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August 2025
Sharing the latest information on tobacco, and stories for community, health and corrective services
Tackling Tobacco Success
We proudly wrapped up the first round of Tackling Tobacco with a heart-warming celebration alongside some incredible partner organisations.
Thanks to Homeless Healthcare, Oseca, Richmind WA, MIFWA, SHIFT - Mission Australia, and Wungening Aboriginal Corporation. The celebration event was an opportunity to reflect on our shared successes, including:
- Installation of smoke-and vape-free signage.
- Distribution of printed quit resources to support clients.
- Ongoing conversations about the crucial role community services play in helping people quit for good.
- Discussions on how we can improve the program moving forward ensuring our efforts continue to meet the needs of the community.
We are proud of the commitment each organisation has shown to address tobacco and vaping at their service. We recognise that the work of community service organisations goes far beyond prevention, and we congratulate these organisations for making the health and wellbeing of clients a priority, by providing a supportive environment for clients and staff to quit.
Welcome New Tackling Tobacco Partners
Congratulations to the successful Tackling Tobacco Partners who have committed to make real change in the lives of their clients.
Over the next 12 months Cancer Council WA will be supporting 6 organisations. The Tackling Tobacco team is excited to begin projects in the Great Southern and Southwest of WA.
The Evidence About Vapes Is In
A major new report from the Clinical Oncology Society of Australia (COSA) has found that using e-cigarettes/vapes is likely to cause cancer, particularly lung and mouth cancers.
The report pulls together research from a wide range of health experts and shows growing evidence that vaping damages DNA, weakens the immune system, and causes inflammation, all of which can lead to cancer over time.
COSA is calling this a “call to action”, urging stronger regulations and public awareness to help reduce vaping, especially among young people. They also highlight the need for clear messaging to support people to quit and stay smoke-free.
A full position statement is on the way, but the message is already clear: vaping is not risk-free — and it could have serious long-term health consequences.
Vaping Rates Drop
Youth vaping is on the decline in Australia. Young people say that vaping is less appealing and the products are harder to get. Cancer Council NSW's Generation Vape report shows a downward trend in youth vaping rates and access to vapes.
There's also been a reduced rate in the uptake of starting the habit.
“Before it used to be more like cooler, like… I don’t know. I guess, like I don’t know, more fun and exciting but now it’s just like kind of like gross now.” (17-year-old, Male, Regular vape user).
Continued enforcement, education and media efforts, and support for quitting are essential to continue the positive outcomes.
NAIDOC Moort Day 2025
This year’s NAIDOC theme “The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy” was brought to life through community connection, education, and empowerment with Wungening Aboriginal Corporation.
We were proud to be part of the celebrations, where attendees had the chance to:
☁️ Use a Smokerlyzer to check their carbon monoxide levels
🎉 Get some fun stickers
👋 Meet Jeff the Diseased Lung (he made quite the impression!)
📚 Pick up helpful quit smoking resources
These small but powerful interactions spark bigger conversations about health, healing, and the future we’re building together.
New Cigarette Pack Warnings Have Changed
A fresh update to tobacco products has been rolled out, featuring bold new health warnings on the outside, health messages on each cigarette stick and supportive, quit-focused messages on the inside.
These changes are part of a broader national effort to prevent smoking uptake and encourage those who already smoke to quit. Each pack now includes motivational messages and direct links to Quitline services, offering guidance and support at every step.
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The “Tackling Tobacco” program name and trademarks are owned by Cancer Council NSW and are used by Cancer Council WA, under licence from Cancer Council NSW.