Smoke-free campus
This week, the University has taken a significant first step towards becoming smoke-free. From 1 July our Callaghan and Central Coast campuses are smoke-free except in a small number of designated areas.
The University's other campuses and sites have also been included in our planning – in those locations our staff, students and visitors observe the smoking policies of our partner organisations such as TAFE or the Health Service, and on University property, such as in Sydney or in our Newcastle City Precinct, people are required to leave the premises to smoke.
Going smoke-free might appear to be a fairly straightforward proposition, but the consultation, cross-University collaboration, and the planning over the past 12 months that has delivered this week's milestone has been significant. The Health and Safety Team in Human Resource Services has worked with staff and student focus groups, and with NUSA and NUPSA. On the Central Coast, Campus Central has removed the sale of tobacco products. External partners have also been involved including TAFE, the Central Coast Community College, the Department of Primary Industries at Ourimbah and The Forum.
Thank you to everyone across UON who has contributed to the University taking our first step towards becoming smoke-free, particularly the Health and Safety team. Diane Bunch or Dylan Mitchell in the team are able to assist with any questions you might have.
The Smoke-Free website provides helpful materials and tools including maps of the designated smoking areas as well as information about the University's assistance with quit-smoking programs.
The Smoke-Free initiative is an important part of our Healthy UON Strategy, which promotes healthy learning, working and living for the UON community. There are few greater investments than those we make in our own health. The University is continually looking to build its Healthy UON strategy and I encourage all staff and our students to take advantage of the many programs and support the University has to offer to help us improve our health and wellbeing.
Best wishes
Caroline
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The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.