In recent years, vaping has become a growing public health concern, with products frequently marketed to young people and mislabelled to hide their nicotine content. Despite often being promoted as harmless, vaping poses serious risks, so the City stepped up efforts to tackle the issue.
Eighteen months on, we've made substantial progress. Here are the latest updates on our projects:
Vaping Prevention Project
We recently hosted a short film screening at Geelong Library that celebrated the work of the Barwon South West Vaping Prevention Coalition (BSWVPC) and marked the conclusion of the VicHealth-funded Vaping Prevention Project.
The short film showcases the youth co-designed projects delivered across six local government areas in the Barwon South West region. Featuring interviews with young participants, it highlights what they learned, how they collaborated and their reflections on the final outcomes. The film also captures creative outputs such as animations, posters and project milestones, including World No Tobacco Day activities.
The film was developed to demonstrate what's possible when young people lead discussions and shape solutions to issues affecting them. It highlights projects that moved away from fear-based messaging, focusing instead on honest information about vaping and support options available, empowering young people to make informed choices. A shorter version of the film will be utilised as part of vaping prevention education workshops available to secondary schools at no cost.
The youth-led screening celebrated the leadership, creativity and advocacy of the young people involved. Participants took on key roles throughout the evening, acting as MC, delivering opening and closing remarks and leading a youth-driven Q&A panel. Their contributions demonstrate the importance of youth voice in shaping health promotion initiatives and addressing vaping harm within their communities.
The film, as well as the vaping prevention resources co-designed by young people in Geelong are free to download and are available at https://geelong.link/youth-vape-prevention .
For more information about the Vaping Prevention Project and to view co-designed resources from partnering councils and organisations, visit batforce.org.au/vaping-prevention-project
Vape disposal
Commencing in July 2025, our trial of strategically located vape recycling bins was designed to support safe disposal practices while offering a supportive and non-judgemental space for young people to seek support.
Vapes are classified as e-waste due to their batteries, plastics and harmful chemicals, which can cause fires and environmental contamination if disposed of incorrectly.
During the trial period, the bins at The Nest and fOrT youth hubs were utilised by both young people and adult community members, resulting in safe recycling of 33kg of vapes.
Following collection in late January, Ecocycle issued the City with a 'Recycling Excellence' certificate in recognition of environmentally sound practice for harnessing its recycling technology.
Due to the high usage, the City has extended the trial in the hubs until 30 June 2026 and established two additional ongoing disposal locations at our resource recovery centres in North Geelong and Drysdale.
Greater Geelong Mayor Stretch Kontelj OAM
Council thanks the young people involved in spreading the word about the harms of vaping.Members of the Youth Vape Prevention Action Group are passionate about the health of their peers and are key to helping them see vaping for the dangerous habit that it is.
We're focusing on supporting genuine youth-led projects as they ensure outcomes are relevant and impactful.
Isabella Harvey, member of the Youth Vape Prevention Action Group
When it comes to vaping, we are the experts.We see where and how it happens, we understand the pressures behind it, and we know what messages other young people will actually listen to.
Young people are capable of thinking outside the box and designing solutions that really connect with our peers.
It makes sense that we take the lead on projects like this, where creativity, authenticity, and open-minded problem-solving are essential.
