Local community groups often have the best insight into the effects problem gambling can have on community members and the best way to prevent problem gambling and minimize its impact.
The Victorian Government has developed an innovative community partnerships strategy that is designed to tap into community knowledge then develop and harness the skills and ideas that can help reduce the harm and impact of problem gambling. By working together, community groups and the Victorian Government are broadening the reach of the problem gambling message to help more people.
Under the Community Partnerships Strategy, the Victorian Government engages in partnerships with local communities in an attempt to create enduring programs of social change. Community partnerships harness local knowledge and networks to educate communities about problem gambling, customise services to suit local needs and help change behaviour.
The Government has backed the strategy with a $1.6 million Local Community Partnership Projects Grants Scheme. The grants scheme funds grants of up to $100,000 to local organisations, like Neighborhood Houses, to help problem gamblers, their families, friends and wider communities.
Community partners:
The partnership program has three components - Statewide Partnerships, Local Community Partnerships, and Local Community Education and Development.
