Article
June 27, 2025
Message from the National Program Manager NBPU TIS, Eileen Van Iersel
That’s a wrap on the 2025 Tackling Indigenous Smoking (TIS) Workers Workshop in Darwin. The energy and knowledge sharing that filled every room across our time together is a reminder of what this program represents, not just the work we do, but the collective spirit in which we do it. There were over 300 attendees, of which over 25% have been in the TIS workforce for over 5 years.
Thank you to all those who travelled from every corner of the country. Your commitment to showing up, sharing your experiences, presenting your community led solutions, and actively listening to your peers is what makes this gathering so impactful. It’s no small task to leave your communities and programs behind, but it is this shared investment that continues to push our movement forward.
We heard powerful stories, learned about innovative strategies and reconnected with the core purpose of the TIS program: empowering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to live smoke-free. From breakout sessions to yarning circles, and those in between moments over coffee, the value of this face-to-face time cannot be overstated.
It was exciting to see the many pathways taken toward achieving our shared goal, ranging from high impact projects to smaller, community led initiatives. What stood out was the depth of respect and cultural sophistication underpinning each approach. From dynamic dance sessions with Bush Fit Mob and the community driven Flip the Vape campaign by the Koori Way, to moving moments like hearing Jason from Miwatj speak in his fourth language, I was genuinely in awe.
I want to extend my thanks to the National Best Practice Unit Tackling Indigenous Smoking (NBPU TIS) team, whose tireless work behind the scenes made this workshop not only possible, but exceptional. The commitment to this was evident in every element of the Workshop. It is with these moments, where challenges are met with laughter and late nights are fuelled by shared purpose, that our team spirit truly shines.
2025 Workshop was a celebration of the ongoing journey we all share in reducing tobacco-related harm in our communities. I left feeling inspired, recharged and honoured to be part of this extraordinary network.
Until next time, keep up the vital work, and keep looking after one another.
Eileen Van Iersel
National Program Manager NBPU TIS