Why Tackle Indigenous Smoking?
The Tackling Indigenous Smoking (TIS) program is a nationally recognised program that delivers population health promotion activities, by collaborating with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and stakeholders to reduce tobacco and vape uptake and use, as well as increasing tobacco and vape free spaces. This is done as part of an overall preventative health system to influence healthy lifestyle behaviours amongst priority population groups, as smoking remains the leading preventable cause of death and disease among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
TIS plays a vital role in supporting community-led efforts to:
Reduce smoking and e-cigarette use, and prevent uptake
Promote smoke-free environments in homes, cars, workplaces, and shared spaces
Improve life expectancy for First Nations people
Increase the number of babies born at a healthy birthweight and improved long-term health for the child
Service Locations
We deliver Tackling Indigenous Smoking in the following Cape York communities:
- Kowanyama
- Pormpuraaw
- Aurukun
- Napranum
- Mapoon
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NPA Region
- Lockhart River
- Coen
- Hope Vale
- Laura
- Wujal Wujal
- Bamaga
- Seisia
- Injinoo
- Umagico
- New Mapoon
How the TIS Team Works
Our team includes both FIFO (fly-in fly-out) and local community-based staff. We use best practice and strengths-based approaches to empower individuals and communities to make informed choices to quit smoking or vaping, or to live smoke-free. You’ll find the team at community events, delivering programs at schools and youth groups, yarning at men’s and women’s groups, and talking with staff at community workplaces. We deliver information on:
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Benefits of quitting and/or living smoke and vape free
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Quit support options
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Harms of smoking and vaping
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Nicotine addiction
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Second-hand and third-hand smoke
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Smoke-free environments
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Key Activities and Programs
Smoke and Vape Free Environments
Supporting local organisations and community members to implement smoke and vape free efforts in the workplaces and personal lives
TIS Project Videos
Creating culturally relevant videos, produce music videos and other short form content to with local community members to raise awareness and tobacco and vape control.
Community Engagement
Attending local events and supporting community other led initiatives to connect with community members.
Community Engagement Music Videos
In 2024/25 we partnered with Grand Trine Creative, including artist Dallas Woods from Aria Award winning First Nations hip hop collective 3%, to produce music videos to engage communities across Cape York to really get the message out there - smoking and vaping is no good! Check out the videos on Apunipima’s YouTube Channel, or follow the links below.
