Dear petition supporter,

We are excited to announce that Rev. Tim Costello AO, Chief Advocate for the Alliance for Gambling Reform, will briefly join us (virtually) at the start of Gateway Health’s free community event in Wodonga on Thursday 11 September 2025.

From Gaming to Gambling: The Hidden Risks in Your Child’s Favourite Games is a practical session for parents, carers, teachers, and youth workers. Attendees will learn how to:

1) Recognise loot boxes, skins, and in-app purchases that mimic gambling

2) Spot early warning signs and start the right conversations

3) Set family and school strategies that actually stick

4) Hear lived experience stories and ask questions in a friendly Q&A

Rev. Costello brings over 30 years of gambling reform advocacy experience and will open the session by sharing insights on the impacts of pokies, online gambling, and what our community can do to prevent harm.

Gateway Health, supported by Upper Murray Family Care, is hosting this event and preparing a joint submission to the VGCCC opposing more pokies, supported by our local petition which has over 300 signatures and still rising.

Event Details:

When: Thursday 11 September 2025, 5:00 – 7:00 pm (light snacks provided)

Where: Gateway Health, 155 High Street, Wodonga VIC

Who: Parents, carers, guardians, teachers, and youth workers

Cost: Free – registrations essential

Register now: https://events.humanitix.com/from-gaming-to-gambling-hidden-risks

Don’t miss this chance to hear from a national leader in gambling reform and learn how to protect young people from hidden gambling risks.

Regards,

The Gateway Health and Upper Murray Family Care teams