Social Gambling Policy Consultation

Public Policy

Client: City of Yarra

Yarra City Council is preparing a Social Gambling Policy to complement its existing gaming policy framework.

There are eight gaming venues in the City of Yarra, with a total of 308 electronic gaming machines. In 2009-2010, more than $31 million was spent on gaming machines in Yarra, or $591.41 for every resident over 18 years old.

Yarra City Council identified that there has been very little research undertaken on how gambling affects whole communities, most studies deal with how individuals are affected. Therefore the Council was keen to gain information on gambling that is specific to the Yarra community so that it can be responsive to the needs of the community.

The issues associated with gambling in Yarra were compiled in an Issues and Opportunities Paper in early 2010.

They are now developing a Social Gambling Policy, underpinned and informed by a consultation process to improve the understanding of the gaming environment and the attitudes of a range of stakeholders, community members and venue operators.  

Capire Consulting Group was engaged by Yarra City Council to undertake the consultation to inform the Social Gambling Policy. The consultation process was implemented in September and October 2010 and includes focus groups, workshops, structured interviews, 'vox pops' and an online forum (www.bangthetable.com/talkinggambling).

The consultation process also worked to identify the community cohorts who had particular needs in relation to gambling, those people at risk of developing a gambling problem and how/when support services are being accessed.

All outcomes of the consultation process will assist in developing a draft policy dealing with the social issues related to gambling, especially Electronic Gaming Machines.

The draft Social Policy on Gambling is expected to be available for further public comment in early 2011. 

Collingwood Community Information Centre Evaluation

Client: Yarra City Council

The evaluation of the Collingwood Community Information Centre (CCIC) was completed by Capire on behalf of Yarra City Council.  At the time of the project, the CCIC was funded to June 2010. The evaluation was triggered by the need for funding partners to determine future funding arrangements.

Public Drinking Research

Client: Maribyrnong City Council

Capire Consulting Group completed extensive community consultation on the Draft Public Drinking Strategy to obtain feedback from businesses and members of the community. 

Amy Hubbard

Amy Hubbard is a Director and co-founder of Capire Consulting Group. She has extensive experience in stakeholder engagement, social planning and community development. Amy has worked with public and private sector organisations in Australia and overseas enabling her to develop a versatile approach to specific project objectives.