The Queensland Rugby League joined the Ipswich Jets recently to launch the ‘Deadly Places, Smoke Free Spaces’ campaign at their home game against the PNG Hunters.
Timed to coincide with World No Tobacco Day (Tuesday May, 31), this program supports the Institute for Urban Indigenous Health’s Deadly Choices Smoke-Free Team initiative and is backed by the QRL and the Arthur Beetson Foundation.
Announced as part of the Ipswich Jets Harmony Day Intrust Super Cup match, QRL Managing Director Robert Moore was on hand to help make the announcement.
‘Deadly Places, Smoke-Free Spaces’ aims to educate community around the dangers of environmental tobacco smoke and the importance of Deadly, smoke-free homes, cars and workplaces; and people were encouraged to sign the pledge, and to take the survey at the Deadly Choices website.
Acknowledging the important role rugby league plays in ‘Closing the Gap’, so that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are living longer and healthier lives, fans at the ground were encouraged to join the Deadly Choices Smoke-Free team by Jets great Keiron Lander who leads the team.
People can do that by completing a tobacco cessation program through their local Aboriginal Medical Services, by referring a friend to a tobacco cessation program or by taking the pledge to make their home, car or workplace a Deadly Smoke-Free Space.
Leading up to State of Origin Game II (at Suncorp Stadium on June 22), Aboriginal Medical Services in South East Queensland will offer limited edition 2016 Arthur Beetson Commemorative Jerseys as a thank you to those who sign up and complete a tobacco cessation program at their local Aboriginal Medical Service.
Non-smokers can refer a friend to the program to get their commemorative jersey.
Households and workplaces can also take the pledge to support the Deadly Places- Smoke Free Spaces campaign and join the Deadly Choices Smoke-Free Team.
Head to the Ipswich Jets Facebook site to find out more about the initiative and to see the jersey.
