23/11/2025
Young people don't want to be lectured about va**ng.
That's why a cohort of young Gippslanders have stepped up to help lead a campaign to share their own stories about va**ng harms.
No Filter: Real Stories Gippsland is sharing lived experience, evidence-informed messages and conversations that actually resonate.
Traralgon teen Darcy Stockdale is one of the voices leading the way.
“Traditional messaging just isn’t cutting through,” he said.
“Young people want to hear from other young people — not be talked down to.”
And they’re right. Feedback shows young people want more conversations, fewer lectures. Especially with Gippsland recording the highest regional smoking rate in Victoria and va**ng on the rise.
The campaign is rolling out across social media and community networks, with a showcase event in Traralgon bringing together participants and partners.
Young people were involved in co-designing the campaign alongside creative agency
This project is part of ’s state-wide Collective Impact initiative and funded by a VicHealth Va**ng Prevention Grant.
Delivered in partnership with:
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Read more: lrh.com.au/news/young-gippslanders-leading-the-charge-on-no-vapes/
