Yankalilla football clubrooms will host a community meeting to discuss the issue of vaping on Wednesday 21 June.

It was initiated by Christine Bell, principal of the Yankalilla Area School, and is supported by the District Council of Yankalilla and the Local Drug Action Team (LDAT). 

LDAT includes local sporting groups and community leaders and organisations such as SAPOL and businesses.

A report from the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI) shows there has been a significant increase in e-cigarette or vape use, particularly among young people.

The state government plans to ban vaping in public places, such as shopping centres and children’s sporting grounds, and is due to introduce legislation later this year.

Health Minister Chris Picton says there has been increasing community concern about vaping.

“We make no apologies for seeking to introduce tougher bans and penalties particularly where children are impacted.

“Smoking has a tragic cost on human lives and is also a burden on our health system in delivering care for those affected. The significant increase in vaping among young people is extremely concerning and a trend that we must stop. 

“As well as introducing tougher restrictions, we must also educate and encourage people to realise the damage they are doing to themselves and others by smoking and vaping.”

Kerrie Sellen will facilitate the meeting, bringing more than 30 years as a practitioner in the areas of youth, drugs and alcohol.

It will run from 6pm to 7pm and is open to anyone living or working in the region who is interested in supporting more positive trends in young people.

For more information contact the council's Community Projects team on 8558 0200 or via email.