Our Story

A ministerial review of health promotion had identified tobacco as the number one health priority in Victoria. Quit was established by the Minister for Health and Cancer Council Victoria. Our steering committee comprised the Health Department Victoria and Cancer Council Victoria, joined later by the National Heart Foundation of Australia (Victorian Division). This committee also advised the Minister for Health on policy and legislation to reduce the prevalence of smoking in Victoria.

In 1987 the Victorian Tobacco Act was passed. It introduced a levy on the wholesale sale of tobacco products. The Victorian Health Promotion Foundation (VicHealth) was established to distribute funds raised by the new levy.

Among other VicHealth initiatives, Quit's funding substantially increased, and continues to receive a strong and steady flow of financial support from VicHealth.

VicHealth now distributes many millions of dollars each year to hundreds of projects promoting health in Victoria.

VicHealth's material support and expertise has ensured Quit is able to continue its vital work in tobacco control. We gratefully acknowledge VicHealth's support and partnership.

Today, Quit is funded by Cancer Council Victoria, the National Heart Foundation of Australia (Victorian Division), VicHealth and the Department of Health.

These organisations form our steering committee.

Quit is a program of Cancer Council Victoria. Cancer Council Victoria provides us with much of our infrastructure and support services.