By Tate Papworth
Brimbank council has kicked off Victoria’s inaugural ‘Gambling Harm Awareness Week’ with an interactive community forum.
The forum featured experts and community leaders who held candid conversation with the public about the shared need to bring a new approach and mindset to tackle gambling.
Broadcaster Sally Warhaft hosted the forum and said it was an innovative way to bring about change.
“I believe that by talking honestly about gambling harm, we will eventually achieve not just legislative change, but also cultural change across our society,” she said.
Brimbank has recorded the highest gambling losses in Victoria for each of the past 11 years.
In August, Brimbank was one of two council areas to record a more than $1 million increase in losses for a single month. A total of $13.3 million was lost in the municipality in August this year.
The council, in partnership with the Alliance for Gambling Reform, has launched a new campaign to tackle the issue.
The council is calling for $1 maximum bets, reduced venue opening hours, and fewer poker machines in the community.
Cr Virginia Tachos said the community had suffered for too long.
“Gambling harm continues to have a devastating effect on the wellbeing of our community, and we must address it with sustained, concerted, and purposeful strategies,” Cr Tachos said.
“Council is steadfast in its commitment to do more than simply acknowledge the problem.
“We are proud to advance a balanced, comprehensive platform to bring real reform to the industry.
“Realising these goals requires a collective effort and I invite everyone in our community to get involved by … signing up to our petition online.”
Details: www.pokiesplaybrimbank.org.au
