The Andrews Labor Government is working to prevent gambling harm in culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities across Victoria.
Minister for Consumer Affairs, Gaming and Liquor Regulation Marlene Kairouz launched the first of a suite of new resources aimed at reducing gambling-related harm in CALD communities at a Refugee Week event in Hoppers Crossing today.
More than a quarter of Victorians at risk of severe gambling-related harm speak a language other than English at home.
The new videos developed by the Horn of Africa Communities Network (HACN) aim to help new migrant communities understand the risks associated with gambling, overcome the stigma related to gambling harm and encourage people to seek advice and support.
The video project is part of the HACN Emerging Communities Responsible Gambling Program, which works with members of the Karen and Chin (Burma), Dinka, Nuer and Sudanese Arabic (Sudan), Amharic (Ethiopia) and Somali communities.
The $260,000 program is part of the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation’s $3.87 million Prevention Partnership Program, which aims to help prevent and reduce gambling harm in communities across Victoria.
The two-year HACN program will train community liaison officers to engage with their respective communities and develop initiatives to help refugees in west, north and south-east Melbourne reduce their risk of gambling-related harm.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Consumer Affairs, Gaming and Liquor Regulation Marlene Kairouz
“Talking openly about gambling harm reduces the stigma and encourages those who may be too embarrassed or reluctant to ask for help, to get the support they need.”
“Language shouldn’t be a barrier to seeking help. Gambler's Help services provide free translator services and in the past year help has been provided in 43 languages other than English.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020