Campaigns
A strong media and online presence is the key to keeping SunSmart in the public arena.
Since the beginning, in the early 1980s, SunSmart has used a combination of public relations and advertising and more recently, social media, to promote UV, sun protection and skin cancer prevention messages.
Our messages have always been well-researched, innovative, attention grabbing and customised to engage with the community and challenge the social norms of the time.
Early sun protection media messages were positive, encouraging and designed to be light hearted and fun. As the public became more aware of the Slip! Slop! Slap! message, SunSmart began to focus on telling people how they can reduce their skin cancer risk and how to identify changes to their own skin that may be a sign of skin cancers.
Cancer Council Victoria has tracked the public's response to our media campaigns since 1988. These results have played an integral role in guiding our key messages and the focus and directions of future advertising campaigns.
Sunscreen. What's your excuse?
Ever heard a mate make an excuse for not wearing sunscreen? Ever made one yourself? Share your best tip for overcoming the sunscreen excuses to be in with a chance to win a massive stash of the stuff.
3AW campaign targeting Victorian men (summer 2012–2013)
Victorian blokes are the focus of a new SunSmart radio campaign this summer.
Wes Bonny Testimonial (summer 2012–2013)
The Wes Bonny Story tells the true story of a 26-year-young man who died of melanoma in March 2010.
Dark Side of Tanning (summer 2012–2013)
The Dark Side of Tanning campaign aims to educate young Victorians about the dangers of overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, while busting some common myths about skin cancer.
JASONGRECH Fashion Campaign (Spring/Summer 2012-2013)
Fashion lovers rejoice! SunSmart launched the JASONGRECH Savvy Chic dress, designed to help fashionistas beat the burn while looking smoking hot! We asked Australians to send us their own Sun Savvy Chic photos to be in the running to WIN this dress!
A Winter to Remember (Winter 2012)
Developed to educate and engage with adolescents and young people (16–24 years old), A Winter to Remember recognised that the slopes are a key setting where Victorians tended to get skin damage and sunburn in winter.
A Summer to Remember (summer 2011–2012)
Developed to educate and engage with adolescents and young people (16–24 years old), 'A Summer to Remember' invited its audience to share pictures of their favourite Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek and Slide summer memories, whilst being reminded of the campaign tagline, 'Your skin remembers'.
Farmers' campaign (2008-2012)
The Protect Your Farm's Most Important Asset. You. campaign aims to work with farmers and rural outdoor workers.
Clare Oliver: No Tan is Worth Dying For (2008)
In August 2007, a young Melbourne woman brought the issue of solariums to the attention of many Australians. Battling end-stage melanoma, Clare Oliver had only weeks to live, yet she decided to use her remaining time and energy to make certain other people understood the dangers of solarium use.
Protect Yourself In 5 Ways (2007-2008)
An Australian government national campaign including television, print and radio.
Tattoo (2003-2004)
Tattoo was produced in response to evidence that many young Australians think they are safe if they tan but don't burn and that a tan looks 'attractive' and 'healthy'. The advertisement carries the tagline 'Skin cancer - it's killer body art'.
Timebomb (2000-2001)
Timebomb was launched in January 2000 and provided SunSmart with the opportunity to communicate about preventing skin cancer and detecting it early.
How to Remove a Skin Cancer (1996-1998)
The How to Remove a Skin Cancer campaign accurately depicts the procedure used to remove skin cancer and graft skin onto the site.
Leave Your Hat On (1991-1992)
The Leave Your Hat On campaign showed people with lighter skin colour getting ready to head outdoors and enjoy the day.
Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek and Slide (1980s to present)
Over the years, the sun protection message has expanded to Slip! Slop! Slap! Seek! Slide! and Sid the Seagull has returned to our TV screens with a new and improved jingle.
Slip! Slop! Slap! (1981-late 1980s)
One of the most successful health campaigns in Australia's history was launched in 1981, when a cheerful seagull in board shorts, t-shirt and hat danced his way across our TV screens singing the jingle.
Latest news
Blokes urged to get lean and screen during Men's Health Week
Victorian men are being urged to commit to some lifestyle changes this week (Men's Health Week) to cut their cancer risk.
Internet searches indicate renewed interest in solariums
The findings of a new study published in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health provides evidence that solarium use may be making a comeback with renewed interest in recent years.
Leading health groups call on Victorians to bone up on vitamin D knowledge
SunSmart, Osteoporosis Australia and Arthritis and Osteoporosis Victoria are joining together to raise awareness around the importance of vitamin D for healthy bones and in the prevention of osteoporosis.
