youtube.com/user/dfat