Dr Nigel Gray was determined to stop tobacco advertising in Australia. Eventually his efforts paid off

The sponge ad played a key role in the success of anti-tobacco campaigns in Australia. (Supplied: Cancer Council Victoria)

In the 1960s, many Australians were smokers. According to Cancer Council Victoria, in 1964 58 per cent of men and 28 per cent of women smoked. 

At the time, tobacco advertising was allowed. And, while countries like the US and the UK had banned it, major tobacco companies took full advantage of this in Australia.