Brimbank Council will launch 'Invest in You' Changing the Brimbank Story, a project led by Council to reduce gambling harm at a virtual event on 30 September.
Brimbank is heavily impacted by gambling harm. It has the highest daily losses from poker machines in the whole state.
Council is advocating strongly with the Victorian Government to change this, and has requested gaming venue operating hours be reduced to prevent further damaging losses.
Projects like 'Invest in You' will also make an impact.
The project showcases how you can change your story by 'investing in you' rather than 'hoping for a win'.
Through working with community organisations, Council developed some informative resources that offer alternatives to gambling and promote and raise awareness of no-charge and low cost activities.
These resources will soon be available through Council's libraries, neighbourhood houses, leisure centres, and on our website.
An important part of the project has been working with a range of different organisations to help shape the campaigns, including representatives from the Vietnamese, Pasifika and African communities.
These organisations worked together with Council and project partners to deliver materials using their own voice and first language.
The Invest in You online event provides a forum for community conversations to take place and for people to share their journey from gambling to recovery.
Through sharing stories Council hopes to build community awareness of the harm that can be experienced from gambling, reduce stigma, and help people realise they are not alone, as well as raising awareness of services available, and encouraging those struggling to seek help.
Join the conversation at https://www.facebook.com/bccneighbourhoodhouses tonight from 7-9pm.
Quotes attributable to Brimbank Mayor, Cr Ranka Rasic:
"We have devastating daily losses in Brimbank that are reaching staggering levels and undermining our COVID-19 recovery.
"In partnership with Council, the Invest in You project has been developed for the community, by the community.
"We hope this project will help our communities invest in their individual interests and skills as well as social and cultural connections, to build a future that is free from gambling harm.
"Council thanks all the communities who have worked with us to co-design this targeted campaign for Brimbank.
"We'd also like to thank the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation for the funding it provided which helped Council deliver this project."
