BRIMBANK City Council is putting its support behind Responsible Gambling Awareness Week, which will run from 26 May to June 1 throughout Victoria.
Responsible Gambling Awareness Week is aimed at helping gamblers to stay in control of their activity. Its theme is: Gamble Responsibly. Stay in Control.
According to research, some 77 per cent of Victoria’s adult population gamble.
In Brimbank, the net gaming revenue from Electronic Gaming Machines was more than $120 million in the 2006-07 financial year, which equates to more than $900 ($911) for every adult in Brimbank.
Brimbank mayor Sam David said Responsible Gambling Awareness Week was a far-reaching campaign aimed at encouraging people to take a responsible approach to gambling around Victoria.
“It was extremely important, from a community point of view, for the city of Brimbank to support such a significant initiative,” Councillor David said. “Just last month the council passed a recommendation to strengthen its capacity to determine planning applications that involve Electronic Gaming Machines.”
It would do so by making the council’s gambling policy and action plan part of the Brimbank planning scheme to ensure that any development involving poker machines produces a net community benefit.
Responsible Gambling Awareness Week is part of a statewide partnership between the Victorian Government, industry, local government and community groups to ensure that gambling in Victoria is a safe, enjoyable and relaxing form of entertainment for those who choose to gamble.
Responsible Gambling Week reinforces the fact that help is available to those who seek it via the Gambler’s help line — 1800 156 789.
