By Jamie Salter
Up to $10,000 is now available to local community groups as part of a commitment to help those experiencing hardship as a result of gambling.
The Lynbrook Hotel has been directed by the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation to make an annual cash contribution to the City of Casey as a condition of its gaming licence.
This contribution – the Lynbrook Hotel Community Contributions Fund – is for distribution to residents of Lynbrook, Lyndhurst and Hampton Park, as the primary patron catchment of the venue.
It has been identified that half of the patrons of the Lynbrook Hotel come from Hampton Park and residents of the area experience higher levels of social and economic hardship.
Local community groups and organisations seeking to reduce the harm from Electronic Gaming Machines gambling or support non-gambling activities may apply to receive a portion of the available funds.
The groups will provide social support and mental wellbeing to assist residents and their families with issues associated with gambling-related harm and problem gambling.
Problem gambling is characterised by difficulties in limiting money and time spent on gambling which leads to adverse consequences for the gambler.
Successful applicants must be based in the City of Casey and be a registered not-for-profit club or community group.
Casey’s Electronic Gaming Machines Strategy 2015-2020 includes a long-term commitment to reduce the negative impacts of gambling in Casey.
Casey has a total of 913 electronic gaming machines, with 2017 to 2018 combined losses reaching $131.6 million.
Applications for the Lynbrook Hotel Community Contributions Fund close on Friday 4 March at 5pm.
Applications must be submitted online at bit.ly/3Hzvtm6
