Message from the Executive Program Lead, Eileen Van Iersel

The past few months have been incredibly busy across the Tackling Indigenous Smoking network, and I want to begin by thanking our funded organisations and the NBPU TIS team for the energy, commitment and collaboration you continue to bring to the program.

In July, we welcomed teams from New South Wales, Queensland and the ACT to our second Jurisdictional Workshop for 2026. It was fantastic to see so many people come together to share their experiences, learn from one another and have important conversations about the opportunities and challenges facing the TIS workforce.

With our Jurisdictional Workshops now complete for the year, I want to thank everyone who attended, presented, facilitated a session or contributed to the conversations. These workshops are shaped by the people in the room, and the knowledge and feedback you share helps NBPU TIS understand where we can provide stronger and more targeted support.

July was also an important reporting period, with teams completing Performance Reports and finalising Activity Work Plans. We recognise the considerable work involved in this process and appreciate the time teams have taken to capture their achievements, challenges and priorities. This information gives us a clearer picture of the work happening nationally and helps demonstrate the impact of the TIS Program.

Our attention now turns to the National TIS CEO Workshop. We know that strong leadership and organisational support are critical to the success of TIS teams. The workshop will bring CEOs and senior leaders together with NBPU TIS, the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, Professor Tom Calma AO and our consortium partners to strengthen understanding of the program and explore how we can continue supporting the TIS workforce.

Importantly, we have used feedback and learnings from the Workshops this year to shape what we deliver.

It has also been wonderful to see TIS teams receiving recognition beyond our program. Congratulations to Apunipima Cape York Health Council on winning Community Clip of the Year at the National Indigenous Music Awards for All The Way From The NPA. I also acknowledge the Geraldton TIS team for its nomination for Barndi Yarraly (Vaping is vicious not delicious) and everyone involved in Voices of Resistance. These projects show the creativity and strength of community led approaches to tobacco and vaping prevention.

As we head into the next part of the year, I encourage everyone to keep sharing your successes, resources and learnings with us. The strength of the TIS Program comes from the people delivering this work in communities across the country, and we are proud to support you.

Thank you again for everything you continue to contribute.

Eileen Van Iersel
Executive Program Lead
National Best Practice Unit Tackling Indigenous Smoking

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