Media releases
The SunSmart program regularly issues media releases to communicate our position on key cancer issues, the latest research and campaigns to promote sun protection and skin cancer prevention.
Practice what you preach at the beach
SunSmart is encouraging parents to role model sun safe behaviour after a new Australian study has shown that sun protection behaviour of children is heavily influenced by what their parents do to protect themselves from too much of the sun's ultraviolet rays.
Tennis stars serve SunSmart message ahead of Australian Open
Tennis stars, John Newcombe, Felix Mantilla and Alicia Molik are urging players and spectators to be SunSmart while enjoying the on court action at this year's Australian Open.
Vic teens in denial about skin cancer risks
Victorian teens are in denial about their risk of skin cancer and are using less than adequate sun protection despite the high incidence of melanoma in young people.
Slip, Slop, Slap… and Snap!
The search is on for Victoria’s most sun savvy shutterbug! Today SunSmart launches ‘A Summer to Remember’ campaign, asking young Victorians to share their favourite summer memories to win tickets to summer’s biggest festivals, unbelievable experiences & lots more.
Sunbed shocker: new study shows solarium operators are not complying with Victorian legislation
Research by Cancer Council Victoria published today reveals 80% of Melbourne solarium operators surveyed allowed access to teenagers who concealed their age or claimed to be 18, despite the ban on under 18s using solariums.
Slip, Slap, Slop, Seek, Slide and Ride!
SunSmart and i ski for tommy (isft.) are joining forces this year to remind cyclists to protect themselves when riding in Australia's premier mass participation bike ride, Around the Bay, on Sunday 16th October.
New SunSmart shade tool provides defence against skin cancer
SunSmart today launched a new online planning tool ‘Creating effective shade’ to assist schools, childcare centres, community groups and local government to ensure adequate, quality shade is provided in their parks, playgrounds and public open spaces.
Being SunSmart as easy as ABC
SunSmart is delighted to announce that ABC Learning Centres across Victoria are leading the way in UV protection with 100% of centres now fully registered members of the SunSmart program.
It's time to Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek and Slide as UV levels start to rise
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation levels are already rising in Victoria so don't wait until summer to use sun protection.
New online training helps GPs deliver best skin cancer advice
Skin cancer prevention, early detection and management are the focus of a new online active learning module created by Cancer Council Victoria in conjunction with ThinkGP.
Snow fans exposed to double dose of the sun’s UV rays
With the official ski season opening this weekend, SunSmart is encouraging Victorian skiers and snowboarders to steer clear of a ‘crash and burn’ experience on the slopes this winter.
SunSmart urges Victorians to roll up their sleeves for vitamin D
As we prepare for the onset of the colder autumn and winter months, SunSmart is encouraging Victorians to get some sun exposure to help with vitamin D levels.
Solariums emitting UV six times stronger than midday sun
New research shows solarium users are being exposed to UV levels up to six times the strength of the midday sun and solarium operators are unaware of the excessive levels of UV radiation their customers are being exposed to.
Princess Mary gives SunSmart program a Slip! Slop! Slap! on the back
The team behind the SunSmart Program was delighted to meet HRH Crown Princess Mary of Denmark at the first International Conference on Ultraviolet (UV) and Skin Cancer Prevention last week to share some top Aussie tips on best practice when it comes to sun protection and skin cancer prevention.
Winners announced.... drum roll please!
The winners of the Tell us your SunSmart tip and win! competition have been announced.
Fair play at this year’s L'Oréal Melbourne Fashion Festival
The L'Oréal Melbourne Fashion Festival (LMFF) is helping to shift perceptions of tan fans as they embrace natural skin colour at this year’s event.
New melanoma figures a warning to older generations
Cancer Council Victoria today released new statistics revealing melanoma incidence rates continue to rise in Victoria.
SunSmart warns Victorian farmers and rural outdoor workers they are at greater risk of skin cancer
SunSmart is warning Victorian farmers and rural outdoor workers to remain vigilant about using sun protection over the coming months.
Slip, Slap, Slop, Seek, Slide…and Sombrero!
Sombreros and animal costumes are tipped to be the hottest festival fashion items this year after SunSmart announced the results of its “Win the Golden Ticket” competition today.
Be the Star of your own SunSmart poster
SunSmart is delighted to unveil its latest and greatest gizmo that allows families, schools and early childhood services to create their very own SunSmart poster!
Don’t make it a Big Day Ouch… heres all you need to know for BDO 2011
The largest and most-attended music festival on the Australian summer circuit is about to hit Melbourne and festival fever is at an all time high!
Don't go down in straight sets to sunburn this Australian Open
As the massive grand slam event gets into swing in Melbourne this week, tennis spectators are being urged to be SunSmart while enjoying the on court action.
Bite-sized back to school tips
The first day of school is just around the corner so it’s time to put away the bathers, pack up the beach towels and turn attention to the new school year.
SunSmart calls on festivals to join the fight against skin cancer
SunSmart is urging all festivals to join the fight against skin cancer by ensuring the provision of adequate sunscreen for festival-goers this summer after receiving a spate of complaints about the confiscation of sunscreen.
Win the Golden Ticket!
SunSmart is joining up with Golden Plains this summer to offer sun savvy music fans two free tickets to the epic music festival that takes place on 12-14 March 2011.
Dark Side of Tanning Campaign conveys deadly message to young Victorians this summer
With summer approaching, SunSmart is launching a graphic melanoma awareness campaign targeting young people and urging all Victorians to be better prepared for the outdoors this season.
SunSmart launches first ever iPhone application
The first ever SunSmart iPhone™ application was launched today making it easier than ever for Australians to be SunSmart this summer.
Don’t be a Rock Lobster – be SunSmart this festival season
Festival fever is about to hit Victoria with dozens of international and national acts lined up to perform here over the next few months.
Join the fight and become a SunSmart ambassador
25 October 2010: Today Cancer Council Victoria launched a statewide search for SunSmart ambassadors to come forward and shout out the Slip! Slop! Slap! Seek! and Slide! message to their communities.
Sunscreens unplugged – all you need to know this summer
1 October 2010: Recently there has been significant discussion about sunscreens in the media. Here SunSmart sets the record straight by telling everyone the facts so that you can stay safe in the sun this summer.
Bet against sunburn at this year’s Spring Racing Carnival
29 September 2010: With spectacular spring racing just around the corner, Cancer Council Victoria is encouraging race-goers to be SunSmart and remember to Slip! Slop! Slap! Seek! and Slide!
New research: Tanning attitudes changing, but not fast enough for melanoma rates
12 September: On the 30-year anniversary of the Slip! Slop! Slap! campaign, SunSmart today released new research on tanning and issued a strong warning to young people not to put vanity before their health.
Bust a myth about skin cancer
3 August 2010: If you're aged between 12 and 17 years, enter a short film, image or creative writing piece that 'busts a myth' and be in the running for some great prizes. Extended deadline: Entries now close 5pm on Friday, 8 October 2010
Slip, slop, slap, seek, slide - and slopes!
7 June 2010: Pack your sun protection gear for the snow – that’s the message from SunSmart ahead of the official ski season opening this weekend.
SunSmart urges Victorians to get some sun this winter
10 May 2010: As Victoria heads into the winter months, now is the time for people to make sure they get some sun to help with their vitamin D levels.
Farmers Targeted for Skin Cancer Prevention as UV levels still high in Victoria
16 March 2010: Victoria’s rural community has been urged to remain vigilant about using sun protection in March and April, with farmers and outdoor workers at a higher risk of skin cancer.
Farmers targeted for skin cancer prevention at Farm World 2010
25 March 2010: Victoria’s rural community has been urged to remain vigilant about using sun protection in March and April, with farmers and outdoor workers at a higher risk of skin cancer.
Cancer Council named official sunscreen supplier for Australian Open Tennis Series
8 December 2009: Sun protection will be front and centre court at the Australian Open this summer, with Cancer Council appointed as the official sunscreen supplier for the event.
Young Victorians targeted in hard-hitting skin cancer television campaign
19 November 2009: Young Victorians will be shown the deadly side of tanning this summer with the launch of a skin cancer television campaign.
Does my sunburn look good in this? Protect your skin during Cup Week
30 October 2009: With Spring Racing Carnival in full swing, Victorians are being urged to plan their race outfits with sun protection in mind.
Australian solarium industry fizzles by 32%
7 October 2009: New research by Cancer Council has found that the number of solariums across Australian capital cities has declined by 32% over the past three years, with franchises taking the biggest hit.
Cancer Council Victoria welcomes new SunSmart funding on Daffodil Day
28 August 2009: One million dollars in new funding announced for a skin cancer prevention campaign in Victoria has been welcomed by Cancer Council Victoria.
Sun sets on solariums: number of solarium sites cut in half
21 June 2009: The sun is setting on the solarium industry as effective legislation coupled with more informed consumers are having a dramatic impact on the industry.
Vitamin D needs rise as UV levels drop in Victoria
27 May 2009: Victorians should now be checking how much sun they need to ensure they get enough vitamin D over winter, according to SunSmart.
New research shows shade in schools has a positive impact on adolescent sun habits
2 March 2009: Building shade structures at secondary schools could play a major role in addressing young people’s poor sun protection behaviours, according to Cancer Council Victoria.
Cancer Council welcomes under 18s solarium ban
25 January 2009: The banning of under 18s from using solariums has been welcomed by Cancer Council Victoria, as new research shows attitudes persist that solariums are a safe form of tanning.
Australian Open fans: don't leave home without sun protection
18 January 2009: As Melbourne turns on the heat for the start of the Australian Open, tennis spectators are being urged to get SunSmart while enjoying the action on court.
Victorians urged to stay SunSmart as UV reaches peak summer levels
12 January 2009: With the temperature set to soar into the high 30s this week and the UV Index now reaching peak levels for the year, Victorians are being urged to stay SunSmart to avoid increasing their risk of skin cancer.
Don't get burnt: get SunSmart
5 October 2008: With the start of daylight savings the Cancer Council Victoria, Bureau of Meteorology and Australian Radiation and Nuclear Protection Agency are encouraging Victorians to check the SunSmart UV Alert daily before planning their outdoor activities to ensure they are protecting their skin.
SunSmart gives Victorians something to sing about
14 September 2008: Slip! Slop! Slap!, the catchy slogan which has formed the backbone of SunSmart's sun protection campaigns since the eighties, is being updated as evidence shows there's more to sun protection than slipping on a shirt, slopping on sunscreen and slapping on a hat.
Sharp decline in solariums shows impact of new legislation
9 July 2008: Solarium operators are feeling the pinch of new legislation with figures released revealing a dramatic slump in the industry.
Heywood Secondary College hits skin cancer for six
9 May 2008: Although the cricket season is over, students from Heywood Secondary College will be treated to special cricket clinic with Victorian cricketer Aaron Finch this Friday, in recognition of their commitment to making sun protection a priority at the school.
It's May, so put your sun hats away
8 May 2008: Victorians can shed their hats and sunscreen from today - for a short time at least - without worrying about the risk of skin cancer, according to the Cancer Council Victoria's SunSmart program.
Latest figures show melanoma at highest level ever in Victoria
12 March 2008: New figures from The Cancer Council Victoria show that the number of Victorians affected by melanoma is at the highest level ever. Latest figures from the Victorian Cancer Registry show that in 2005, melanoma overtook lung cancer and is now the fourth most common cause of cancer in Victorians.
Big fall in teens seeking a tan
10 February 2008: New research from the Cancer Council has shown a big fall in the number of teens deliberately tanning, down 45% over the past three years. Yet despite the promising trend, almost a quarter of teens are still getting sunburnt over a typical summer weekend.
New solarium regulations welcomed, but Victorians still ignorant about risk
1 February 2008: As Victoria becomes the first state to crack down on the solarium industry with regulations to take effect from this Friday, new research has found that some Victorians are still ignorant about the risks of solarium use.
Latest news
Practice what you preach at the beach
SunSmart is encouraging parents to role model sun safe behaviour after a new Australian study has shown that sun protection behaviour of children is heavily influenced by what their parents do to protect themselves from too much of the sun's ultraviolet rays.
Tennis stars serve SunSmart message ahead of Australian Open
Tennis stars, John Newcombe, Felix Mantilla and Alicia Molik are urging players and spectators to be SunSmart while enjoying the on court action at this year's Australian Open.
