Souths Cares Launches New Campaign to Address Gambling Harm
Souths Cares has secured NSW Government funding to deliver a culturally-led social media campaign aimed at reducing gambling harm among Aboriginal young people.
Souths Cares’ project was one of just three selected for funding under the Office of Responsible Gambling’s Our Mob, Our Media, Our Message – Gambling Harm Prevention Grants Program, alongside projects delivered by Tharawal Aboriginal Corporation and Ungooroo Aboriginal Corporation.
The Souths Cares Gambling Education Campaign is a six-month digital initiative that will engage Aboriginal youth Ambassadors and Rabbitohs players to share culturally appropriate messages that challenge gambling attitudes and encourage alternative choices.
Key ambassadors for the campaign include Rabbitohs players Latrell Mitchell, Cody Walker, David Fifita, and Tallis Duncan.
“Souths Cares leads the way in promoting positive messages that empower young people. I’m proud to support this campaign as an ambassador and help young people rethink gambling and recognise the harm it can cause.” — Cody Walker
The campaign also builds on the Rabbitohs’ commitment as a partner of the NSW Government’s Reclaim the Game program, which allows the club to turn down sports betting sponsorships and remove sports betting advertising at their home games. This leadership role reinforces the messages young people will see in the campaign.
“I’ve seen how powerful sport can be in shaping young people’s choices. As players and ambassadors, we’re proud to support Souths Cares in this initiative and help raise awareness about gambling harm.” — David Fifita
The Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty and the Minister for Gaming and Racing, the Hon. David Harris, attended Heffron Park on Thursday to officially launch the Souths Cares campaign.
"I’m pleased to support [Souths Cares] to create engaging social media content that encourages conversations about gambling harm and challenges attitudes around gambling. The statistics showing higher rates of Aboriginal people experiencing gambling harm in NSW are concerning, and this partnership approach to reach young Aboriginal people will help close this unacceptable gap.”
— David Harris, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty and Minister for Gaming and Racing.
Souths Cares has a proud history of delivering programs that strengthen wellbeing, education, aspirations, and cultural connection among Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander young people. The new gambling harm initiative builds on that legacy by empowering young people to make informed choices and lead positive change for themselves, their families and their communities.
