If you or someone you know is experiencing harm from gambling, there are free and confidential supports available. Meeting with a qualified, professional counsellor face to face is just a phone call away. To make an appointment with Gambler’s Help Southern call 9575 5353 or visit www.gamblershelpsouthern.org.au
Take a look at the final Gambling Harm Prevention and Minimisation Policy that was endorsed by Council in the July Council Meeting.
What we heard
Thank you to the community groups and members, licenced gaming venue operators, local health and social services for providing feedback and shaping the development of Cardinia’s Gambling Harm Prevention and Minimisation Policy.
The first round of community engagement for the Gambling Harm Prevention and Minimisation Policy occurred between June and July 2023 through the Household Liveability Survey.
The second round of community engagement consisting of key stakeholder surveys and interviews occurred in November 2023. A number of in person and online opportunities were available for the community and relevant organisations to provide feedback, which included:
- Creating Cardinia website
- Community groups and sporting clubs
- Licenced gaming venue operators
- Local health and social services
The third round of community engagement to obtain feedback on the draft policy occurred in April 2024. The draft Policy was available to view on Council’s website and a survey provided to all stakeholders contacted during the second round of engagement. Further to this, direct engagement with key advisory groups and networks took place including:
- Financial Wellbeing and Resilience Action Team
- Mental Health and Wellbeing Action Team
- Safer Communities Partnership
- Seniors Network
- Multicultural Advisory Group
- Access and Inclusion Advisory Group
838 people voted in the survey
28 local health and social services, community organisations and clubs completed the key stakeholder survey
2 licenced gaming venue operators participated in a phone interview
Key themes arising through engagement were advocacy, capacity building and to strengthen Council’s policy position to reduce gambling related harm. We heard that the community continues to support work on reducing gambling related harm including identifying and implementing harm minimisation measures. Whilst also acknowledging the effects gambling-related harm has on an individual, families, friends, and the wider community.
Feedback from the engagement processes has been considered and incorporated into the Policy and is reflected in the four policy pillars:
- Planning and regulation
- Leadership and advocacy
- Partnership and capacity building
- Research and engagement
The final Gambling Harm and Prevention and Minimisation Policy will be presented for adoption at the next Council meeting on Monday 15 July 2024. For further information, please visit Council meetings – agendas and minutes | Cardinia Shire Council
If you have any queries or if you would like more information, please contact Council's Health and Social Planning team on 1300 787 624 or email mail@cardinia.vic.gov.au
