This digital repository has been created to showcase the history and evolution of the Tackling Indigenous Smoking (TIS) Program. The repository documents the innovative strategies, community-driven initiatives, and significant outcomes of the program.
We tell the powerful story of the program from humble beginnings to the internationally recognised population health promotion program of today. We hope you will be inspired by this story of Indigenous leadership, and the impact it has made on the health and well-being of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across Australia.
The Tackling Indigenous Smoking and Healthy Lifestyle (TIS&HL) Program was established in 2010 as part of the 'Closing the Gap' initiative. Funded by the Australian Government, the program was designed to address smoking-related health issues and chronic diseases by promoting healthy behaviours and reducing smoking prevalence in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population. Driven from the ground up, the program is a unique example of the effectiveness of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership and self-determination for successfully addressing inequities of health.
The program has evolved over time in response to stakeholder feedback and on the ground evaluation. In 2015, the program was renamed the Tackling Indigenous Smoking (TIS) program to reflect an increased focus on commercial tobacco use as the leading cause of illness and death for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The program continues today under this name and current program activities can be explored on the TIS website.
The TIS Program is recognised across Australia (and internationally) as an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander led program working to reduce the prevalence of tobacco use. Funded teams are based mainly in community-controlled health organisations. The Program’s success is underpinned by the following principes:
Applying these principles of action, the program has contributed significantly to reducing smoking prevalence. Before the program was launched in 2010, more than half (54.4%) of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population smoked daily (Maddox et al., 2020). In 2022/23 this figure had reduced to 34.1%.
Professor Calma AO is a respected Kungarakan Elder and Iwaidja man of the Northern Territory, living on Ngunnawal Country (Canberra). His long and distinguished career has included roles in social justice, community development and academia. A strong voice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, Professor Calma’s Social Justice report (2005) set the ‘Closing the Gap’ initiative in motion.
Professor Calma has also been the TIS program’s National Coordinator since its launch in 2010. Professor Calma is a strong advocate for the program and provides clear leadership, strategic direction and practical advice to support the ongoing advancement of the TIS program.
Watch Tom Calma's interview
Associate Professor Maddox (Modewa Clan, Papua New Guinea) is a leading Indigenous researcher based in the Yardu Walani centre at the ANU. His program of research focuses on better understanding and improving Indigenous health and wellbeing, including mental, emotional, spiritual and physical health. This research program includes a strong focus on commercial tobacco use and associated harms.
Associate Professor Maddox has a long association with the TIS program, having played a key role in the initiation of the program during his time working in the Australian Federal Government. This connection continues today with Associate Professor Maddox’s leadership of the TIS program impact evaluation during his time working in the Australian Federal Government.
Watch Raglan Maddox's interview
The artwork showcased across this website, embodies the repository’s mission to highlight the powerful history and success of the TIS program. The artwork features several cultural symbols that represent key elements of the TIS program.
At the centre, the sun symbolises growth and renewal, while the moon signifies the cycles and passage of time, reflecting the program's journey. Footprints along rivers illustrate TIS teams' outreach to communities. Finally, the outer circles represent the diverse communities across Australia.
Richie Allan, Ngunnawal Cultural Knowledge Holder, was commissioned to create this piece for the Tackling Indigenous Smoking (TIS) Digital Repository project. Richie is a Ngunnawal Kamilaroi custodian born in Ngunnawal Country and raised on both Ngunnawal and Kamilaroi Country. Richie is a highly respected Cultural man with decades of experience.
We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the lands and waters of Australia. We respect all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and their customs and their beliefs.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that this website may contain images, voices and names of people who have passed away. If your TIS team has materials on the repository featuring deceased individuals that you'd like removed, please contact the NBPU TIS.
Tackling Indigenous Smoking
info@tacklingindigenoussmoking.com.au
1800 662 447 (1800 NO CIGS) – Toll free
