Regional teams tackling tobacco

Kungarakan and Iwaidja man Jethro Calma-Holt couldn’t be prouder of his job as a Tobacco Action and Healthy Lifestyle worker.

Based at the Mungabareena Aboriginal Corporation in Wodonga, Victoria, Jethro works to engage and educate the local community on the harmful effects of smoking and the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

“I’ve always wanted to work in Aboriginal health and give back to my people,” Jethro said.

“When the opportunity came up to join the programme I didn’t think twice. I hope the knowledge I share makes a difference to at least one person a day.”

There are currently six Tackling Smoking and Healthy Lifestyle regional teams operating across Australia.

Jethro is part of the Hume Regional Team, which delivers education sessions at schools, gives presentations at community events, engages people online through social media, and works with community members by providing referral pathways.

“Smoking is the cause of many illnesses for our community members and the most preventable cause of early death for our mob,” Jethro said.

“Not only does smoking affect the smoker, but it also affects the health of family members and friends that are exposed to the second and third hand smoke. It can ruin lives in many different ways including financial difficulties, health risks and social exclusion.”

Jethro encourages anyone trying to quit smoking to talk to their local Aboriginal health worker, nurse or doctor, or call the Quitline.

“It takes five minutes doesn’t hurt or cost anything, and can be one of the best choices you make for yourself and your family.”