The New South Wales Office of Responsible Gambling has issued grants worth AUD 1.5 million to finance 14 different local projects that are on the frontline of eradicating problem gambling. These programs target a wide range of demographics, including programs that target the regional NSW, youth, Native communities, and even communities that are linguistically diverse.
Natalie Wright, the body’s director, came forward to say that financing local initiatives will allow community organizations to take care of the needs of their significant populations. She also added that they are well aware that every community has unique challenges, which is why it was reassuring to see the diversity in the projects.
On top of that, she articulated that her team aims to raise awareness about problem gambling by urging more people to get involved and understand the risks. The grants will mainly be used by the projects in assisting local communities to make informed decisions about real money gambling, doing away with stigmas revolving around problem gambling as well as urging gamblers to seek support and advice whenever they need it.
Some of the projects to be funded include gambling programs specific to CALD, campaign ads focused on eradicating the stigma of gambling, financial literacy, and gambling and educational programs for teens and parents. The Local programs that will receive the grants include:
- Fairfield City Council – AU$191, 000
- Catholic Care Social Services for the Blue Mountains – AU$20,376.
- Lifeline Harbour to Hawkesbury, AU$10,575.
- Lifeline Broken Hill Country to Coast, AU$194,000.
- Mudyala Aboriginal Corporation- AU$100,000.
- Granville Multicultural Community Centre- AU$98,952.
- Wesley Community Services- AU$194,000.
- Walgett Aboriginal Medical Service- AU$94,000.
- Northern United Rugby League Club -AU$30,000.
- University of Technology Sydney-AU $117,800
- University of Sydney – AU$198,978.
