Background: The smoking rate within Victorian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities is around 52%. Challenges to reducing this include that smoking continues to be a cultural norm and is perceived as a right of passage. Whilst many smokers within the broader community access Quit's cessation programs including Quitline and Fresh Start courses, representation from the Indigenous community is still very low.

Strategy: Quit Victoria conducts smoking cessation training to Victorian Aboriginal Health Services, that aims to assist Aboriginal health workers and other professionals implement cessation intervention programs as part of their routine practice. This training focuses on the health effects of smoking, 5As training, motivational interviewing and smokefree homes and environments. Quit also offers Educator training to Aboriginal health workers or people who work within the Indigenous community to enable Quit's cessation course to be conducted in the community in an appropriate way. Evaluation of Quit's training programs indicates that participants find them relevant and effective in increasing their confidence in addressing cessation with their community. A fax referral process to Quitline in incorporated to provide ongoing support when needed. Quitline counsellors undertake cultural awareness training to increase their understanding of difficulties experienced by the Indigenous community and guidelines have been developed for Indigenous callers.

Conclusion: Quit Victoria provides on-going support to increase the focus on smoking cessation within Aboriginal health services for the long-term health of the Indigenous community. Quit's Aboriginal Project will continue to provide training and promote Quitline services to the community.