A mob-led health campaign is blazing a trail to encourage Aboriginal youth in Victoria to ditch vaping.

Led by The Koori Way, a Victorian statewide anti-tobacco and anti-vaping health promotion initiative from the Victorian Aboriginal Health Service, FLIP THE VAPE is designed to empower Indigenous youth to take control of their health and quit vaping.

Co-created with 11 Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs), FLIP THE VAPE is the first anti-vaping initiative of its kind led by mob, for mob.

With involvement from young Aboriginal ambassadors from across Victoria, the campaign calls on the next generation to reclaim their wellbeing, reject the vape, and breathe easy.

Funded by the National Tackling Indigenous Smoking Program, the campaign takes an alternative approach to anti-vaping or smoking campaigns by skipping lectures, fear-based language, and scare tactics in favour of bold, positive, and empowering messaging, along with a community-driven approach.

Instead, FLIP THE VAPE encourages young people to 'Be a quitter', 'Breathe easy' and 'Join the flipping movement'.

"We know that fear-based campaigns don't work as well with younger audiences," Victorian Aboriginal Health Service Preventative Health Unit manager Lionel Austin said.

"Instead, we focus on empowering Indigenous youth with the knowledge that quitting vaping can lead to a better future, healthier lifestyle."

VAHS says the number of Aboriginal youth vaping is on the rise, with 22 per cent of young mob aged 15+ having tried it and 16 per cent of vape-users being in the 18-24 age group.

Concerningly, of those vapers, one third have never tried cigarettes before.

VAHS says the emerging trend presents a serious public health challenge considering 37 per cent of all First Nations deaths are caused by smoking.

While the health risks associated with vaping become clearer, including the potential for long-term addiction and respiratory problems, the FLIP THE VAPE campaign takes a fresh approach compared to traditional public health messaging, by offering a tone and style that young people relate to and want to engage with.

The campaign meets young people where they live, work and spend time. It's promoted across digital platforms - including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat - as well as out-of-home advertisements across Victoria, including buses, tram stop posters, billboards, and static and digital shopping centre placements throughout Victoria.

And from September, the number 86 tram in Melbourne will proudly bear the largest FLIP THE VAPE design rolled out so far.

"We're showcasing positive role models who are already making the choice to prioritise their health. We hope this will inspire others to follow suit," VAHS media lead Salomae Haselgrove said.

Having reached more than 1 million young people in Victoria since commencing in January of this year, the campaign has already made a notable impact.

VAHS says an early survey showed 70 per cent of the target audience said the campaign had made them reconsider their outlook towards smoking.

The campaign has also influenced discussions by numerous public health bodies as a reference model, with other states now considering their own implementation of the campaign.

Indigenous youth are being invited to take part in the campaign by sharing their own stories of quitting vaping and embracing healthier choices.

More information on how to get involved, access resources and learn more about the campaign is available on The Koori Way's FLIP THE VAPE website.