Celebrating 30 years of Quitline: A milestone in smoking and now vaping cessation

“If we’d known a generation ago what we now know about smoking, cigarettes would never have been allowed onto the market, and millions of lives would have been saved worldwide. We now have that opportunity with vaping. If we can prevent a new generation of young people from getting hooked on nicotine, then why wouldn’t we? Industry groups who say otherwise should be called out for putting profit before people, and dollars ahead of health,” Rachael Andersen, Quit Director. 

As we celebrate an important Quitline milestone, we reflect on the lives transformed over the last 30 years and how the Quitline has adapted to tackle the current vaping epidemic.   

For over 30 years, our dedicated team of qualified counsellors has continued to provide personalised advice and support to thousands of individuals on their journey to end their dependence on nicotine, one of the most addictive drugs.   

When the Quitline first launched in the 1990s, daily smoking rates sat around 24 per cent. Today, thanks to policy changes, public health campaigns and initiatives like the Quitline, daily smoking rates amongst adults has now fallen to below 11 per cent.  

Recently, we sat down with a few of our longest-serving counsellors to discuss what Quitline means to them, the changes they have witnessed over the years, and what they hoped to see in the future for Quitline’s clients. The below video showcases the extraordinary dedication and sincerity our Quitline counselling team are known for.  

'I hope that people continue to master the enormous challenge of being free from addiction and that, overall, they master it in enough numbers that I'll be out of the job one day, because the smoking and vaping rate will fall so low that I will no longer be needed.' - Trent, Quitline Counsellor since 2003. 

Throughout its history, Quitline has continued to adapt to the changing needs of people dependent on nicotine. There are now a variety of ways to connect with Quitline services, including WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger, the introduction of a ‘request a call back’ service and even live chat on our website.    

So that more people can be supported to quit, translation services for languages other than English are available, and a newly-launched Aboriginal Quitline is providing culturally sensitive support to mob.  

But the Quitline’s work is never done. As the tobacco industry continues to innovate so must we, and thanks to support from our generous donors, we’re able to do just that. The Quitline is continuously innovating in helping people to stop smoking and vaping in the face of persistent and manipulative tactics employed by the tobacco industry. This is why it is critical that we continue to educate and support all Victorians on the importance of quitting smoking and vaping. 

Quitline counsellors are armed with years of knowledge and experience and are prepared to tackle the growing issue of vaping. Thanks to the ongoing support of people like you who share our vision, we’re working to overcome new obstacles and create healthier, smoke and vape-free environments for all.