Tackling Indigenous Smoking (TIS) is a community-led program dedicated to supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to make positive, smoke-free lifestyle choices. The program combines education, empowerment, and practical support to help individuals reduce or quit smoking, improve overall health and prevent smoking-related illnesses. By engaging with communities in culturally safe and meaningful ways, TIS encourages awareness of the health impacts of smoking while respecting cultural values and traditions.
Smoke-Free Futures Education Program
The Smoke-Free Futures Education Program helps participants understand the harms of tobacco and vaping, empowering them to become community role models who promote smoke-free and vape-free spaces. The program explores the historical introduction of tobacco to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, highlighting its cultural impact and encouraging informed, healthy choices. Participants also learn evidence-bases strategies to support others in quitting and create positive change in their homes, schools and communities.
Junior Program
Strong Choices Start Young
Strong Choices Start Young
Fun and engaging activities teaching:
- Healthy lifestyles
- Smoke-free futures
- Confidence and resilience
- Culture and connection
Senior Program
Real Talk About Smoking & Vaping
Real Talk About Smoking & Vaping
Helping young people:
- Understand the risks
- Challenge social pressures
- Become leaders
- Support healthier communities
COM Project
Create. Lead. Inspire.
Create. Lead. Inspire.
Youth-led projects using:
- Creativity
- Storytelling
- Social campaigns
- Community action
Junior Program
Years 4 to 6
The Junior Smoke-Free Futures Program empowers young people to make positive, healthy choices by promoting smoke-free and vape-free lifestyles from an early age. Designed specifically for primary school students, the program uses engaging, age-appropriate learning experiences that combine education, culture, and fun.
Through the 16-part animated series Smokey Joe the Neighbour, students connect with culturally relevant stories and characters while exploring the impacts of smoking and vaping on themselves, their families, and their communities. Each session includes interactive activities, group discussions, and wellbeing-focused learning that encourages confidence, leadership, and pride in making healthy choices.
Participants will:
- Learn about the history and impact of commercial tobacco on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
- Understand the physical, social, and emotional effects of smoking and vaping
- Explore the harmful chemicals found in cigarettes and vapes
- Build skills and confidence to make healthy, smoke-free choices
- Learn ways to create and support smoke-free and vape-free spaces
- Understand the dangers of second-hand and third-hand smoke exposure
Senior Program
Years 7 to 12
The Senior Smoke-Free Futures Program supports high school students to make informed decisions about their health, wellbeing, and future. Delivered by Goolburri’s Tackling Indigenous Smoking (TIS) team, the program provides culturally safe and relatable education that encourages young people to think critically about smoking, vaping, peer pressure, and social influences.
Through interactive discussions and engaging activities, students build confidence, resilience, and leadership skills while exploring the importance of creating healthier futures for themselves, their families, and their communities.
Participants will:
- Understand the impacts of smoking, vaping, and second-hand smoke
- Learn how commercial tobacco continues to affect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities
- Develop confidence and strategies to make smoke-free and vape-free choices
- Explore peer pressure, social influences, and decision-making skills
- Recognise the benefits of living a healthy, smoke-free lifestyle
- Strengthen leadership skills to support positive community change
Challenge Our Mob, Change Our Message
COM Project
The Challenge Our Mob, Change Our Message (COM) Project gives young people the opportunity to become leaders and advocates for smoke-free and vape-free communities. As part of the Deadly Places, Smoke-Free Spaces campaign, participants work together to design and deliver youth-led projects that promote positive health messages within their school or community.
Projects may include videos, artwork, campaigns, presentations, or other creative initiatives that reflect participants’ knowledge, ideas, and cultural strengths. The program encourages teamwork, creativity, leadership, and community connection while empowering young people to create meaningful change.
Participants will:
- Explore the historical and cultural impacts of tobacco on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
- Understand the health effects and addictive nature of smoking and vaping
- Learn where to access quit support services and resources
- Develop strategies to support others in quitting smoking or vaping
- Promote smoke-free and vape-free environments within their community
- Create a localised smoke-free strategy or awareness project for their school or community
Are the programs free?
Yes. All of our Tackling Indigenous Smoking programs are delivered free of charge, with no service fees involved. Our programs focus on providing education, support, and empowering communities with knowledge to make informed choices.
Who can participate?
Our programs are open to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth, families and community members.
Do schools need a referral?
No referral is required. Schools and organisations can simply contact us directly to make an enquiry or arrange a booking.
Is vaping included in the programs?
Yes. Vaping education is included across all our Tackling Indigenous Smoking resources and presentations.
Contact Us Today.
Phone: (07) 4591 8000
Email: [email protected]
