Tobacco Reduction Research Project

One of Outback Stores’ key priorities is to make a positive difference in the health and wellbeing of communities. This is achieved by focusing on key health priorities such as sugar and tobacco reduction, and implementing strategies that will support the improved health and wellbeing of communities.

Outback Stores, in collaboration with Flinders University, has developed a tobacco reduction research project. This project focuses on five central desert stores to initiate conversations and engage with community members on how we can reduce tobacco use in remote areas.

Tobacco Education Event

Last month, Carmel, our Health Promotion Coordinator along with Flinders University, and the Tackling Indigenous Smoking (TIS) team from Anyinginyi Health Aboriginal Corporation had the opportunity to host an inaugural tobacco education event at Mirnirri Store in Ali Curung (NT).

This community event was aimed at providing an opportunity to get together to learn about tobacco reduction and have conversations on what strategies the community members think would work for their community, such as having a Tobacco Education Day.

Leading up to the event, there was communication with key collaborators including the Tackling Indigenous Smoking Team (TIS), store directors and managers, Flinders University, and members of the internal Outback Stores team around tobacco reduction.

Objectives of the Day

The objectives of the Tobacco Education Day are to provide education around the positive health effects of quitting, promote engagement from community members, and to allow feedback to support us to develop strategies that will be suitable for the community.

How the Day Went

The Tackling Indigenous Smoking Team had a lot of interaction with both the younger generation and older community members. They spoke about the different stages your body goes through when you start smoking. Tests were also conducted on the adults to see how much nicotine is in their body.

Overall, the day was a successful one, with all members walking away with giveaways from the TIS team, as well as some vouchers that could be used in store. Mirnirri store was kept busy with the flow of community members attending the event, who remained for a BBQ and fresh fruit.