CLUBS in Narooma and Bermagui are calling on their members and residents in general to get on board buses heading to a protest against pre-commitment technology on poker machines.
The meeting will begin at 11am, Wednesday, July 13 at the Braidwood Ex Services Club on the corner of Lascelles and Wallace Streets, Braidwood. Lunch will be provided in Braidwood by the clubs, while in Bermagui an afternoon tea will be provided upon return.
The Narooma Sporting and Services Club meanwhile is prepared to hire several large buses to take as many people up to Braidwood as possible.
General manager Tony Casu urged all Narooma residents to contact the club as soon as possible on 4476 2135 so that the number of seats needed on the buses could be determined.
Bermagui club calls on community help
Bermagui Country Club general manager Caleb Rose last week also called on the support of the Bermagui community in the fight against mandatory pre-commitment technology.
The Bermagui Country Club is sending its courtesy bus to Braidwood full of club supporters. And the Club may also be able to help out with travel costs of anyone interested in attending.
Mr Rose said the Federal Government’s proposal to introduce “a licence to punt” for poker machines would be a fatal blow to the Bermagui Country Club.
“Our Club will have to spend $780,000 just to install this ‘big brother’ scheme. At least seven of our staff will lose their jobs because our Club simply will not be able to afford to keep them on,” Mr Rose said.
“Worse still, our club may not have a choice but to close our doors. “Certainly, we would decrease, or cancel our support of the Bermagui Breakers, Bermagui Seaside Fair, Sculpture on the Edge and other sporting and cultural organisations as well as our contribution to the CDSE scheme where many community organisations benefit through local grants and sponsorships.
“We are asking everyone who cares about the role of our club in the community to come to Braidwood on Wednesday, July 13.
“Incredibly, a number of leading problem gambling counsellors and researchers have expressed their fear that the technology will actually delay problem gamblers from getting help while punishing the social punters who enjoy the occasional flutter on the pokies.
“That means clubs will have to slash spending on employment, facilities and donations to charities and sporting groups.
“Meanwhile, problem gamblers will still be able to set their own limits on poker machines, and will be free to gamble online 24/7 using their credit card.
“Not-for-profit clubs like ours have supported and helped the community for decades, and we need the community to send a strong message to Canberra that clubs are to be protected from this political madness.
“This meeting is our chance to be heard and to help save our local clubs,” he went on to say.
For more information go to www.its-unaustralian.com.au
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