Following CIRCA鈥檚 evaluation, the program strengthened its focus on population-level health promotion. Efforts were also directed towards activities targeting priority population groups, including pregnant women and people living in remote communities. In addition, the program committed to building the capacity of the TIS workforce to more effectively reduce the impact of smoking in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
During this funding period, the TIS program鈥檚 objectives were to:
The revised program was guided by the following key principles focuse on flexibility, collaboration, and measurable outcomes:
Program delivery continued to be provided primarily through 37 regional teams, funded to deliver locally tailored, evidence-based, tobacco control activities. Host organisations were mostly, but not exclusively, community-controlled health services.
Innovation grants were discontinued but other key TIS program components were retained, including:
Four new elements were added in the 2018鈥�2021 fuding period:
During this period, 37 organisations were funded across all states and territories representing a mix of urban, regional and remote locations to broaden program reach.
TIS teams worked closely with communities to plan and deliver tailored, culturally relevant activities that reflected local priorities.
Teams ensured community engagement, maintained a regular presence, and used strength-based approaches to support positive change. Activities reported during this iteration:
Social marketing campaigns were delivered using a range of media to reach community members and target audiences. This included the production and airing of television, radio, newspaper, and billboard advertisements.
Social media activities provided a good way of reaching target audiences with Facebook the most popular. Specialised content was created to engage audiences and spread key tobacco control messages
Community education was provided through information stalls and health education sessions for a variety of community groups. Sessions were delivered both face-to-face and online to increase accessibility and reach.
Community engagement remained a core focus, with TIS teams organising and participating in a wide range of community events 鈥� including comedy events, sporting events, festivals, NAIDOC events, bingo and film nights. They also partnered with local organisations such as schools, sports clubs, and correctional facilities to promote TIS messages and support smoke-free living.
Development and distribution of resources during this period included brochures, fact sheets, videos and posters created to support TIS activities and raise awareness. One example was the Bubup milestone cards (2021) developed by Dandenong & District Aborigines Co-Operative to provide culturally appropriate messages about smoking and maternal health to new mums.
TIS website (previously the TIS Portal) translates research into plain language, making it easy for TIS staff to access and use in their programs. The website provides access to information about the program and eligible activities, research papers, conference presentations, evidence-based activities and resources that TIS staff can use directly or adapt for their activities.
TIS newsletter shares strategies, successes, and challenges from TIS teams. It also keeps teams updated on the latest developments in tobacco control
Jurisdictional workshops and training sessions are conducted in-person and online to share learnings, challenges, and evidence-based best practices. Summaries of these sessions are posted on the TIS website for ongoing reference.
TIS Facebook page provides a space for teams to share information, support each other, and engage in peer learning. Both the NBPU and TIS teams use the page to promote opportunities and resources.
CIRCA assessed how effectively best-practice, evidence-based activities were implemented, examined the extent to which program objectives were achieved, and identified opportunities for improvement. CIRCA鈥檚 recommendations to enhance the program鈥檚 impact included:
The ANU team analysed existing data and collected new information to measure changes in smoking behaviours, participation in tobacco control programs, and smoking-related attitudes and beliefs. The evaluation also explored how culture, trauma, and experiences of racism influence smoking and engagement with tobacco control efforts.
The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the delivery of TIS program activities in 2020 and 2021. Restrictions on movement and in-person contact limited community engagement and education activities, and in some cases, service resources and TIS team members were redeployed to respond to the pandemic. Despite these challenges, TIS teams made meaningful progress toward program objectives.
To adapt, teams greatly expanded social marketing and social media activities, which became the primary channels for reaching communities. These strategies proved effective in maintaining engagement, opened new opportunities for communication, and helped teams develop new skills.
During this period e-cigarette use (vaping) became an increasing concern, particularly among young people. In response to public health concerns, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) announced that from 1 October 2021, nicotine for use in e-cigarettes would require a prescription. This applied to nicotine e-cigarettes, nicotine pods, and liquid nicotine.
At a national level, the introduction of the was an important milestone for the program. It recognises ending the tobacco epidemic as a priority for all Australian governments and reflects strong public support for measures to reduce tobacco-related harm.
Under this strategy the Australian Government has committed to reducing smoking rates among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to 27% or less by 2030.
Complementary policy at the state and territory level included the NSW Health Tobacco Strategy Work Plan 2019鈥�2021 and the Northern Territory Tobacco Action Plan 2019鈥�2023 (detailed below).
supports the , with actions focused on addressing smoking in priority populations, protecting people from second-hand smoke, and integrating smoking cessation into routine clinical practice.
aims to improve health outcomes by reducing tobacco-related harms through comprehensive tobacco control strategies.
Tackling Indigenous Smoking
info@tacklingindigenoussmoking.com.au
1800 662 447 (1800 NO CIGS) 鈥� Toll free
