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Byron Shire
June 4, 2026

One in five NSW young people vaping

Latest News

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Two forums on vaping are being held in Northern NSW. Photo Wikimedia Commons

The number of people in NSW who smoke cigarettes has fallen to its lowest level on record while vaping rates are said to be stabilising.

NSW Health has published the latest data in the lead up to World No Tobacco Day.

The 2024 Population Health Survey showed around one in 10 adults (11 per cent) smoked daily or occasionally, a reduction from 14 per cent in 2015.

Meanwhile, people aged 16-24 years had the highest rate of vaping of any age group with one in five, or 20 per cent, reportedly vaping.

The government said there was a rapid increase in rates among this age group from 2018 to 2023 but that vaping rates had started to stabilise.

Data from Cancer Institute NSW showed the telephone information and counselling service Quitline had received more than 27,000 calls in the past 12 months.

More than 15,000 calls reportedly related to smoking and 5,000 calls to vaping.

Free quit support

A new Pave app to support people quitting vaping had been downloaded by 5000 users since its launch in February, the government said.

The app provides users with tips, tracking tools, distractions for when cravings hit, and activities and information to navigate common barriers to quitting vaping.

Anyone needing support to quit smoking or vaping was advised to talk to their GP or call the NSW Quitline on 13 7848, a free and confidential telephone counselling service that provides customised assistance to help people quit.

Aboriginal counsellors are also available via the Quitline, providing culturally sensitive and customised support.

The iCanQuit website also provides information about smoking and vaping and resources and support to quit.



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Ballina Council wrap

With local government meeting practice across the state returning to confusion following the NSW Legislative Council's recent decision, Ballina Shire Council's last meeting included a lot of unanimous decisions and an argument about the remnants of the Big Scrub, in which Mayor Cadwallader used her casting vote to squash Cr Simon Chate's motion.

Conversations in the Pub starts with Janelle Saffin

Conversations in the Pub – Lismore’s new civic meet-up – kicks off on Friday 19 June with its inaugural special guest, the NSW Minister for Small Business, Minister for Recovery, Minister for the North Coast and Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin MP.

Bungawalbin Levee repair to improve flood resilience

A critical section of Bungawalbin Levee is proposed to be partially relocated to build its long-term resilience, benefitting the community, environment and agricultural industries in the Richmond Valley.

Aussie MPs celebrate World Bicycle Day

The leaders of the Parliamentary Friends of Cycling have joined in front of Parliament House in Canberra to celebrate the United Nations’ World Bicycle Day.