Responsible gambling events for the local community

The Springvale Indo-Chinese Mutual Association (SICMAA), in partnership with the Multicultural Centre for Women’s Health (MCWH), is holding three separate events during Responsible Gambling Awareness Week (17–23 October) to help raise awareness about the importance of gambling responsibly.

The first, hosted at SICMAA, is an interactive event to be facilitated by a Vietnamese speaking educator from MCWH during which participants discuss and explore issues around online gambling and the high use of mobile devices by teenagers.

The second, again hosted by SICMAA with the support from MCWH, is a fun and healthy activity where participants will walk 1000 steps in the Dandenong Ranges National Park. This will be followed by a picnic lunch and discussion about responsible gambling and balancing betting with other social and entertainment activities.

The third is the “Life is Hope and Possibilities” free expo to be held at the Springvale Learning and Activities Centre on Friday 28 October where strong community attendance is expected.

Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation chief executive Serge Sardo said the three events are great example of how local communities can use the week as an opportunity to talk about what it means to gamble responsibly.

“We encourage friends, family members, parents, teachers, sporting coaches and everyone in the community to have a conversation about ways to reduce the potential for harm from gambling.”

“The significant increase in online betting and advertising has made it especially important to talk to young people about responsible gambling.”

“Gambling is very visible now in our community and if people are planning to gamble, we want them to be informed about the practical ways to gamble without harm.”

“Being informed allows individuals, the community and industry to make appropriate decisions about their gambling behaviour and for those who might be experiencing issues to know there is help available,” he said.

Handy tips that can be shared online are available on the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation website and include:

• knowing how to set time and money limits when betting
• keep track of the money you spend betting
• take regular breaks when betting
• never put off your friends for a flutter.

Bic Gresty, Vietnamese Counsellor at SICMAA, said that SICMAA and the Multicultural Centre for Women’s Health are delighted to present three events as part of the week.

“We hope that the local community can come along to support one or all of the events and learn about what it means to gamble responsibly and some important tips to reduce the potential for harm from gambling,” she said.

Event details

Thursday 20 October - 10.00am – 12pm
“What Should I Do?”
Interactive event targeted at parents
Held at SICMAA – 11-13 Morwell Parade, Springvale
Ph: 9418 0920 / 9547 6161 or email: joycej@mcwh.com.au

Friday 21 October - 9.30am – 12 noon
1000 steps walk
Dandenong Ranges National Park
Meet at SICMAA to Mount Dandenong Tourist Rd
Multicultural Centre for Women’s Health
Ph: 9547 6161 or email: sicmaa.bh@bigpond.com

Friday 28 October - 10.00 am – 2.00pm
“Life is Hope and Possibilities” Free Expo
Springvale Learning and Activities Centre
1 Osbourne Street, Springvale
Ph: 0423 095 014 or email: sicmaa.bh@bigpond.com

Responsible Gambling Awareness Week is a unique partnership between the Foundation and local government, the gaming industry and community groups.

For more information please visit: rgaw.com.au