Community responds to problem gambling

Five community programs will share in $842,435 of State Government grants to address the impact of problem gambling.

They include a youth radio project, a recreation-based program for African youth in Western Australia and a diversion program for Aboriginal people in a Kimberley community.

Racing and Gaming Minister Terry Waldron said while WA had lower rates of problem gambling than other States, the grants were invaluable to help those at risk.

“By raising the awareness of the effects of problem social gambling through programs such as this, we can strengthen a community’s resolve to reduce the level of gambling,” Mr Waldron said.

The grant recipients are:
Bidyadanga Gambling Diversion Program Phase 2 ($194,120), Kimberley
Langford Aboriginal Association, GET (Gambling Ends Today) Moorditj Project, Langford, Perth ($198,000)

Arts Radio, RTRFM Youth in Radio Program, Mt Lawley ($103,000)
Emo Community Services (ECOS) Inc, Talents Against Gambling Program, Girrawheen ($147,945)

Warburton Community Inc, Wilurarra Creative Beyond Gambling Project ($199,370)
Community Services Minister Tony Simpson said community organisations were best placed to deliver services to communities at a grass roots level.

“This funding allows communities to develop tailored programs to deal with problems in the most effective way,” Mr Simpson said.

The Beyond Gambling Grants Program is a joint partnership between the Department of Racing, Gaming and Liquor and the Department of Local Government and Communities.