Wednesday, 3 December 2025

 Ella GEORGE (Lara) (10:41): My contribution today has been written by Gloria Baraka, an incredible young student who recently completed work experience in my office. Gloria wanted me to talk about the Barwon South West vaping prevention coalition. This project is part of the Vape-Free Victoria initiative and has been successfully youth led. The initiative received a $200,000 VicHealth vaping prevention grant, which is being used to bring together young people, schools, libraries and community groups to help reduce the harms of vaping. In 2025 CatholicCare Victoria, along with VicHealth, have devoted their time and resources to running after-school programs with both Northern Bay College and North Geelong Secondary College students. The after-school programs were action groups composed of young leaders and students aiming to cultivate their existing skills and expand their insights on current issues, such as the health risks associated with vaping. Through these projects students were able to plan effective vape prevention ideas and implement them in their school’s curriculum – for example, learning about vape prevention in health and human development while also aiming to impact the wider community. Programs like this empower our youth, ensuring they have a vital role in bettering our future. Advocacy is one crucial aspect of change, and these groups of young people have not only dedicated their time to this project but also poured their hearts into its development. With the help of school nurses and CatholicCare staff, students were able to create two animated videos, now available to view online at the City of Greater Geelong website. Let us continue to support the students that brighten our future one project at a time. And thank you to Gloria.