The tri-state collaboration of the Perth Football League (PFL), Victorian Amateur Football Association (VAFA) and Adelaide Football League (AdFL) met in Canberra last week to progress the planning of the Gambling Harm Reduction Program (GHRP).

The GHRP will help support young men and women at-risk of gambling-related harm in our communities.

The Department of Social Services (DSS) Gambling Unit hosted league representatives to discuss the program, the landmark tri-state collaboration and the effectiveness of community football as a platform for meaningful change.

Following productive discussions with the DSS, the GHRP will now progress to the next stage – we will be finalising the program’s information sessions, brand and supporting information that will be accessible to all in our community. Early next year we will formally launch the program, which will include training, information sessions and resources aimed to support the more than 40,000 people across the three leagues.

Working alongside the DSS and public health experts, the program will address the issue of gambling-related harm in our community. Thank you to those who participated in the research phase over the last few months. Your insights have been invaluable in the development of this vital initiative.

We look forward to providing more information around the program rollout – including details of the educational workshops and webinars.

The GHRP is being delivered through a Strong and Resilient Communities (SARC) Activity - Inclusive Communities Grant. This grant is an Australian Government initiative.