GambleAware Statewide Aboriginal Service Provider Appointed
The Office of Responsible Gambling has awarded a four-and-a-half-year contract worth $1.3 million to NSW Aboriginal Safe Gambling Services, to provide support for First Nation communities across the state to access culturally appropriate gambling harm support services.
Natalie Wright, Director of the Office of Responsible Gambling, said the new GambleAware Aboriginal Service is part of GambleAware’s recent reforms to strengthen connections between GambleAware Providers and Aboriginal communities.
“NSW Aboriginal Safe Gambling led by Ashley Gordon brings over 20 years’ experience in the delivery of services to Aboriginal communities along with a decade delivering the Warruwi gambling awareness program,” Ms Wright said.
“GambleAware is delivering gambling support and treatment services across 10 regions that are aligned with the NSW Local Health Districts. Each region has a GambleAware Provider dedicated to delivering local services to their area who will coordinate with NSW Aboriginal Safe Gambling to provide support to those who need it.”
The NSW Aboriginal Safe Gambling Services will work with GambleAware Providers across NSW to deliver a diverse program of work, including:
- Assessing the cultural capability of GambleAware Providers,
- Guiding GambleAware Providers in improving engagement with the Aboriginal communities in their area, including developing support and referral pathways with local service providers,
- Developing a Community Engagement Plan in collaboration with each GambleAware Provider,and
- Supporting the development of effective strategic partnerships between GambleAware Providers and service providers in their local area.
Ashley Gordon, Manager of NSW Aboriginal Safe Gambling, said that he is looking forward to working with the 10 GambleAware Providers across the state to develop appropriate responses to the needs of Aboriginal communities within the region.
“We will be partnering with GambleAware providers to educate Aboriginal people about safe gambling,” Mr Gordon said.
“We will also be working to establish and grow strategic partnerships between the GambleAware Provider and Aboriginal service providers in their region.
“We also encourage the uptake of a range of non-counselling interventions that offer expanded support options for Aboriginal clients, such as healing groups and yarning circles.”
NSW Aboriginal Safe Gambling will continue to operate under the Warruwi brand for the remainder of 2021 as they transition over to GambleAware. The GambleAware Statewide Aboriginal Service will commence in January 2022.
