Georges River Council is proud to be the first Local Government in NSW to join Wesley Mission's 'Put Pokies in Their Place' campaign. This follows the unanimous resolution at the 28 July 2025 Council Meeting.
Wesley Mission's campaign aims to prevent and reduce gambling harm. It particularly targets poker machines, which account for about half of all gambling losses in NSW. Georges River Council's decision to join the campaign highlights its ongoing commitment to the wellbeing of the community.
The 'Put Pokies in Their Place' campaign aligns with Council's existing efforts and strategic direction on gambling harm minimisation as part of our Community Strategic Plan and Social Justice Charter. As part of the movement, Council will deliver further initiatives to protect and support the local community from the damaging effects of gambling.
Recent data reveals that poker machine players in the Georges River area lost a staggering $73 million in the final quarter of 2024. This figure highlights the serious and far-reaching impacts of poker machine gambling on individuals, families, and the broader community.
By joining the campaign, Council supports the five key reform priorities:
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Implementing universal cashless gambling with built-in harm reduction tools,
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Powering down poker machines after midnight,
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Funding an independent, State-wide self-exclusion register,
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Giving communities a genuine say in where and how poker machines operate,
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Publishing venue-level data for greater transparency in NSW.
Mayor Elise Borg said, "Council is proud to stand with Wesley Mission in advocating for rational reforms that prioritise community wellbeing over profits. The data speaks for itself, gambling harm is a serious issue in our area, and we must act.
"By joining this campaign, we are sending a clear message that we want a safer, healthier future for our residents."
To learn more about the 'Put Pokies in Their Place' Campaign, visit Council's Gambling Harm Webpage
