Article – GambleAware Session
On the evening of Tuesday 20th October, about 40 people gathered at St George Hall in Redfern for a community session on gambling. The event was organised in consultation with the Antiochian Welfare Association, and was presented by GambleAware and the NSW Government. Led by Daniel, Norma and Djimi the presenters set out the many ways gambling can reach into our lives and the lives of those around us.
As part of the evening, we looked at how deeply gambling is woven into Australian culture, and how so many of us are introduced to it at an early age. Whether by watching the Melbourne Cup as children, or by being asked to help pick the family’s lottery numbers. These moments feel harmless but they help make gambling seem like an ordinary part of life. The numbers show how far that normalisation has gone, with over 60% of Australians involved in some level of gambling.
The presenters also spoke about the growing impact of online betting. How it is now available around the clock on a phone, making it even harder to notice or to step away from.
A practical part of the night was the advice given on how to raise the subject with someone who is struggling with gambling. The message was that a calm, caring conversation can be the first step toward change, without judgment, and that no one has to have all the answers before starting the conversation.
The presenters made a point of reminding everyone that help is easy to reach. GambleAware is free for anyone to use, and offers peer support, gambling counselling, financial counselling and in-person sessions available across Sydney. The service is confidential, and the helpline on 1800 858 858 can be called at any time of the day or night.
