Shining a light on gambling harm during Gambling Harm Awareness Week
Published on 22 October 2026
Mornington Peninsula Shire is supporting Gambling Harm Awareness Week (24 – 31 October 2026) with a new three-part podcast series exploring the impacts of gambling harm, sharing lived experience insights and highlighting the support available for those affected.
Gambling harm can affect anyone, impacting relationships, mental health, finances and overall wellbeing. The series aims to increase understanding of gambling harm, reduce stigma and encourage people to seek support when they need it.
Mayor Stephen Batty said raising awareness of gambling harm and connecting people with support helps create a healthier and more informed community.
"Gambling harm is not always visible, but it can have significant impacts on individuals, families and the wider community," Cr Batty said.
"This podcast series provides an opportunity to hear from experts, learn from lived experience and better understand the supports available. We hope these conversations help people recognise the signs of gambling harm and feel more confident seeking help for themselves or someone close to them."
While gambling is often viewed as an individual issue, its impacts can extend to families, workplaces and the broader community. Gambling harm can affect relationships, self-esteem, physical and mental health, work performance and social connections.
While gambling is often viewed as an individual issue, its impacts can extend far beyond the person gambling, affecting families, workplaces and the broader community through impacts on relationships, self-esteem, physical and mental health, work performance and social connections.
The three-part series features experts from Deakin University, lived experience advocates and gambling support services.
Podcast A: The Issue
Guest: Simone McCarthy, Deakin University
This episode explores gambling harm as a public health and community issue, examining the social and health impacts of gambling and the increasing accessibility of online gambling.
Podcast B: The Experience
Guest: Carolyn Crawford, Gambling Harm Lived Experience Experts
This episode shares lived experience insights and lessons learned, helping to reduce stigma while offering hope and understanding for people affected by gambling harm.
Podcast C: Getting Help and Solutions
Guest: Claire Emmanuel, Gambler's Help
This episode focuses on practical support, outlining available services and reinforcing that help-seeking is a positive and normal step.
Residents are encouraged to listen to the free podcast series and learn more about recognising gambling harm and accessing support.
Podcast Details:
Release Date: weekly from 21 October 2026.
Platform: mornpen.vic.gov.au/gamblingharmpodcasts