Mission Australia Educates on Problem Gambling

Media Release, 10 October 2011

Mission Australia is running a two-day ‘Gambling Smart’ workshop in Mt Druitt on Tuesday 11 and Wednesday 12 October to assist Aboriginal community and health workers better identify gambling issues within their community, and among their clients.

The interactive and informative workshop is free and is being held from 9:30am to 4pm each day at the Marrinweejali Aboriginal Co-op, 79-81 Jersey Road, Blackett.

This workshop is part of a program which will be rolled out across 20 New South Wales communities over the next 12 months, and is funded by Communities NSW through the Office of Liquor, Gaming and Racing.

Gambling Smart workshop presenter Owen Craigie is well known for his career in rugby league, having captained the South Sydney Rabbitohs and played with the West Tigers, Newcastle Knights, and in the English Super League.

Having experienced the detrimental effects of problem gambling personally, Craigie felt strongly about helping educate frontline workers about the warning signs.
“If those working closely with problem gamblers can detect the warning signs early on, there is a better chance the person can be assisted in turning things around before their life spirals out of control,” says Craigie.

“Problem gambling is often a closely guarded secret. However, there are detectable warning signs including: poorly explained absences from home or work, a defensive attitude, or even signs of depression.”

“If we can equip community and health workers with information about the warning signs then we can potentially assist people earlier rather than later.”

Craigie said that the workshop will cover a range of issues associated with problem gambling.

“We will look at the different types and forms of gambling, the signs and symptoms of problem gambling, risk and protective factors, impacts on health and relationships, the types of interventions and treatment programs, gambling counselling and where to find help,” Craigie said.

Participants that complete the full two-day course will receive a certificate of participation, and lunch and refreshments will also be provided. For more information, contact Owen on (02) 4033 4941.
 
Media contact: Sally Popplestone Mobile: 0415 547 626