Fairfield has recently been in the Media for the saddest of reasons. We are, it seems, the "gambling capital" of Syndey, one of the most gambling obsessed Cities in the world.In the Fairfield Advance (Wed. 16 April, 2008) Fairfield Mayor Nick Lalich is reported as declaring that...
...pokies did more good than harm, with much of the money put back into the community.
However, a recent Government report suggests that the Mayor's take is at best miss-informed. The table below is from a recent government report showing that Fairfield residents spend 78% of their disposable income on POKIES ALONE ! (this does not include other forms of Gambling. Go to www.thangngo.com to read the government report. It can be downloaded as a PDF).
Despite this stunning figure, Fairfield Council is currently considering an increase in the number of Pokies allowed in the city.
As Christians we are called to love our City. Of course the desire to see people follow Jesus lies at the very heart of this Love. However, while we live in this world, "loving our neighbour" must include a concern for their physical welfare. As Peter and I have been involved in the lives of those in our city, we have seen firsthand the slavery and addiction that many people experience as a result of Gambling.
One of Fairfield Council's members, Cr Thang Ngo, has asked me to speak at a problem gambling summit for South West Syndey. I have been asked to give a community perspective on how Gambling is affecting Fairfield's community. Check out the web site for the event and the others who will be speaking.
http://www.gamblingsummit.org/
(copy and paste the above address in your browser - laugh at the photo and blurb of me on the speakers page!)
This is a great opportunity for us as Christians to serve our local community, speaking for those who are not able to speak for themselves. I'd love your help!
Three ways you can help:
1. Share with me your own experiences with problem gambling. Maybe your own struggles, or those of friends or family. Everything shared will be kept confidential. Maybe you even know non-Christian members of the community who have suffered in one way or another because of problem gambling who would be happy to speak with me.
2. Come to the Problem Gambling Summit. This is a chance for us to show we care about the welfare of all who share this city with us. It will give you a good idea of the problems our community is facing. In the months following the Summit there will also be opportunities for anyone interested, to lend their support to addressing this issue.
3. Pray and stay informed. Please pray for wisdom for me as I put together my presentation and for good organisation for the problem gambling summit. Pray that the event may be open and transparent in its treatment of the issues. Pray also that it will get good media coverage and force everyone in our community to look beyond their own "freedoms" to the good of others. Also take time to read your local papers and educate yourself on the issues. As the event draws closer this blog will include further thoughts and information.
My address to the Problem Gambling Summit will be posted this arvo.
Thanks and God bless
Steve.
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4 comments:
What's the definition here of disposable income? As far as I understand it
disposable income = gross income-taxes
discretionary income = gross income-taxes-necessities
It's a big problem regardless, but if it's disposable income by the economists' definition then it's an even bigger problem.
Hey Joanne,
The Household income is calculated from the ABS 2006 Census.
The Disposable income is taken as household income less the "Henderson Poverty Line" as an indicator of that houshold income remaining after provision of necessities.
Steve
I'll be praying and stuff :)
Its a great op. good work!
however, I don't have the experience to share sorry :[ good luck but!
I already knew that the area was a gambling hot spot, but that figure is horrific. All the best Steve with the summit, it will be a long and difficult road for any gambling addicts who want to change. I recall a Four Corners documentary last year in which a female employee of Woolworths was gaoled as a result of gambling away hundreds of thousands of her employer's dollars. Subsequently, her husband became extremely depressed and then committed suicide in her absence. Now she and her son are left to salvage what is left of their lives after gambling took away so much. That's only one example!
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