News

Rugby star to lead problem gambling workshop in Mildura

Wed, 03 May 2017 05:23:00

Aboriginal expert on problem gambling will lead an upcoming workshop to help people learn strategies to support those fighting a gambling addiction.

Former Newcastle Knights player and long-time anti-gambling advocate Ashley Gordon has developed a reputation for leading effective workshops that tackle the stigma around problem gambling and provide effective solutions to tackling the problem.
“Ashley connects really well with the community and he provides step-by-step strategies that can help break the gambling cycle,” Mallee District Aboriginal Services Gambler’s Help Counsellor Richard Vaughan said.
“This workshop will help people better understand gambling and the impact it is having on our community.”
Ashley Gordon is from the western-NSW community of Brewarrina and is a descendent of the Gamilaroi people. After a successful career with the Newcastle Knights, he focused on problem gambling in Aboriginal communities.
Gordon is now a member of the Australian Gambling Research Centre and has run an Aboriginal safe gambling program in New South Wales for the last nine years.
Mr Vaughan said Gordon has visited more than 150 Aboriginal communities to talk about problem gambling and is well placed to discuss the issue with the Mildura community.
“About $25 million was gambled on pokie machines alone in the Sunraysia region last financial year, so there is a serious issue in our community,” he said.
“When you consider that for every gambler, an additional five to 10 people are affected by their gambling, the impact is widespread.”
The workshop is titled “Let’s Yarn About Gambling” and is open to all members of the community, but Mr Vaughan said people who know a problem gambler will also benefit from the support strategies discussed.
“The addiction people have to gambling, and particularly to electronic gaming machines such as pokies, is severe and very real,” he said.
“As such, those suffering from this addiction need really strong support from the people around them, which means the more people who understand gambling, the more people there are to help support our community to tackle problem gambling.”
The “Let’s Yarn About Gambling” workshop will start at 9.30am on Monday, May 15, 2017 at the MDAS Community Hall. To confirm your attendance, email rvaughan@mdas.org.au
People wanting to access the MDAS Gambler’s Help or Financial Counselling Services can contact the Social and Emotional Wellbeing Team on 5018 4100.