Support for Aboriginal people
Ready to yarn about quitting? Call Quitline on 13 7848 and ask to speak to an Aboriginal counsellor.
When is Quitline open?
- Monday – Friday: 8:00am to 8:00pm.
- Saturday: 9am to 5pm.
- Sunday and Public Holidays: Closed.
What is Aboriginal Quitline?
Aboriginal Quitline is a free* and confidential phone service run by Mob for Mob. Aboriginal counsellors are available to support Aboriginal people who smoke and/or vape. Aboriginal Quitline is available to parents, families and carers of Aboriginal people who smoke and/or vape for information and support. Aboriginal Quitline is a culturally safe shame-free service. Our counsellors are Vanessa, Tamara, Wayne and Emma. We respect Men’s and Women’s Business. You can ask to speak with a male or female Aboriginal counsellor.
What does Aboriginal Quitline offer for Mob?
- Free one-on-one telephone counselling and information
- Male and female Aboriginal counsellors with previous quit experience
- Culturally safe yarns
- A confidential and non-judgemental service
- Practical tips and support to increase your chances of quitting
- One-off support as needed or a series of sessions
- Support when it’s needed - our counsellors are available 7 days a week
Kerindy and Tamara tell us why it’s important for Mob to quit smoking
Do I need a referral?
No, you don't need a referral! You can call us anytime during opening hours. After hours leave us a message with your name and phone number and we will call you back. Don’t forget to mention if you’d like to yarn with an Aboriginal counsellor.
If you call Quitline, standard call charges apply. If you request a call-back, there is no cost to you.
Quitline calls will show up on your phone as (03) 9600 6784. You can save it under any name you like on your phone.
If you prefer, tell your healthcare worker to refer you. They'll get in touch with us, then we'll give you a call!
Speak with your local Tackling Indigenous Smoking (TIS) member
Tackling Indigenous Smoking Teams, or TIS teams, can be found in some Aboriginal Health Services. They are deadly Mob in community who are trained and ready to yarn with you about ways to quit smoking. They can help with a referral to Aboriginal Quitline as well as ongoing support while you're quitting. See a list of TIS teams.
Free Aboriginal Quit Kits
Quit Kits include lots of deadly tips and ideas to help you quit smoking and vaping and stay on track. Order your free Quit Kit online or download a digital copy:
Join the community: Koori Quitline Facebook page
Connect to community and get helpful tips and information about quitting smoking on the Koori Quitline Facebook page.
Free NRT through your local Aboriginal Medical Service (AMS)
Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) helps reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms when quitting smoking without the harmful chemicals in tobacco smoke. Using NRT during a quit attempt will improve your chances of quitting for good.
Many Aboriginal Medical Services in NSW provide free NRT.
Ask your local AMS to find out if they have free NRT available.
You can also yarn with your doctor about getting a script for cheaper NRT through the PBS (Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme). You can also buy NRT through your local chemist or supermarket.
View more info on NRT
Non-nicotine quit smoking medications
You can also get non-nicotine quit smoking medications to help you quit smoking. There are currently two types of medications available in Australia on prescription from a doctor:
Quit smoking medication increases your chances of quitting smoking successfully. They are even more effective when combined with counselling support, so give Quitline a call and ask to speak to an Aboriginal counsellor.
*Standard local call charges apply. There are no call charges when Quitline calls you.