Notice of Motion – raised by Cr Virginia Tachos – Objection to the application for Extension of Trading hours by Braybrook Hotel
Quotes to be attributed to Brimbank Mayor Cr Bruce Lancashire:
“We support the City of Maribyrnong’s opposition to the extension of trading hours at Braybrook Hotel’s gambling room because of the likely negative social and economic impacts that it will create.
"Protecting the welfare of the community is of the utmost importance to Brimbank Council.”
Quotes to be attributed to Cr Virginia Tachos:
"Brimbank has suffered great losses from gambling in the past and we will always advocate to guard the welfare of our community against further losses."
Background
Council supports the City of Maribyrnong’s proposal to make a submission to the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) to oppose an application by Braybook Hotel for the extension of opening hours of their gambling room.
The extension of hours from 1am to 3am is highly likely to have a negative impact on community and increase losses from electronic gaming machines (EGMs), as evidence shows that risk of harm increases after midnight and in the early hours of the morning. This approach aligns with Council’s Electronic Gambling Policy 2019.
Notice of Motion – raised by Cr Maria Kerr – Redesignation of the car parks in front of Council 301 Hampshire Road to accessible car parks
Quotes to be attributed to Brimbank Mayor Cr Bruce Lancashire:
“Ensuring we have an inclusive community for people with disability is a key priority for Brimbank Council.
“We will always consider new ways we can improve accessibility for people with disability to Council buildings and other facilities in line with our goal to be a welcoming, safe and supported city.”
Quotes to be attributed to Cr Maria Kerr:
“It is of utmost importance that people with disability have sufficient, accessible parking and that other members of the community respect those designated parking bays.”
Background:
The Brimbank Disability Advisory Committee raised the need for additional accessible parking at the entrance to the Brimbank Community and Civic Centre. Currently, there are three parking bays with one dedicated to accessible parking.
A comprehensive feasibility, design and costing report would detail conversion of the two standard parking bays at the entrance to one accessible park. The modifications of the trees, streetscape furniture and lighting will need to be included in the report, with further considerations including economic and financial impacts on traders.
Notice of Motion – raised by Cr Virginia Tachos – Call for government to impose ban on gambling advertising:
Quotes to be attributed to Brimbank Mayor Cr Bruce Lancashire:
“Brimbank Council is calling on the Federal Government to impose tougher regulations regarding the advertising and accessibility of gambling apps, games and promotions to children who are the most vulnerable members of our community.
“We urge both the Federal and State governments to provide support to children and families to treat gambling and gaming app addictions as health issues that require specialised treatment.”
Quotes to be attributed to Cr Virginia Tachos:
“There is a clear need for free mental health services in Brimbank to help treat gambling addictions, and address the impact to mental health not only to the addict but their whole family.”
Background
Cr Virginia Tachos attended a gambling harm symposium at Hume City Council which highlighted an increase in the number of children developing gambling addictions, a lack of support for parents in identifying this, and insufficient federal government regulations around online gambling. Online sports gambling and casino apps seem to be infiltrating kids’ phones through YouTube promos and other social media platforms.
Notice of Motion – raised by Cr Thomas O’Reilly – Communications with CALD communities
Quotes to be attributed to Brimbank Mayor Cr Bruce Lancashire:
“More than half our residents speak a language other English at home, and about one in five residents either do not speak English well or do not speak English at all. It’s therefore especially important for Council to consider how we can best communicate with our diverse multicultural community.”
Quotes to be attributed to Cr Thomas O’Reilly:
“I look forward to Council Officers reporting back on how Council currently communicates with its Culturally and Linguistically Diverse community, and on any opportunities that could help us improve our communication.”
Background
Brimbank is one of the most culturally diverse areas in Australia with 48.2% of residents born overseas. More than 160 languages are spoken in Brimbank, and over half (57.3%) of residents speak a language other than English at home, and there were over 160 different languages spoken in Brimbank. About one-in-five residents either do not speak English well or do not speak English at all.
Council agreed to receive a report at a future Council Meeting that outlines the ways in which Council currently communicates with its CALD community, and future opportunities for consideration as part of a future budget process.