Late in the evening of 17 November 1987, the Tobacco Act 1987 was passed by State Parliament in Victoria, Australia. The Victorian Health Promotion Foundation (VicHealth) was born – the first health promotion body in the world to be funded by a tax on tobacco. 

It was the result of an unparalleled public health advocacy effort. The Story of VicHealth – A world first in health promotion (November 2005) is a fascinating overview of VicHealth from its inception in 1987 to the present day.