Introduction:
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death and the fifth most common cancer diagnosed in Australia. There is an increasing trend in waterpipe smoking internationally, and it is particularly high among young people in Middle Eastern countries and people of Middle Eastern descent in Western countries. In Arabic-speaking communities in New South Wales (NSW), Australia, it is perceived to be a social activity and less harmful than cigarette smoking.

Objectives:
The aim of the project was to raise awareness of the harms of waterpipe (shisha) smoking in the target group: young people (18 to 35 years) of Arabic speaking background living across Sydney, NSW.

Methods:
1. Identified community champions (including community leaders, General Practitioners, and young people), and facilitated co-design workshops around key messages and resource development 2. Developed a short, broadcast quality video featuring community members 3. Developed a website to host videos and other project materials and resources 4. Developed and implemented social media campaign, incorporating co-designed messages and the video to promote the harms of waterpipe smoking on social media platforms 5. Hosted community events to showcase the commissioned projects

Results:
Health professionals involved and championing this project. Community education workshops were facilitated across Sydney. Four community and health professional factsheets were developed in partnership with the Ministry of Health and translated into Arabic. Project received a great level of coverage in Australia and globally. Project presented at Australia’s Public Health Conference, and won Best First Time Presentation Award at the Cancer Institute Innovations conference

Conclusion(s):
Co-design is an exemplary approach to involve communities in project design, especially if they are the target group. Our project has been able to increase awareness of the harms of waterpipe smoking in key partners, stakeholders; community champions and community members; and increase access to culturally appropriate and acceptable, evidence-informed health information about the harms of waterpipe smoking.

Funding Acknowledgements:
This project has been funded by the Cancer Institute NSW. Project partners include: • South Eastern Sydney Local Health District (SESLHD) (project lead) • NSW Multicultural Health Communication Service • Sydney Local Health District • South Western Sydney Local Health District • South Eastern Sydney Research Collaboration Hub (SEaRCH) • University of NSW • Lebanese Muslim Association