Welcome Tim Gray, St Vincent's first Aboriginal Gambling Officer

Welcome Tim Gray, St Vincent's first Aboriginal Gambling Officer

20 Nov 2023

St Vincent’s welcomes Tim Gray, Gumbayngirr/Wiradjuri/Bidjigal man, as the first Aboriginal Community Engagement Officer for St Vincent’s Gambling Service through Gamble Aware.

As the only Aboriginal Gambling Community Officer across South Eastern Sydney, Tim is providing gambling support to people across the district through Aboriginal community organisations, and services such as the Department of Communities and Justice. 

Problem gambling is conducive to so many detrimental flow-on effects, from financial issues to estranged relationships, substance dependence, domestic violence and suicide. But with an estimated 20% of people in Aboriginal communities identified as problem gamblers, as opposed to just 2% of non-Indigenous Australians, this service is a welcome approach to bridging that gap. 

“Often times, the stigma of gambling is often worse than drug and alcohol. There is so much shame”, Tim says.

“I want people to know not to be afraid to have that yarn if you’ve got issues with gambling. There is plenty of support around and you just need to get over that initial hurdle of the shame”.

As someone with lived experience, Tim can support people to overcome any shame they might be feeling, and to accept the help they need. 

“I started gambling when I was 14, and I gambled for 31 years, so I know what the challenges are”, he said.

In fact, at the height of his gambling addiction Tim was having suicidal thoughts. And it was Crystal, Tim’s cat who became his lifeline at the time. He knew someone had to feed and care for her.

“The whole time when I was broke, I've made sure she had food and litter, even if I don't,” he said.

Tim stopped gambling with the support of Wesley Mission, and is now determined to help others to do the same. 

“I just sit down with people and have a yarn. I develop an ongoing relationship, and then I’ll refer them to a counselling service whether its Gambling Anonymous or St Vincent’s Gambling Service – whatever they want to try, and I’ll support them through that process”.

Only 8 weeks into the role, Tim is already making a difference. 

“There are a couple of people in Redfern that I’ve already made an impact on. It’s rewarding to see, it’s the best part of a job like this. I want to and help as many people as I can”.