- Published:
- Thursday 10 October 2019
The Andrews Labor Government is preventing gambling harm across Victoria through state-wide grants for 14 community-based, not-for-profit organisations.
Minister for Gaming and Liquor Regulation Marlene Kairouz today attended a Gambling Harm Awareness Week workshop in Bendigo and announced $2 million in grant funding.
One of the grant recipients is Bendigo Community Health, which will look at ways to better understand gambling harm within local refugee communities.
The program will use community consultations to inform Gambler’s Help services through a greater understanding of the journey and culture of refugees and provide support for people in those communities who are experiencing gambling harm.
The 14 funded projects take a range of approaches to gambling harm prevention. They include:
- Design and promotion by the South Gippsland Shire Council of appropriate, accessible gambling-free activities suitable for people working non-traditional hours and shift work
- Provision of assistance, information and resources by the Self-Help Addiction Resource Centre to eight regional communities through radio, podcasts, and community events
- Engaging Cambodian Buddhist monks and other community leaders, through the Cambodian Association Victoria, to raise awareness of gambling harm in South East Melbourne.
- Somali Australian Council Victoria engaging community and religious leaders to address gambling harm and associated risk factors.
The grant recipients include six regional-based organisations, eight that work with culturally and linguistically diverse communities, and one Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation.
The projects will help build social connection and resilience to prevent gambling harm, break down the stigma associated with harm and encourage people affected to seek advice and support.
For more information about the program and projects, visit responsiblegambling.vic.gov.au.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Gaming and Liquor Regulation Marlene Kairouz
“Gambling Harm Awareness Week plays an important role in raising awareness of, and de-stigmatising, gambling harm across our communities.”
“These grants will help create positive change in local communities by providing support and advice to individuals who are vulnerable to gambling harm.”
Quote attributable to Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation CEO Shane Lucas
“The Foundation collaborates with organisations in the communities in which they operate because local knowledge and relationships are key to delivering effective gambling harm prevention programs.”