New Harm Minimisation Measures for Pubs and Clubs with Gaming Machines

Pubs and clubs in New South Wales with gaming machines are now required to implement new harm minimisation measures to support individuals at risk of gambling harm. Effective immediately, these measures aim to foster responsible gambling within gaming venues.

Key changes include:

• Responsible Gambling Officer (RGO): Venues with more than 20 gaming machines must have an RGO on duty whenever gaming machines are operational. RGOs identify and support patrons displaying signs of gambling harm, make referrals to support services, and facilitate self-exclusion requests. The number of RGOs required is based on the number of gaming machines in the venue.
• Advertising and Signage Restrictions: Venues are prohibited from displaying any gaming machine-related signage or advertising on or visible from ATMs or EFTPOS terminals. Signage directing patrons to these machines must not be visible from gaming areas. Venues have a one-month grace period to comply with these rules before enforcement begins in August.
• Gambling Incident Register: Venues must maintain a register documenting incidents of patrons displaying gambling harm behaviour or requesting self-exclusion.

Further measures effective from January 1, 2025, include:

• ATM Placement Requirements: ATMs must be located at least five meters from the entry to gaming rooms or areas containing gaming machines and must not be visible from these areas.

Liquor & Gaming NSW inspectors are visiting venues statewide to ensure compliance and provide guidance on upcoming changes.

Minister for Gaming and Racing, David Harris, stated: “Gaming machines pose the most serious risk of gambling harm. The NSW Government is committed to implementing reforms to mitigate these harms. By placing cash dispensing facilities further away from gaming machines, we encourage patrons to take a break and reassess their spending.”

For more information, visit the Liquor & Gaming NSW website.

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Sydney Swans’ AFLW squad take Community Camp to Newcastle

The Sydney Swans’ AFLW squad is heading to Newcastle as part of the first-ever league wide AFLW Community Camp program on 6-7 July.

With fewer than two months to go until its third NAB AFLW campaign, the Swans’ players will use the visit to inspire new fans and garner more support in NSW’s second most populated city. The Swans host Collingwood in a blockbuster Friday night clash at North Sydney Oval on Friday, 30 August to kick off the AFLW season.

Women and girls will be front and centre at the Swans’ Community Camp with two sessions specifically relating to girls keen to play footy. An All Girls Super Clinic will be followed by an U9 girls gala day, providing fantastic opportunities for participants to meet elite players and have a kick.

In an action-packed weekend, there will also be sessions for selected women and girls involved in youth and senior football including a leadership forum, an umpiring information session and a coaching masterclass featuring players and coaches from the Sydney Swans.

Participation and Programs Project Manager, AFL NSW/ACT, Simon Smyth, said of the Sydney Swans’ visit to Newcastle: “It’s a great time to be a girl playing footy and we’re grateful the Sydney Swans have chosen Newcastle for the team’s first official AFLW Community Camp.

“This area has a strong connection to footy with AFL Hunter Central Coast one of the country’s oldest-running sports leagues. We’ve seen many Australian rules football legends come out of this area and we hope the Community Camp will inspire some stars of the future.

“I encourage all girls to attend Saturday’s clinic and any under-nine girl with an interest in team sport to try the gala day on Sunday. The Community Camp is also a great time for youth girls and senior women coaches, umpires and players to mingle with elite players and receive a few tips.”

Lord Mayor, Nuatali Nelmes, said City of Newcastle’s ongoing investment in No.1 Sportsground continues to pay dividends for local athletes. “We’re delighted to welcome the Sydney Swans AFLW squad to Newcastle for this highly anticipated Community Camp,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Through City of Newcastle’s 10-year Strategic Sports Plan we’re providing facilities that support universal access and allow for greater female participation in sport. Our $8 million investment into improving and expanding the playing surface and installing new floodlights at No.1 Sportsground was just the beginning of upgrades that are designed to deliver a facility capable of hosting elite-level AFL and AFLW matches.”

All Girls Super Clinic
A great way to mingle with the Sydney Swans AFLW players and play footy-based games. No previous Australian rules football experience needed.

• Date: Saturday, 6 July
• Time: 1:30-2:30pm
• Location: No. 1 Sportsground, Newcastle
• Ages: 5-12
• Register: Here

U9 Girls Gala Day
An opportunity for girls under nine years to try Australian rules football in a fun environment with modified rules, including no tackle. Sydney Swans AFLW players will offer support and provide some basic coaching.

• Date: Sunday, 7 July
• Time: 11:30am-1:00pm
• Location: Pasterfield Sports Complex, Cameron Park
• Ages: 5-8 years
• Register: Here

Swans AFLW Coach Masterclass
Be a part of the Swans AFLW Coach Masterclass, exclusively available for women and girls looking to gain invaluable insights from the experts.

• Date: Saturday, 6 July
• Time: 2:30PM
• Location: No. 1 Sportsground, Newcastle
• Register: Coaches will be invited to register via email

U9 Girls competition 2025
For the first time, AFL Hunter Central Coast will offer an U9 Girls competition in season 2025. Girls currently play mixed teams in U9s, with standalone girls sides competing from U11.

NAB AFL Auskick Burst in Newcastle
Participants inspired by the Sydney Swans will have an opportunity to join the fun weekly, with NAB AFL Auskick re-opening in Newcastle from 21 July, offering participants half a season of the Auskick experience and the beloved Auskick pack.

We call it Auskick Burst, with participants bursting on the footy scene and having a great time. Auskick Burst will be offered at a greatly reduced price, which will be revealed before the Sydney Swans’ AFLW Community Camp.

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Warning: High-Dose MDMA Tablets Circulating in NSW

By Rob Heyward

NSW Health is alerting the public about high-dose MDMA tablets (ecstasy) currently in circulation across NSW, which contain approximately double the amount of MDMA commonly found in other tablets. These grey, irregular-shaped tablets are imprinted with the text ‘LION’ on one side.

For images and further details on these high-dose MDMA tablets, please visit NSW Health Public Drug Alerts.

Dr. Darren Roberts, Medical Director of the NSW Poisons Information Centre, emphasised the dangers of consuming high doses of MDMA, which have been linked to serious illness and fatalities in NSW.

“MDMA can cause severe agitation, raised body temperature, seizures, irregular heart rhythm, and even death,” said Dr. Roberts. “The risks are heightened when MDMA is combined with other stimulants like amphetamines or cocaine. The amount of MDMA in a tablet can vary significantly, even within the same batch. Health risks are greatly increased if high amounts are consumed over a short period.”

Dr. Roberts also highlighted the increased risk of harm from MDMA in hot environments, such as music festivals. “Taking breaks from dancing, seeking shade, and drinking water are crucial to reducing the risk of overheating. Remember, if you or a friend feels unwell after taking drugs, seek medical help immediately. You will not get into trouble for seeking care.”

Onsite medical providers and trained peer volunteers from programs like DanceWize NSW are available at many major festivals to support attendees. Other event staff are also trained to assist.

For more information on staying safe and recognizing warning signs, see Stay OK at Music Festivals.

For details about the adverse effects of MDMA, contact the NSW Poisons Information Centre at 13 11 26. For support with alcohol, MDMA, and other drugs, reach out to the Alcohol and Drug Information Service at 1800 250 015, a 24/7 confidential and anonymous telephone counselling service. The NSW Users and AIDS Association (NUAA) also provides harm minimisation resources and advice, available at 1800 644 413.

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