TIME TO APPRECIATE
Want to know why we’re a pessimistic nation? Read Tom Steinfort’s view. page 2
SAVING ENERGY
Need tips on reducing your electricity bill? Jeff Wang has all the answers. page 10
STAYING HEALTHY
If you’re feeling sluggish you should switch to healthy alternatives. page 15
FEBURARY 10 2012 ISSUE 74
PROUDLY INDEPENDENT
PH 9549 1190 FAX 9549 1122
Park debacle: Council doesn t own land Council wants to make Dulwich Hill park a public page 8 reserve.
Mardi Gras fun: Fair kicks off celebrations Mardi Gras Fair Day is ultimate way to celebrate on page 17 February 12.
Penalty shoot-out: Strong fight until the end Local women’s futsal team end their season after tough page 23 battle.
Please let me help Mission to help problem gamblers hits stumbling block
O
ne man’s mission to start a local chapter of Gamblers Anonymous (GA) is proving to be more diffi cult than he fi rst thought. Graham, a former gambling addict who was encouraged to attend his first GA meeting by the late Father Christopher Sheehy, has been contacting local councils to try to secure a venue for meetings but has been met with bureaucracy and red tape. One inner west council quoted him $105 to hire a room for one hour on a Saturday night, a day of the week when chronic gamblers are most vulnerable to their addiction. “Every day is a bad day for an uncontrollable gambler, but Saturday is so horrible,” Graham said. “That’s why I want to have the meeting then.” “I’m happy to make a donation to use a venue but people with gambling problems can’t [aff ord] that.” Marrickville Council quoted Graham $18 per hour for room hire, despite the fact they are providing a venue to another GA group without charge. A Council representative told Graham the group would have to start paying for the venue in the new fi nancial year. But Graham is at a loss as to why local councils won’t waive fees to support a local chapter of the community support network. “It’s a self-help organisation, and many of their rate payers have gambling issues,” he said. “I’ve been to GA meetings where there are solicitors and accountants. It can aff ect anyone.” If you know of a venue, contact Louise. Bourke@innercityweekender.com.au.
Graham was inspired to help others thanks to the late Father Christopher Sheehy. [Photo: Kieren Tilly]
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