Announcement of new service providers for GambleAware service across NSW
The Office of Responsible Gambling has recently completed the tender process to establish GambleAware Providers across NSW, the first major stage of the implementation of the redesign of gambling support and treatment services in NSW.
GambleAware Providers will provide community engagement, support, counselling and treatment to people experiencing gambling harm and those affected by other people’s gambling across NSW from 1 July 2021.
The new approach will see an innovative stepped care model of service delivery for gambling support and treatment services across ten regions aligned to NSW health districts.
This model will ensure that support reaches a larger proportion of people experiencing gambling-related harm in NSW and deliver high-quality support and treatment in a way that is responsive to their needs.The GambleAware model includes:
- Ten GambleAware Providers contracted for five years to deliver a range of therapeutic and non-therapeutic services across 10 regions in NSW, supported by specialist Aboriginal and Multicultural statewide services.
- A GambleAware digital platform to provide information about gambling to the NSW community and enable clients to access a range of support, from self-help through to counselling in a range of modes, including video. Bookings will also be able to be made online.
- Peer support and new client guide functions will be introduced to better support clients in the system.
- Enhanced data collection and reporting to enable continuous improvement of the service offering to those who need support.
Successful GambleAware Providers were selected as the result of a rigorous tender process and are listed per region below:
| Region | GambleAware Service Provider | Partner/s |
|---|---|---|
| Blue Mountains & Western Sydney | University of Sydney | CatholicCare Social Services Parramatta Mission |
| Central Sydney | University of Sydney | CatholicCare Sydney Wesley Community Services Limited |
| Far & Western NSW | Regional Community Care Limited | Lifeline Central West Incorporated |
| Hunter New England | Centacare New England North West | CatholicCare Social Services Hunter Manning |
| Illawarra & Southern NSW | Mission Australia | Gambling Impact Society NSW Incorporated |
| Mid & Northern NSW | Lifeline North Coast (NSW) | N/A |
| Murrumbidgee | Uniting (Victoria and Tasmania) Limited | N/A |
| Northern Sydney & Central Coast | Wesley Community Services Limited | Parramatta Mission |
| South Eastern Sydney | St Vincent’s Hospital Sydney Limited | Baptistcare NSW and ACT CatholicCare Sydney |
| South Western Sydney | University of Sydney | CatholicCare Sydney Parramatta Mission |
Current Gambling Help services will transition clients over to GambleAware Providers during the next few months. We will be working closely with all stakeholders to ensure a smooth and empathetic transition for clients, staff and services.
