Aboriginal communities across the Kimberley are being encouraged to yarn about gambling harm through a new community-led awareness campaign funded by the WA Government.
The We Win When We Yarn About Gambling campaign was launched this week, with resources developed alongside Aboriginal communities and Kimberley health services to reduce stigma and encourage people to seek support.
Kimberley MP Divina D'Anna said the campaign aimed to create safe opportunities for people to discuss gambling harm and its impact on families.
"This campaign is about reducing stigma, encouraging people to seek support and creating safe opportunities for communities to talk about gambling harm," she said.
"Because this campaign has been developed by communities for communities, it places local people, local experiences, and local knowledge at the centre of the conversation."
The campaign includes posters, flyers, yarning cards and social media resources to help organisations start culturally safe conversations about gambling, including informal betting, card games known as "ding-dings", and online and sports betting.
Broome CIRCLE Money Support Hub coordinator and financial counsellor, Gareth Parcel, said gambling harm could place additional pressure on households already experiencing financial difficulties.
"At Broome CIRCLE, we see firsthand how financial hardship can affect individuals and families, and gambling harm can add another layer of pressure to households already doing it tough," he said.
"What I really like about this campaign is that it's not about judging people or telling them what to do. It's about starting conversations, breaking down stigma and making sure people know that support is available."
Broome CIRCLE has contributed to the campaign's consultation process, including coordinating a local focus group and helping distribute materials across the Kimberley.
Mr Parcel said the consequences could affect entire families and communities.
"The more we yarn about these issues, the more opportunities we create for people to seek support before things reach crisis point," he said.
WA Racing and Gaming Minister Don Punch said gambling harm extended beyond financial hardship.
"We know the effects extend beyond financial hardship, affecting relationships, wellbeing, and community connections, yet too many people still feel unable to ask for help," he said.
"This campaign is about breaking down that stigma, encouraging conversations, and ensuring people know support is available. Importantly, it has been shaped by Aboriginal communities, ensuring the messages are grounded in lived experience and reflect the needs and priorities of the people it is designed to support."
Free, confidential support is available through the Gambling Helpline on 1800 858 858, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
In Fitzroy Crossing, Marra Worra Worra Aboriginal Corporation offers financial counselling on 08 9191 5333 or at [email protected].
Campaign resources are also available through the WA Government's GambleAware WA portal.
