Group to talk about betting harm

A GAMBLING harm prevention event is being held later this month to coincide with an awareness week about the issue.

Taking place at Barkly Square on Thursday, 20 October, Gambling With Your Health? is a free initiative of Gambling Harm Prevention Ballarat.

Organiser Lynda Genser is a reformed gambler of 15 years and was involved in Ballarat Community Health’s harm prevention project on the issue that concluded in June.

She said she was eager to carry on that message through the upcoming event.

“This means a lot to me because I was lucky my children supported me when they found out about my problem,” she said.

“Without services like Gambler’s Help, without my family, without people who were understanding, I wouldn’t be where I am today.

“Those that are addicted need help, and the only way they’re going to get it is by people in the community.”

The Paul Fung from gambling harm advocacy group Three Sides of the Coin will be a guest speaker on the day.

Panellists include Member for Buninyong, Michaela Settle, Ballarat East Neighbourhood House manager Sarah Greenwood-Smith, and Gambler’s Help community engagement officer at Cafs, John Bradshaw.

Mr Bradshaw said the presentations will tie into the week’s theme of gambling affecting people’s wellbeing.

“It’s all about those health-based conversations and getting the community together to connect socially, to support each other, share stories of open recovery and dispel stigma,” he said.

“We know in the year to June 2022, we spent nearly $54 million in 14 venues on the pokies here in Ballarat. About 630,000 Victorian adults experience some form of gambling harm each year.

“I’ll be talking about what services are available here and how gambling affects our young people and how we can recognise those signs.”

The event will take place from 12pm to 2pm with a free lunch provided.