The Andrews Labor Government is stepping up the fight against gambling harm in regional and rural Victoria with $250,000 in prevention grants to be provided through the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation (VRGF).
Minister for Gaming and Liquor Regulation Marlene Kairouz joined Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards in Bendigo today to launch the VRGF’s Prevention Grants for Regional and Rural Victoria.
Grants of up to $50,000 will be made available for regional organisations to develop gambling harm prevention initiatives, and commence research projects from June 2018 to June 2019.
The funding is part of sweeping measures taken by the Labor Government to tackle gambling harm in Victoria and to support all Victorians, regardless of where they live.
Grant applications are welcome from not-for-profit organisations, social enterprises, local government and community or public health organisations based in regional and rural Victoria.
The Labor Government has invested $148 million over four years (2016-2019) in the VRGF, one of the largest funding commitments to address problem gambling in Australia.
Applications for funding under the Prevention Grants for Regional and Rural Victoria program close on Thursday, 3 May 2018.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Gaming and Liquor Regulation Marlene Kairouz
“This is part of our ongoing efforts to prevent gambling harm – which includes freezing the total number of pokies across the state and imposing strict withdrawal limits at venues.”
“This is about combatting gambling harm at a local level and giving rural and regional communities the support they need.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards
“This funding will be a major boost for regional organisations looking to prevent gambling-related harm.”
“A third of Victoria’s gaming machines are in regional Victoria, so funded projects will provide vital support to those who need it.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Bendigo East Jacinta Allan
“These grants could lead to new ways for tackling gambling harm in regional and rural areas.”
“Victorians living in rural and regional areas are more vulnerable to gambling harm than in the city - that’s why prevention initiatives are needed here and it’s why we’re providing this funding.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020