Get On Board To Tackle Gambling Harm

During Gambling Harm Awareness Week (7th – 13th October), Wyndham City is partnering with several community organisations to raise awareness of how gambling can affect our community.

Spokesperson for Gambling Harm Minimisation Cr Josh Gilligan said gambling was not just a financial issue – it could also affect relationships, mental and physical health, and is associated with increased levels of family violence. 

“To raise awareness of gambling harm, Wyndham City Council and Wyndham Interfaith Network will present a free community film and discussion event, on Saturday 12th October at the Encore Events Centre,” Cr Gilligan said.

“The event will feature a screening of the powerful ABC documentary You Can’t Ask That, followed by a panel discussion on gambling harm in local communities including our special guest Reverend Tim Costello.”

“Reverend Costello has been a tireless advocate for gambling reform over the past decade and with the Wyndham community losing $106.1 million at its 13 pokies venues in the last year, we are keen to hear his thoughts.”

“The panel will include representatives from Wyndham Interfaith Network, Improving and Promoting Community Health and a local resident with personal experience of gambling harm and recovery.”

“The panel will discuss how gambling can affect local business and the community; share stories of recovery from gambling addiction and mental illness; highlight available support for people experiencing gambling harm; and how residents can have their say on gaming applications that may affect their communities.”

“Council is also partnering with IPC Health to deliver a Reducing Financial Stress workshop at the Plaza Library on Thursday 10th October. Bookings can be made via the Library Events Calendar at http://wyndhamlibrary.webwiredsolutions.com.au/web/webcal.php

And we will also launch a new webpage to provide information about gambling harm in Wyndham, and Council’s activities to build community resilience and protect our community from gambling harm. For more information, please visit https://www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/gamblingharm

These initiatives are part of Council’s commitment to prevent and reduce gambling harm, as set out in the Wyndham Gambling Harm Policy and Action Plan 2018-2022.

For more information and to reserve your seat for the community film and discussion on 12 October, please visit www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/youcantaskthat