Clubs join to help addicts

Grafton District Services Club general manager Arthur Lysaught said his club has had an exclusion plan since the mid-’90s with an “absolutely positive result”.

Adam Hourigan

NSW Clubs offering self-exclusion for problem gamblers are implementing the multi-venue self-exclusion program from ClubSAFE.

The ClubSAFE multi-venue program excludes individuals who identify they have a problem in more than one club venue.

On Wednesday Rowan Cameron, ClubSAFE manager, trained a group of 45 Clarence Valley club representatives at the Grafton District Services Club.

"In one step, an individual with a problem can nomi- nate locally or contact ClubSAFE and a counsellor can enact self-exclusion for them," Mr Cameron said.

"With funded Mission Australia and Lifeline counsellors we can undertake an industry initiative that has absolute merit."

Once nominated, individuals can still visit and enjoy facilities at their local clubs but if breached, they will suffer the consequences that occur with any NSW Responsible Conduct of Gambling gaming breach.

Arthur Lysaught, GDSC general manager, said that their main priority with the program is integrity and privacy.

"We've had an exclusion plan at the GDSC since the mid-'90s with an absolutely positive response," he said.