In honour of World No Tobacco Day, which was on Saturday, 31 May, Darling Downs Health is highlighting the range of completely free resources available to help people quit tobacco and nicotine dependence, including a variety of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) products.
“World No Tobacco Day is a global health awareness day observed every year on 31 May, to draw attention to the harmful and deadly effects of tobacco and nicotine use, and to encourage people to quit for good,” said Jenny Minchell, clinical nurse consultant and credentialled nicotine treatment specialist.
“This year, we encouraged everyone who smokes or vapes to seek support and NRT from the Queensland Quitline service, which provides NRT products, telephone support and counselling for people who have nicotine dependence.”
“Quitline provides a 12-week service where people can access nicotine patches, which can he really helpful. There are lozenges, there are nicotine gums, and we have got a whole range of ways that people can use those products in combinations to help with their nicotine treatment and reduce their dependence.”
The theme for World No Tobacco Day 2025 was ‘Unmasking the Appeal: Exposing Industry Tactics on Tobacco and Nicotine Products’. The theme focused on how the tobacco and nicotine industries use marketing and design to make their products attractive, including youth-targeted vape advertising.
“As well as encouraging and supporting people to quit smoking tobacco, we wanted to raise awareness about the often-overlooked levels of nicotine in vapes and how nicotine dependence can develop gradually, often without people realising it,” Ms Minchell said.
“We know there are a lot of unknown additives and chemicals in vapes, and they are not a safe alternative to smoking, so please consider getting some support from the Quitline.
As part of this theme to unmask the appeal and unveil how bad these illegal products are for the health of the community, the Darling Downs Public Health Unit (DDPHU) is intensifying its efforts to combat the illegal sale of tobacco and vaping products across the region.
“We know smoking is a leading contributor to death and serious disease, which is why enforcement on illicit tobacco is a priority for us as we work to reduce tobacco consumption and help people to quit,” Ms Scott said.
“In the interest of public safety, DDPHU has a responsibility to undertake proactive and targeted responses to breaches of smoking product laws,” Darling Downs Health Chief Executive Annette Scott said.
“The DDPHU enforces Queensland’s public health legislation, which includes taking action to disrupt the retail supply of illicit tobacco, vapes and other products.
“This occurs as part of collaborative action by state and national health, law enforcement and regulation agencies and is considered a priority public health issue.”
“Enforcement action is made possible by vigilant community members doing the right thing and reporting suspected illegal activity.
“If you suspect that tobacco or other nicotine products are being sold illegally, please report it online at www.health.qld.gov.au/public-health/topics/atod/smoking-laws/penalties/reporting-a-possible breach-of-smoking-laws or phone 13 QGOV (13 74 68).”
