Invest in You

Try no charge and low cost

activities in Brimbank

October 2021

Acknowledgement of Country

Brimbank City Council acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of this land, the Wurundjeri People,

and pays our respects to Elders past and present.

Contents

Changing the Brimbank Story

Finding Cool Places

Libraries

Neighbourhood Houses and Community Centres

Brimbank Learning Futures (BLF)

Services for Seniors

Disability Services

Parks, Gardens and Walking Trails

Brimbank Leisure Centres

Volunteering

The Brimbank Story

The Brimbank Story

Invest in You – A Pathway Out of the Pokies

Getting Help

Gambling Support and Wellbeing Information

Gambling Education Services

Changing

the Brimbank

Story

Gambling harm is a major issue in Brimbank. For over

a decade the community has had the highest losses

to Electronic Gaming Machines (EGM’s or pokies) in

Victoria.

Daily losses in 2021 regularly average at over

$440,000 a day.

Research shows that providing practical support

to encourage alternative leisure opportunities

can help prevent the development of gambling

problems. (Jackson, Darren, Dowling, Coles-Janess

and Christensen, 2014).

This booklet provides information about low cost

and no charge activities that can help you, family

or friends build skills, improve your wellbeing and

connect with others.

Brimbank City Council is strengthening our

community by providing accessible places, activities

and resources that offer an alternative to gambling.

Visit your Libraries, Neighbourhood Houses and

Community Centres, and Leisure Centres to start

your journey.

You can change your story by 'investing in you'.

Invest in You – Try no charge and low cost activities in Brimbank

3

4

Invest in You – Try no charge and low cost activities in Brimbank

Finding Cool Places

Cool Places is an online and printable map provided

by Brimbank City Council to show you where to find

accessible, comfortable, social spaces such as libraries,

neighbourhood houses and community centres, parks,

reserves and leisure centres. It also includes where to

find free services such as water refill stations, public

toilets, disabled car parking and train stations.

https://www.brimbank.vic.gov.au/coolplaces

Libraries

Brimbank City Council has five libraries located in Deer Park, Keilor, St Albans, Sunshine and Sydenham that

offer a wide range of accessible, no charge services and activities for all ages and abilities. These include Book

Groups, Connect & Chat Groups, Practice your English Classes, Digital Literacy Classes, and Create and Chat

Sessions.

Not a member? Join online

www.brimbanklibraries.vic.gov.au

or call for more information

The Brimbank Home Library Service is available for

Brimbank residents who are unable to visit the library

due to illness, frailty, disability or carer responsibility.

Books and other items are selected to meet individual

interests and delivered to their home.

Call the Home Library Service Officer on

for further information

Invest in You – Try no charge and low cost activities in Brimbank

5

Sunshine Library is open Thursday night until 10pm for

Libraries After Dark.

Libraries After Dark provides access to no cost activities

such as gardening, music, writing, business skills, start

ups and creative workshops. Programs are held in four

week sessions to enable participants to build skills and

friendship. This service can also reduce the dependency

on visiting gaming venues for entertainment by providing

safe, affordable long-term alternative experiences

during the day and evening. Creating opportunities to

encourage lasting community connection.

your community lounge

For further information or to suggest a program idea call the Libraries After Dark Coordinator at Sunshine Library

on

Use your library membership to connect

www.brimbanklibraries.vic.gov.au

Borrow Box allows

you to download

e-books and e-audio

straight onto your

mobile device

Discover your ancestors with the world's largest family

history website. Start a family tree, browse census

records and more online

Lifelong learning is available to all of us. Want to

try something new, discover learning opportunities

through these online resources

Free learning tools to help you with technology

and the digital world.

6

Invest in You – Try no charge and low cost activities in Brimbank

Hoopla is a free digital media service that allows you to

borrow movies, music, audiobooks, eBooks, comics and

TV shows to enjoy on your computer, tablet, or phone –

and even your TV!

Libby provides access to over 4,600 best-selling

and classic e-book titles and 1000s of e-magazines

Learn a new language or improve your English. There are

over 70 languages to choose from.

PressReader delivers an endless stream of

newspapers and magazines from around the world.

Connect online for FREE

study help: essays, maths,

science, assignments, and

more, from

,

in real time.

Find your library at

Connect online for FREE

study help: essays, maths,

science, assignments, and

more, from

,

in real time.

Find your library at

Connect online for FREE

study help: essays, maths,

science, assignments, and

more, from

,

in real time.

Find your library at

Connect online for FREE

study help: essays, maths,

science, assignments, and

more, from

,

in real time.

Find your library at

Connect online for FREE

study help: essays, maths,

science, assignments, and

more, from

,

in real time.

Find your library at

Connect online for FREE

study help: essays, maths,

science, assignments, and

more, from

,

in real time.

Find your library at

Connect online for FREE

study help: essays, maths,

science, assignments, and

more, from

,

in real time.

Find your library at

Connect online for FREE

study help: essays, maths,

science, assignments, and

more, from

,

in real time.

Find your library at

Connect online for FREE

study help: essays, maths,

science, assignments, and

more, from

,

in real time.

Find your library at

Connect online for FREE

study help: essays, maths,

science, assignments, and

more, from

,

in real time.

Find your library at

Connect online for FREE

study help: essays, maths,

science, assignments, and

more, from

,

in real time.

Find your library at

Connect online for FREE

study help: essays, maths,

science, assignments, and

more, from

,

in real time.

Find your library at

Connect online for FREE

study help: essays, maths,

science, assignments, and

more, from

,

in real time.

Find your library at

For further information visit

brimbanklibraries.vic.gov.au

Looking for work or returning to study? Studiosity, a free

online help program from real people, can help steer you

in the right direction

Invest in You – Try no charge and low cost activities in Brimbank

7

Neighbourhood Houses and

Community Centres

Brimbank’s 10 Neighbourhood Houses and Community

Centres are vibrant, safe, culturally diverse spaces. They

support the community by providing low-cost and no

charge programs and activities such as physical exercise,

health and wellbeing, digital literacy, arts programs,

hobbies, sport, and much more. Neighbourhood Houses

and Community Centres also deliver a wide range of

community events where people of all ages can connect

with each other.

For further information about centre locations and programs call

or

visit

www.brimbank.vic.gov.au/community/neighbourhood-houses-and-community-centres

Social Prescribing is a no charge service that links

people with social activities, programs or groups as a

way of improving overall health and wellbeing. A health

professional will meet with you to discuss your goals and

then make a referral to a suitable activity or program,

such as tai chi or social groups that support your health

needs. Ask your Neighbourhood House or Community

Centre staff about this service.

Brimbank Learning Futures (BLF)

For many reasons, people’s education can get disrupted.

BLF helps people get back on track so that they can gain

skills and are better able to find work. The approach is

flexible, responsive to individual needs.

To find out more about BLF programs please call

or email

learning@brimbank.vic.gov.au

8

Invest in You – Try no charge and low cost activities in Brimbank

Services for Seniors

Brimbank Council values and supports our older

community members to have good quality and

independent lives. We provide a range of services,

community support, and recreational programs to assist

you, your family, and your carers, including:

• Bimonthly meetings

• Brimbank Active Seniors

• Brimbank Seniors Forum

• Annual Events

• Seniors Festival (month of October)

• Seniors Grants (annually)

For further information about any of these services call

or visit

https://www.brimbank.vic.gov.au/aged-care-and-seniors

This program is for residents of Brimbank who are

65 years and older.

The program offers a range of local activities and

provides opportunities for people to socialise

away from home. A main meal is provided along

with assistance with transport. Culturally specific

programs are available.

Prior to commencement of services, residents will

need to organise an Assessment via My Aged Care.

Call 1800 200 422 for further information or to

arrange an appointment.

This service is funded under the Commonwealth

Home Support Program (CHSP) and an affordable

fee is charged based on your income level.

Prior to commencement of services, residents will need to organise an Assessment via My Aged Care.

Call

for further information or to arrange an appointment.

Invest in You – Try no charge and low cost activities in Brimbank

9

Disability Services

Brimbank City Council is committed to ensuring all

community services are accessible and maintain

people’s independence and quality of life at home

and in the local community.

Services include respite care, home care, personal care,

home maintenance and Meals on Wheels.

Brimbank City Council also supports the Brimbank

Disability Network Group, which meets bi

monthly to discuss issues around access and

inclusion in the community.

For more information on any of these services call

or TTY: National Relay Service

,

visit

https://www.brimbank.vic.gov.au/disabilities

or email:

info@brimbank.vic.gov.au

If you live in Brimbank, are over 50, or have a disability,

you can join the Brimbank Community Register to receive

regular phone calls and an ID card.

Joining the register can help you in two ways:

Register and we will phone you

on a weekly, fortnightly, or monthly basis

– whatever you choose. If a call is not answered after

three attempts, we notify your next of kin and/or the

police will visit your home.

Register and you will receive

an identity card for use by emergency

personnel. You should keep this card with you at all

times as this identity card will hold important

information that can be a quick and easy reference for

Emergency and Medical personnel to be able to help

you as quickly as possible.

The register is a joint initiative between Brimbank City

Council and Victoria Police. Joining is voluntary and

registration is free. It's also confidential and secure.

For more information on any of these services call

(Monday-Friday 9am till 12 noon)

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Invest in You – Try no charge and low cost activities in Brimbank

Parks, Gardens and Walking Trails

Council offers a wide range of parks, playgrounds

and reserves that include outdoor exercise spaces

for people of all ages.

There are 25 Council-managed outdoor exercise

equipment areas located in neighbourhoods

where people can stay healthy and exercise

outdoors for no charge.

For more information and a full list of locations, please visit

www.brimbank.vic.gov.au/leisure-parks-and

facilities/parks/parks-brimbank/outdoor-exercise-equipment

Brimbank Leisure Centres

Brimbank City Council operates a leisure and

aquatic centre in Sunshine.

A St Albans Pop-Up Gym is available during the

construction of the new state of the art health

and wellbeing hub, which will include a leisure and

aquatic centre.

For more about Leisure Centres programs and activities, call

email:

slc@brimbank.vic.gov.au

or

visit

https://leisurecentres.brimbank.vic.gov.au

Invest in You – Try no charge and low cost activities in Brimbank

11

Volunteering

Volunteering is a great way to give back to the

community, learn skills, keep active and meet new

people.

Brimbank City Council welcomes volunteers from

the community all year round and can assist with

training and support.

For more information about volunteering please call

(Monday-Friday 9am till 12 noon)

email

info@brimbank.vic.gov.au

12

Invest in You – Try no charge and low cost activities in Brimbank

The Brimbank Story

For over a decade Brimbank has had the highest pokie machine losses in Victoria

* Statistical information about gambling is sourced from the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation.

Estimated savings

during COVID-19

shutdown period

in 2020 were over

$90 Million

Number of

pokie venues

15

Average

fortnightly earning

for a pokie machine

in Brimbank

(based on 2020-21 figures):

$6,478

Average daily

losses in the

six months

following

re-opening of

gaming venues were

highest

ever recorded

in Victoria

One pokie machine

for every

173

adults

living in Brimbank

Fortnightly income

for

a single

aged pensioner

(including Pension

Supplement and

Energy Supplement):

$952.70

Daily losses in Brimbank 2021

have reached

over

$440,000

This is the equivalent to four

family houses being lost

every week in Brimbank

Number of

pokie machines

in Brimbank

953

This is the limit.

Not one more

pokie machine can legally

be set up in Brimbank

Playing the pokies

more than once a week,

or for more than

30

minutes

at a time, could mean

you are at risk of gambling harm

Invest in You – Try no charge and low cost activities in Brimbank

13

• Pokies are programmed for customers to lose

their money slowly over time

• If you have a win, the machine is designed to

get that money back

• There are no lucky machines and they are

never “due” to pay out

• The lights and music are designed to keep

people playing

• Losses may be disguised as wins

• Some people find the pokies are a way to

escape from feeling sad, lonely or depressed

• Only take the amount of money you are

prepared to lose and don’t take your credit card

Some of the signs

• Gambling more than once a week

• Borrowing money from family and friends

• Having trouble sleeping

• Thinking about gambling a lot

• Spending less time with family and friends

• Having lots of loans

• Not paying bills

• Spending more and more time gambling

• Being secretive

• Taking a lot of days off or frequently

unaccountably absent during the day

• Telling lies

• Forgetting, missing, important appointments

• Pokies can change the way your brain works

• Some people zone out and lose control over

the time and money they are spending

• People with gambling addiction need to be

treated with compassion not judgement

• People who seek help for their gambling have

a strong chance of recovery

14

Invest in You – Try no charge and low cost activities in Brimbank

This story is one person’s pathway away

from the pokies and the behavioural change

techniques she used, including replacing

gambling with a love for photography. Her

story is told in the hope that others may

benefit from her approach.

As an adult educator

Kate

was

well versed in teaching others, but when it came

to understanding the nature of her own pokie

addiction, the lessons were more hard won.

Needing reprieve from a family violence situation,

Kate found solace in the pokies. While playing the

machines she felt moments of peace, reduced

anxiety, excitement and freedom from being

controlled and judged. The pokies allowed her to

block out the reality of her home situation and

enter a state of numb escapism.

With the death of her partner the threat of

violence was lifted, but Kate’s addiction to the

machines wasn’t. While she understood that she

was wasting her time and money, she also felt

trapped in her habit. She felt ashamed and her

depression was overwhelming.

However Kate’s desire to want a better life for her

and her son drove her to look for ways to address

her dependence on the machines. She knew that

being “strong” and doing it alone was not working.

She started by being really honest with herself

about the reality of her situation and began talking

with trusted friends and a counsellor.

Her natural curiosity as an educator led her to

study behavioural change techniques. She started

reading self-help books and educating herself

about habits, the brain and neural plasticity.

Hypnosis helped and she was able to channel her

anxiety about the pokies into vivid visualizations

that turned the gaming venues into filthy

disgusting places that needed to be avoided at all

costs. This change in the way she thought about

the pokies led her to be repulsed by them.

A key strategy was replacing the habit of using

the pokies with something far more beneficial

and interesting. Kate returned to her love of

photography with a passion.

From this experience Kate learnt that in order to

get away from the pokies she needed:

• the desire to stop

• help and support from professionals

• the belief she could change

• something to replace the pokies; such as

photography

Life is much better now.

Invest in You –

A Pathway Out of the Pokies

Invest in You – Try no charge and low cost activities in Brimbank

15

In partnership with the Invest in You project

and the Australian Vietnamese Women’s

Association, Libraries After Dark offered

people with lived experience of gambling and

affected others an opportunity to write about

their experiences.

Led by writer Malcolm Hill, and supported by a

translator and counsellor, the group created a

safe space to tell some hard truths and create

compelling stories.

Over the weeks of the program, trust was built,

confidence gained and words overflowed. The

conversations between gamblers and affected

others were particularly powerful.

Participants are now sharing their stories with their community through radio interviews, videos and articles.

They want to show the human face of gambling and let people know the power of truth telling.

The Bosnian Planned Activity Group worked

with staff from Libraries, Neighbourhood

Houses and the Invest in You project to trial

a project specifically targeted at offering

an alternative to visiting pokie venues. Led

by Senada Ekic, the group was allocated

four plots at Westvale Community Centre.

Four workshops on soil, composting and

planting, garden bed maintenance, and

indigenous plants were delivered. The

group now meets to socialise and tend to

the plots on a permanent basis.

Photo credit: Boris Cerina

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Invest in You – Try no charge and low cost activities in Brimbank

The 100 Day Challenge is a program for people who want

to change their relationship with gambling.

The 100 Day Challenge offers participants 100 alternative

recreational activities over 100 days, supporting them

to take a break from, or cut back on, their gambling. The

challenge can be accessed through app and web-based

formats. It is a flexible program designed with the help of

professionals to give participants the support they need.

And it’s all done anonymously.

People can set individual goals, get support and advice,

discover new activities and chat to others who are also

up for the challenge. For more information, visit:

https://

responsiblegambling.vic.gov.au/reducing-harm/

awareness-campaigns/100-day-challenge/

Invest in You – Try no charge and low cost activities in Brimbank

17

Gambling to the

point where you suffer

harm involves a lot of time

away from family and

friends. When people stop

gambling, the shame they

feel can prevent them

from reaching out to their

previous support networks.

This can increase feelings

of isolation, loneliness

and depression. Planning

alternate healthy activities

is vital to coping with this

new way of life.

– Ian

I used to gamble

obsessively, and when I

conquered my addiction, I

needed something meaningful

to take its place. I’ve taken up

playing [a musical instrument].

Now I’m obsessed with learning

new tunes, and I play with a folk

group every Thursday evening.

We also play at (pokies free!)

pubs once in a while.

– Stuart

I returned to doing the

things I enjoyed in my teens;

riding my bike, gardening and

my love of animals. I purchased

plants and joined a gardening

group. I connected with a local

football club and watched

football with other supporters.

I took up snorkelling which was

something I never expected to

do as I have a fear of sharks, but

once I started snorkelling I found

it immensely enjoyable and

relaxing. I continue to explore

other healthy activities.

– Ian

I walk my dog Bindy

every day, I go to the gym, I

joined the RSL Darts team and

I volunteer for the Wilderness

Society. Keeping busy helps

me stay in recovery.

– Ian

When I need to get

out of the house, I head to

the beach instead of the

pokies. Just sitting in my

fishing chair and listening

to the sounds of the sea, or

casting a line is relaxing.

– Alex

These days, instead of

going to the pokies, I look for

creative projects at home. One

of my favourites is creating

photo books from old family

photos. It’s preserving our

history and allows me to share

special memories with my

grandchildren.

– Carolyn

As a child I enjoyed

riding a bike, so as a reward

for abstaining from gambling

I purchased a bike. Now I can

ride for hours without even

realising the time that

has passed.

– Alex

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Invest in You – Try no charge and low cost activities in Brimbank

Getting Help

Getting help is the first step to reducing gambling harm. Deciding where and how to start your journey can be

confusing, so using a specialist service can help you get started. Below are just some of the gambling support

services available in Victoria. For further information and services please visit Victorian Responsible Gambling

Foundation

https://responsiblegambling.vic.gov.au/for-professionals/health-and-community-professionals/

gamblers-help/

Gambling Support

and Wellbeing Information

Gambler’s Help is a free confidential non-judgmental service available to individuals,

families, friends and communities affected by gambling harm

If you or someone you know needs support please contact Gambler’s Help IPC Health on

or Gambler’s Helpline

or visit

www.gamblershelp.com.au

MGHPS offer free, confidential services, including counselling, community

information sessions, online and in-person group therapy, and more, to individuals

and families experiencing negative effects from gambling. Support is available to all

Victorian residents in-language.

Our services specialise in supporting community members from migrant, refugee,

and multicultural backgrounds to overcome the negative effects of gambling, but are

available to all Victorians. Free of charge service.

For free, confidential support,

or visit

https://www.ssi.org.au/services/health-wellbeing-and-social-support/

gambler-s-help-multicultural-services-victoria

Invest in You – Try no charge and low cost activities in Brimbank

19

Languages spoken: Arabic, English

Services: counselling support and referral to English-language financial counselling

For information or to make an appointment:

or

info@arabicwelfare.org.au

https://www.arabicwelfare.org.au/

Languages spoken: Vietnamese, English

Services: services for aged, family, child and individuals. Support includes gambling

and financial counselling

For more information or to make an appointment:

Richmond office:

Braybrook office:

or

info@avwa.org.au

.

https://www.avwa.org.au/en/

Languages spoken: Cantonese, Mandarin, English

Services: counselling support and financial counselling

For information or to make an appointment:

or

info@fca.fedsun.org

https://www.vicfca.org.au/

20

Invest in You – Try no charge and low cost activities in Brimbank

This service provides confidential peer support to Chinese speaking individuals who

are being impacted by problem gambling

All telephone support provided by trained Chinese speaking volunteers with personal

experience of recovering from problem gambling

Free and confidential

Also open to partners, families and friends of the gambler

https://www.each.com.au/service/chinese-peer-connection/

Peer Connection is a free, confidential and easy to access telephone peer support

service for people struggling to stop/control their gambling and for people impacted

by another person’s gambling

All our peer support volunteers have experienced gambling harm themselves and can

share their own stories of harm, hope and recovery

For more information contact

pcintake@bchs.org.au

or

or visit

https://bchs.org.au/services/gambling-support/peer-connection/what-is-peer

connection/

Lifeline is a national charity providing all Australians experiencing emotional distress

with access to 24 hour crisis support and suicide prevention services. Lifeline is

committed to empowering Australians to be suicide-safe through connection,

compassion and hope

or

https://www.lifeline.org.au/get-help/information-and-support/problem-gambling

Invest in You – Try no charge and low cost activities in Brimbank

21

Beyond Blue provides information and support to help everyone in Australia achieve

their best possible mental health, whatever their age and wherever they live

Chat online:

https://online.beyondblue.org.au/#/chat/start

us using this link:

https://online.beyondblue.org.au/email/#/send

https://www.beyondblue.org.au/

Gambling Education Services

A podcast where you hear from others who have been there too. This podcast series

has stories of hope and recovery, ideas for change and ways to get help. Presented by

a person with lived experience themselves the podcasts are designed for people who

are worried about their gambling or who are worried about another person’s gambling

or for people who want to know more about the problems gambling can cause

Listen below:

https://notadollarmore.org.au/

9249 4000

info@brimbank.vic.gov.au

PO Box 70, Sunshine, VIC 3020

• TTY dial

133 677

• Speak & Listen

1300 555 727

•

www.relayservice.gov.au

, then enter

03 9249 4000

www.facebook.com/brimbankcouncil

www.twitter.com/brimbankcouncil

www.youtube.com/brimbankcitycouncil

Use Brimby, the online virtual assistant

brimbank.vic.gov.au

312 - 0821

All information in this flyer is current at the time of printing (October 2021)