Members of the local community banded together to encourage young people to give up smoking before council enforced tough, new anti-smoking regulations at the end of July.

South Coast Aboriginal Medical Service co-ordinator Lara Acevedo said 50 per cent of the South Coast community smoked.

“These new laws will see huge fines given to people smoking in public areas such as parks,” she said.

“We are trying to get the word out there and also encourage people that now is the time to give up smoking.”

Zest Events 3D chalk artist Mr Kistler said when he heard these stats he jumped at the opportunity to get the word to young people to give up smoking.

“It’s a visual way to tie in the message,” he said.

“I chose to draw the turtle because it was the symbol for the South Coast Aboriginal Medical Service and the rolled up dollar bills represent that smoking burns up your money and your health.”

A huge range of live entertainment including music and dancing drew in hundreds of local people.