The four-month campaign, 'The Number that Changed our Life', has gone live across TV, radio, print and social media. It is designed to encourage people from these communities to seek help if they need it.
Minister for Hospitality and Racing Kevin Anderson said: “Even though culturally and linguistically diverse communities gamble less than the general population in New South Wales, they are more vulnerable to gambling harm and experience more gambling problems than the general community.”
Minister for Multiculturalism Mark Coure added: “It can be difficult for anyone to come forward and ask for help. For some, there may be cultural sensitivities to gambling, which makes it harder for them to talk to their families or friends, or which may make recognising when someone is in trouble harder to identify.
“This campaign helps to cut through to both those that are experiencing trouble, their friends and family around them, and ensures no one is left to suffer alone in silence.”
GambleAware provides comprehensive multilingual information, resources and counsellors. However, according to Natalie Wright from the NSW Office of Responsible Gambling, the hardest step is seeking help in the first place.
She said: “The number that changes your life won’t be one of those lucky numbers that never come through, it’s the number for GambleAware’s counselling service. That might be the biggest win you have.”
