New funding targets problem gambling
Projects targeting young people, seniors, Vietnamese families, apprentices, at-risk gamblers and Chinese restaurant workers are being funded under a new program to prevent problem gambling.
The Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation's new local prevention program has awarded $2.2 million to 15 health and community organisations to deliver projects across the state.
The projects will also target Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, international students, prisoners and the wider community.
Chief executive Serge Sardo says the Foundation received more than 40 applications for funding from across the state.
"We understand this is the biggest local prevention program targeting at-risk communities and groups in Australia.
Minister for Liquor and Gaming Regulation Edward O'Donohue says the new program will reinforce Victoria's position as a leader in addressing problem gambling.
"Like with other public health issues, prevention is critical. These projects will target vulnerable communities and groups where the risk factors for developing issues with gambling are highest," he said.
Projects being funded for 2014-2015 including:
- Promoting alternative recreation for regular gamblers
- Increasing awareness about the risks of gambling with apprentices and international students
- Working with seniors groups to promote alternatives to visiting gambling venues for social outings
- Training workers in mental health and drug and alcohol services on how to address the link between addictions
- Working with prisoners with gambling issues to address recidivism
- Targeting schools and sporting clubs in regional communities to reach at risk young people
- Tackling problem gambling relating to family violence
Mr Sardo says the new program builds on the Foundation's existing prevention and community education activities including public information campaigns and programs for schools and sporting clubs.
"Over the past two years, we have boosted community education and prevention significantly and these new projects will build on that legacy," he said.
Local prevention projects - 2014-2015
| Applicant | Population group/s | Catchments | Project funding (ex GST) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australian Vietnamese Women's Association Inc | CALD – Vietnamese families | 3 | $149,955 |
| Banyule Community Health/North East PCP - The Consumer Voices Project | Diverse ages, cultures, genders, media | 4 | $157,000 |
| Banyule Community Health/North East PCP – Transforming Spin to Community Win | All communities, males, < 25yr | 16 | $158,950 |
| Bentleigh Bayside Community Health | 18-24yr, 25-35yr, international students | 2 | $94,916 |
| Chrysalis Insight Inc. | Catchment population, mental health | 2 | $200,769 |
| Macedon Ranges / North Western Medicare Local | CALD | 4 | $180,000 |
| Inner East Melbourne Medicare Local/PCP | CALD – Chinese communities | 1 | $ 252,574 |
| Latrobe Community Health | Indigenous, international, Gippsland residents | 2 | $ 111,062 |
| Monash City Council | Young sportsmen, isolated CALD & older people, trades & labourers, international students, mental & other health conditions, Monash residents | 1 | $ 205,052 |
| Odyssey House Victoria | AOD sector, mental health | 16 | $122,771 |
| Redundancy Payment Central Fund/Incolink | Apprentices (building & construction) | 16 | $165,200 |
| St Luke's/Anglicare Victoria | Prisons | 1 | $70,068 |
| UnitingCare Goulburn North East | Vulnerable young people | 1 | $73,000 |
| Whittlesea Community Connections | Whittlesea residents | 1 | $99,000 |
| Women's Health in the North | People affected by family violence | 5 | $185,000 |
| TOTAL FUNDING ALLOCATION | $2,225,317 |
Media contact:
Fiona Skivington, Manager, Media & Communication
on +61428248931 or fiona.skivington@responsiblegambling.vic.gov.au