Applications open to co-design gambling harm message with Aboriginal youth

The Office of Responsible Gambling is offering the Our Mob, Our Media, Our Message – Gambling Harm Prevention Grants after a recent survey showed Aboriginal people were more likely to experience gambling harm.

Office of Responsible Gambling Director Alison Parkinson said the project aimed to partner with young Aboriginal people to create culturally relevant messages about gambling harm and use social media as a tool to engage and educate them. 

“The findings from the 2024 NSW Gambling Survey and stakeholder consultations have shown that gambling harm has a disproportionate impact on Aboriginal communities,” Ms Parkinson said. 

“For example, around 10.4 per cent of Aboriginal people in NSW experience at-risk gambling, compared to 3.8 percent across the general population.  

“To address this, we sought feedback from Aboriginal stakeholders and organisations on the best way to raise awareness about gambling harm among Aboriginal young people. 

“Multiple stakeholders said social media was the best platform to use and was a powerful way to influence attitudes, and for the content to be engaging and effective, it should be developed by Aboriginal people for Aboriginal people to ensure it is relevant to their communities and experiences. 

“We are now seeking not-for-profit Aboriginal organisations or those that deliver services to Aboriginal communities to work alongside young Aboriginal people to produce culturally relevant social media content that encourages conversations about gambling harm and challenge attitudes around gambling.” 

Applications for grants open on 8 September and will close on 20 October. 

Capacity building activities will be incorporated into the program to support participating organisations to apply for, co-design and deliver their projects and meet reporting and evaluation requirements. 

To apply, go to: https://www.nsw.gov.au/grants-and-funding/our-mob-our-media-our-message-gambling-harm-prevention-grants