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1. ClubGRANTS (NSW Registered Clubs)

Established: 1998, ensuring registered clubs with profits over $1 million contribute to local community welfare.

Funding Categories:

Category 1: Supports projects improving welfare and social fabric of local communities, focusing on low-income or disadvantaged groups. Includes:

Community welfare & social services

Community development

Community health services

Employment assistance activities

Category 2: Supports broader community development and core club activities (e.g., sports maintenance).

Category 3: Infrastructure grants for sport and recreation facilities, administered by the Office of Responsible Gambling.

Local Committees: Established in areas with high club liability to guide Category 1 funding allocation.

Funding Size: Varies by category; Category 3 can range from $50,000 to $300,000 for infrastructure.

Ideal Alignment: Your harm reduction project fits strongly under Category 1 for social services and community welfare by addressing gambling harm, mental health, addiction, and social isolation in Northern NSW.

2. Office of Responsible Gambling Grants

Prevention, Innovation and Technology Grants

Funding: Up to $200,000 (one-off unique projects)

Eligible: Businesses working on innovative, tech-based harm reduction solutions

Fit: Could support digital or tech elements of your project, such as online surveys, anonymous help apps, or audio documentary production.

Community Development Fund Grants

Funding: $5,000 to $250,000

Eligible: Business, local government, not-for-profits

Purpose: Projects providing tangible community benefits, especially for vulnerable, rural, remote or disadvantaged populations

Fit: Your program’s focus on peer support, creative workshops, and community engagement is highly relevant here.

Category 3 Infrastructure Grants

Focus: Sport and recreation infrastructure

Fit: If your project includes community sport or physical wellness spaces, this could support capital expenses.

3. Post-Doctoral Fellowship in Gambling Research

Up to $160,000 per year for 3 years

For academic research aligned with gambling harm reduction

Potential partner or collaborator opportunity if you link community outcomes with academic research.

How Your Project Aligns

Community Welfare: Your program provides direct support to people affected by gambling harms, mental health challenges, addiction, and social isolation. This aligns with Category 1 funding aims.

Community Development: Creative outlets (music, arts, peer storytelling), workshops, and group connection meet Category 1 and Community Development Fund goals.

Vulnerable Populations: Targeting low-income and disadvantaged residents in Northern NSW matches funding priorities.

Innovative Harm Reduction: Use of interviews, anonymous help services, audio content, and psychoeducation could attract Prevention & Innovation grants.

Sport & Recreation: If incorporating sport or physical activities, infrastructure funding may be relevant.

Suggested Next Steps for Funding Applications

Approach local clubs with Category 1 liabilities to propose collaboration or co-funding.

Apply to the Community Development Fund for program delivery and outreach activities.

Explore tech grants from the Office of Responsible Gambling if your program uses digital platforms.

Build partnerships with local councils, health districts, and research bodies to strengthen grant applications.

Contact & Resources

ClubGRANTS Office: 1300 024 720 (Mon-Fri, 9am–4pm)

Email: [email protected]

ClubGRANTS Guidelines PDF

ClubsNSW Local Grant Rounds

Office of Responsible Gambling: for latest grant rounds and information

Neither do we. This is all new but unlike pokies, hoping practise and persistence will pay off.

Brainstorming:

lived experience

edge, resistance, and recovery

creative transformation

harm reduction, not sugar-coating

✦ Raw & Real Approach

Break the Cycle

Off the Reels

Losing Streak, Winning Voice

Loaded

No More Spin

Jackpot Fallout

✦ Reflective & Gritty

Hard Luck Stories

The Last Bet

One More Spin

Reel Talk

The Cost of Luck

Behind the Payout

The Edge of the Lounge

Bet, Burn, Begin Again

Lounge Room Ghosts

✦ Creative / Movement-Based

Reel Resistance

Pulled from the Machine

Chips Down, Voices Up

Spin Cycle: Stories of Escape

Lights Out: Beyond the Pokies

✦ Working-Class / Grassroots

Hard Earned, Hard Lost

Off the Cards

Pub Culture, Real Stories

Not Just a Game

Cash Out: The Reckoning

Break the Cycle

✦ Interview Intro Script

(for use before recording or reading aloud at the start of a voice memo)

"Hi — before we begin, I want to thank you for being part of this project. We're collecting real stories from people who’ve been affected by gambling — whether directly or through someone they know — to better understand the emotional, social, and cultural impacts.

This is not formal research or therapy. It's a community-led, grassroots project aimed at reducing gambling harm in Northern NSW by sharing honest stories, building empathy, and exploring alternatives like music, creativity, and connection.

You’re free to remain anonymous. You can distort your voice, use a nickname, or just submit your story in writing if that’s more comfortable. If you choose to be part of a podcast-style version, we’ll check in with you before anything is made public.

Your story matters. You can skip any questions, pause, or stop anytime. Are you happy to continue?"

✦ Participation Request Blurb

(for posters, flyers, social posts or at events)

✦ 🎤 “The Psychological Impact of the Pokies Cycle” – Community Voices Wanted

Have you or someone close to you been affected by gambling?

We're collecting stories, experiences, and creative ideas from people in Northern NSW who want to break the cycle and build something better.

This grassroots harm reduction project invites you to share:

A short voice memo or anonymous written story

Survey responses

Or join a creative workshop exploring music, mental health, and meaning

All stories are treated with care and confidentiality. You can remain anonymous. We offer options to blur faces, distort voices, or stay completely behind-the-scenes.

These stories will help inform a 6-week creative program and community showcase, with zines, beats, art and real talk.

✦ Want to contribute a story or join a workshop?

✦ Interested in a podcast-style interview?

✦ Have ideas for what should replace pokies in our communities?

👉 Contact [your email or phone]

👉 Or drop an anonymous note at [location / help box / online form]

No shame. Just truth, connection, and creative resistance.

✦ 5 Sample Interview Questions

(Use all or some. Can be conversational or structured.)

“Can you tell me about your first memory of gambling — what drew you to it?”

“What was the biggest win or biggest loss you experienced, and how did that affect you?”

“When you think back to the times you were gambling most, what else was going on in life?”

“What would’ve helped you or someone close to you to stop or slow down?”

“If the pokies disappeared tomorrow, what would you want to exist instead?”

Next up:

Consent forms (verbal or written)

Audio/video disclaimer language

Outreach messaging for services and social media

Intro templates for the podcast or zine

Next steps:

More Than a Shop: A safe space disguised as a vintage treasure trove.

Doesn't matter if you come for a yarn, you'll leave with threads...

Community Threads- we sell handpicked second-hand vintage clothing to raise funds and spark conversations around domestic violence, addiction, gambling harm, and mental health. But we’re not just a shop — we’re a low-pressure help point and safe space.

✦ What We Offer

➤ ✶ Free Clothing Support

Emergency outfits for those fleeing crisis

Workwear for job interviews or court appearances

Seasonal clothing for people experiencing hardship

School and youthwear packs for struggling families

➤ ✶ Purposeful Fundraising

100% of profits go towards local support initiatives

Clothing donations directly fund urgent intervention work, transport, meals, and recovery support

➤ ✶ A Trauma-Informed, Discreet Environment

Fitting rooms stocked with flyers, contact cards, and anonymous "Request Help" forms

Option to request a text or call check-in via a slip system (dropbox near change rooms)

Posters and artwork provide mental health reminders, recovery stories, and support pathways

Staff are trained in recognising signs of distress and responding with care

✦ Awareness in Every Corner

Our walls speak for those who can’t.

You’ll find:

Posters about gambling harm, DV red flags, addiction support, and youth mental health

QR codes linking to anonymous surveys and local services

Affirmation spaces, art therapy prompts, and quiet info corners

A rotating section called “Survivor Voices”, sharing stories and hope

✦ No Questions Asked

Need help? You can:

Take a card, flyer or support pack from any corner of the shop

Slip a note in the anonymous help box

Ask to “play UNO” or “Connect 4” (our safety code system)

Text or write your number for a private follow-up

✦ How You Can Support

Donate clothes – Vintage, professional, warmwear

Volunteer – Help in-store, pack donations, or support someone in crisis

Sponsor a clothing bundle for someone in need

Shop consciously – every purchase helps fund urgent support

✦ Join the Movement

We believe in dignity, discretion and direct action. Whether you’re shopping, donating or simply visiting, you’re helping someone find warmth, strength, and maybe a fresh start.

Next:

Volunteer onboarding sheet

Safety flyer for fitting rooms

Survey form (anonymous, trauma-informed)

Staff cheat sheet for coded signals and escalation protocol

A welcoming space for learning, healing, and celebration — where stories, art, and people come together.

✦ Bookshop & Reading Nook

➤ Curated selection of books on:

Mental health, addiction recovery, and wellbeing

Personal growth, trauma healing, and resilience

Social justice, gender, and community empowerment

Fiction, poetry, graphic novels, and diverse voices

➤ Comfortable reading corners and journaling tables

➤ Journals, stationery, and self-reflection prompts available

➤ Book swaps and community lending library options

✦ Creative Workshops & Events

✶ Movie Nights

Thought-provoking films on social issues and recovery

Light-hearted community favourites for fun and connection

✶ Art & Expression Workshops

Guided painting, drawing, journaling, collage, and craft

Open mic nights for poetry, storytelling, and music

✶ Trivia, Comedy & Variety Shows

Fun, low-barrier social events to bring the community together

Fundraiser shows supporting local support services

✶ Exhibitions & Art Gallery

Showcase local artists — especially those with lived experience of mental health or addiction

Rotating themed exhibits to educate, inspire, and challenge stigma

Prints and small artworks for sale to support artists and fundraise

✦ Fundraising & Community Building

Entry or donation-based events with all proceeds supporting the shop and outreach programs

Special events spotlighting local service providers, storytellers, and healers

Collaborative projects to create community zines, art books, and awareness campaigns

✦ Benefits

Provides a safe space for people to come together, learn, and create

Encourages peer connection and reduces isolation

Raises awareness through stories, art, and dialogue

Supports mental health and addiction recovery through creative expression

Ages 12–17

Purpose: To understand how young people see and experience gambling, especially online.

---

✦ Section 1: About You

• Age:

  □ 12–13

  □ 14–15

  □ 16–17

• Gender:

  □ Boy

  □ Girl

  □ Another identity

  □ Prefer not to say

• Town/Suburb:

  [Short answer]

• Do you identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander?

  □ Yes

  □ No

  □ Prefer not to say

---

✦ Section 2: Online and Media

• Which of these do you use most days?

  □ TikTok

  □ Instagram

  □ YouTube

  □ Snapchat

  □ Online games

  □ None of these

• Have you seen betting or gambling ads online or in games?

  □ Yes

  □ No

  □ Not sure

• Have you played games that look like pokies or card games?

  □ Yes

  □ No

---

✦ Section 3: What You Think

• How much do you agree?

  (Strongly disagree / Disagree / Not sure / Agree / Strongly agree)

  □ Gambling is normal for adults

  □ It’s easy for kids to see gambling stuff online

  □ Games that copy gambling might lead to real gambling

  □ I can avoid gambling when I’m older

---

✦ Section 4: Learning and Help

• Have you learned about gambling risks at school?

  □ Yes

  □ No

  □ Not sure

• Would you like to know more about gambling and its risks?

  □ Yes

  □ No

  □ Maybe

---

✦ Staff and Service Provider Survey

Purpose: To understand community gambling issues and service responses across the Northern Rivers.

---

✦ Section 1: About You (Optional)

• Do you want to stay anonymous?

  □ Yes

  □ No

• Your role or title:

  [Short answer]

• Organisation name (optional):

  [Short answer]

• Town or suburb where you work:

  [Short answer]

• Years working in this role:

  [Short answer]

---

✦ Section 2: Community Gambling Issues

• Have gambling-related issues increased in your area?

  □ Yes

  □ No

  □ Not sure

• Which types of gambling are most common?

  □ Pokies

  □ Online betting

  □ Lotteries

  □ Casino-style games

  □ Other: [Short answer]

---

✦ Section 3: Support and Services

• How effective are these supports in your view?

  (Not effective / Somewhat / Effective / Very effective / Not sure)

  □ Counselling

  □ Public education

  □ Self-exclusion

  □ Gamblers Anonymous

• What stops people from getting help?

  □ Shame or stigma

  □ Don’t know about services

  □ Not enough services nearby

  □ Language or culture

  □ Other: [Short answer]

---

✦ Section 4: Training and Knowledge

• Have you had training to support people with gambling issues?

  □ Yes

  □ No

• Would extra training or info help you do your job better?

  □ Yes

  □ No

  □ Maybe

---

✦ Final Thoughts (Optional)

• Anything else you’d like to say or suggest?

---

✦ Community Gambling Survey – Northern Rivers NSW

Target group: Adults 18+ from Ballina, Byron Bay, Lismore, Mullumbimby, surrounds

Estimated time: 10–15 minutes

Purpose: To understand gambling behaviours, community attitudes, stigma, and access to support in the Northern Rivers region.

Section 1: Demographics

➤ What is your age?

☐ 18–24

☐ 25–34

☐ 35–44

☐ 45–54

☐ 55–64

☐ 65+

➤ What is your gender?

☐ Female ☐ Male ☐ Non-binary ☐ Prefer to self-describe: _______ ☐ Prefer not to say

➤ What town or region do you live in?

☐ Byron Bay ☐ Ballina ☐ Lismore ☐ Mullumbimby ☐ Other: _______

➤ Do you identify as:

☐ Aboriginal ☐ Torres Strait Islander ☐ Neither ☐ Prefer not to say

➤ Are you currently... (tick all that apply)

☐ Employed full-time

☐ Employed part-time

☐ Studying

☐ Looking for work

☐ Receiving disability support or pension

☐ Other: _______

Section 2: Gambling Behaviour

➤ In the past 12 months, have you participated in any of the following? (tick all that apply)

☐ Poker machines ("pokies")

☐ Online sports betting

☐ Casino games

☐ Scratchies

☐ Lotto or Powerball

☐ Card games for money

☐ Horse or greyhound betting

☐ Other: _______

☐ None of the above

➤ How often do you participate in gambling activities?

☐ Daily

☐ Weekly

☐ Monthly

☐ Rarely (less than monthly)

☐ Never

➤ How much money do you typically spend on gambling per month?

☐ $0

☐ Under $50

☐ $50–$200

☐ $200–$500

☐ Over $500

➤ Have you ever experienced harm as a result of gambling?

☐ Yes

☐ No

☐ Prefer not to say

➤ If yes, what types of harm have you experienced? (tick all that apply)

☐ Relationship problems

☐ Financial difficulties

☐ Mental health issues

☐ Shame or stigma

☐ Job loss or work stress

☐ Legal problems

☐ Other: _______

Section 3: Attitudes & Stigma

➤ How strongly do you agree with the following statements?

(Scale: Strongly Disagree – Disagree – Neutral – Agree – Strongly Agree)

• Gambling addiction is a real and serious condition.

• Gambling is more socially acceptable than drug or alcohol use.

• People who gamble excessively are to blame for their situation.

• I would feel comfortable talking to a friend or family member about gambling problems.

• There is not enough community awareness about gambling harms.

• Help for gambling is accessible in my area.

• People who seek help for gambling are often judged.

• I feel pokies should be phased out of pubs and clubs.

Section 4: Support and Services

➤ Have you ever tried to seek help for gambling-related issues?

☐ Yes

☐ No

☐ Not applicable

➤ Which services or support options are you aware of in your area?

☐ Gambling Help 1800 line

☐ Gamblers Anonymous (GA)

☐ Online support (e.g., Gambling Help Online)

☐ Local counselling service

☐ GP or health professional

☐ I’m not aware of any services

☐ Other: _______

➤ What are the biggest barriers to seeking help in your opinion? (tick top 2–3)

☐ Shame or stigma

☐ Cost

☐ Lack of local services

☐ Not thinking it's a serious issue

☐ Long wait times

☐ Not knowing where to start

☐ Prefer to manage it alone

☐ Other: _______

Section 5: Community Insights & Opinion

➤ Do you think gambling is a problem in your community?

☐ Yes

☐ No

☐ Unsure

➤ Would you support the removal of pokies from local venues? Why or why not?

•

➤ Have you visited the Eltham Hotel before or after the removal of pokies?

☐ Yes, before

☐ Yes, after

☐ Yes, both

☐ No

1. Executive Summary

This research proposes a multi-part, cross-disciplinary study to assess gambling behaviours, harms, public perceptions, and community resources in the Northern Rivers region of NSW. Drawing on case studies, youth exposure research, and stigma analysis, the project aims to inform harm minimisation strategies, improve public health messaging, and evaluate community-based alternatives to pokies. The project will combine geospatial mapping, qualitative and quantitative methods, and collaborative partnerships with local services and affected communities.

2. Research Aims and Objectives

Overall Aim:

To provide an evidence base that supports policy and service improvements to minimise gambling harms in regional communities, with a focus on the Northern Rivers region.

Specific Objectives:

✦ Map the availability and accessibility of gambling venues and services across Byron Bay, Ballina, Lismore, and Mullumbimby

✦ Identify demographic risk factors and prevalence of gambling harms in local populations

✦ Examine stigma and barriers to help-seeking among those affected by gambling

✦ Investigate the effectiveness and perception of alternatives to pokies (e.g., Eltham Hotel case study)

✦ Compare engagement and outcomes of Gamblers Anonymous (GA) with NA/AA

✦ Analyse the impact of digital content on youth gambling exposure, including TikTok and social media platforms

✦ Develop community-informed recommendations for policy, education, and service delivery

3. RGF Priority Research Areas Addressed

This project aligns with multiple RGF priorities:

• Individual and community level harm minimisation

• Gambling among vulnerable groups

• Regulation of gambling environments

• Emerging technologies and new trends

• Measuring and understanding prevalence and harm

• Efficacy and effectiveness of treatment and support pathways

4. Methodology

A mixed-methods approach will be used across five interconnected sub-projects:

✦ 4.1 Community Gambling Profile (Northern Rivers)

• Geospatial Mapping of venue density and proximity to schools, public housing, and health services

• Community Surveys to gauge gambling habits, risk factors, and support-seeking behaviour

• Stakeholder Focus Groups with health workers, community leaders, and venue staff

✦ 4.2 Pokies-Free Pubs: Eltham Hotel Case Study

• Financial Data Analysis (pre/post pokies removal)

• Interviews with patrons, managers, and local artists

• Patronage Survey comparing motivations and perceived social atmosphere

✦ 4.3 Stigma, Treatment, and Peer Support

• Public Opinion Poll on gambling vs drug/alcohol addiction

• In-depth Interviews with individuals with lived experience of gambling harm

• Comparative Analysis of GA vs NA/AA attendance, structure, and accessibility

✦ 4.4 Youth and Digital Exposure

• Content Analysis of gambling-related posts and ads on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube

• Youth Surveys (ages 12–17) via schools and youth services

• Parent/Educator Interviews on awareness and protective strategies

5. Collaborators and Stakeholders

✦ Regional partner orgs: Social Futures, NNSWLHD, Coffs Refugee Support

✦ Academic support: University Centre for Rural Health (Lismore), Southern Cross University

✦ Community consultation: Local Aboriginal Land Councils, Gamblers Anonymous facilitators

✦ Youth organisations and schools

6. Expected Outcomes and Impact

✦ Evidence-based recommendations for regional harm minimisation and venue licensing

✦ A model for pokies-free entertainment precincts

✦ Data-informed digital literacy campaigns targeting youth gambling exposure

✦ Identification of gaps in treatment and support systems

✦ Greater insight into public attitudes and stigma reduction approaches

7. Timeline and Deliverables

PhaseTimeframeDeliverablesProject designMonths 1–2Ethics approval, stakeholder engagementData collectionMonths 3–6Surveys, interviews, mappingData analysisMonths 7–8Interim findings, media reportsFinal reportingMonths 9–10Full report, infographics, presentationDisseminationMonths 11–12Community briefings, journal submission

8. Budget (est. $180,000–$200,000)

Includes:

• Staff costs (research assistant, community liaison)

• Participant incentives (vouchers for surveys/focus groups)

• Travel and accommodation

• Data analysis software

• Community workshops and dissemination events

• Final reporting and design

In-kind contributions from partner orgs (e.g. room hire, printing, consultation hours) will be included.

9. Evaluation and Learnings

• Continuous stakeholder feedback loops (via advisory group)

• Post-project reflection workshop with community partners

• Evaluation framework focused on relevance, uptake, and future applicability

• Assessment of how findings contribute to long-term service or policy reform

10. Contact and Expression of Interest

To be submitted to:

📩 [email protected]