Reaching out with gambling help

 Problem gambling is in the spotlight in Greater Dandenong thanks to new funding and a forum.
Reverend Tim Costello, an advocate for gambling reform, will be the guest speaker at the Greater Dandenong Council gambling forum on Wednesday 21 February.
Attendees will hear about the impact of gambling on the community and how to be part of the solution.
The event will take place Dandenong Civic Centre from 6pm to 7.30pm.
Meantime, the State Government announced on Tuesday 30 January that Dandenong’s Serbian Community Association of Australia would receive $17,500.
The group will use the cash to develop a program to raise awareness of the risks of gambling through 10 information sessions in Serbian, and Serbian language information for print and radio media.
“This is a fantastic initiative that will go a long way towards preventing gambling harm within our Serbian community,” Dandenong MP Gabrielle Williams said.
Research shows that culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities in countries like Australia tended to gamble less than the overall population, but those who do gamble are more likely to experience harm.
“Those affected by gambling are often embarrassed and reluctant to seek help – that’s why we need to reach out,” Gaming and Liquor Regulation Minister Marlene Kairouz said.
“These projects will help work through some of the language and cultural barriers that stop people from getting the help they need.”
Multicultural Affairs Minister Robin Scott said Victorians came from all over the world so messages about gambling needed to target them.
“These projects will encourage people to talk openly about the challenges of gambling and get support,” he said.