Pokies continue to cause significant harm in communities across NSW, including Ashfield and the Inner West. Families lose money they cannot afford, often quietly and without support.
- Pokies drain millions from local families.
- Gambling harm is a community wellbeing issue, not a political one.
- IMC supports any reform that reduces addiction and protects vulnerable people.
- We acknowledge Darcy Burne’s comments because they highlight a real problem affecting all of Australia.
Pokies siphon up more money than Inner West Council spends on DEI hires and consultants — and that’s saying something.
Recent public comments — including those made by Darcy Burne — highlight a reality many locals already know: gambling harm is not entertainment. It is a community wellbeing issue.
IMC does not endorse any political party or candidate. Our focus is the issue itself. Pokies are designed for loss, and the impact on mental health, debt, and family stress is real.
A Personal Account
I have even been kicked out and barred from a hotel for telling staff that a friend of ours had spent all his money on pokies — over $10,000 in four hours — and was now trying to borrow money off his friends. I raised the issue with staff, and instead of offering support or intervention, they used any excuse to bar me from the venue.
This is the reality: pokies harm is often ignored, minimised, or treated as an inconvenience rather than a crisis.
The Gap of the West
Older residents of Ashfield would all know of “The Gap of the West.”
There was a period where Ashfield Mall installed higher fencing and safety barriers due to incidents of self‑harm — a sign of how heavy life can feel for some people.
Today, the mall is a place of families, food courts, bubble tea, and everyday life. But the history reminds us that community wellbeing must always come first.
If you or someone you know is struggling, support is available:
- Lifeline Australia — 13 11 14
- Beyond Blue — 1300 22 4636
- Suicide Call Back Service — 1300 659 467
- Gambling Help NSW — 1800 858 858
- Gambling Help Online — gamblinghelponline.org.au
You’re not alone. Help is close.
What IMC Stands For
The IMC stands for:
- Transparency
- Accountability
- Community education
- Fairness
- Practical harm‑reduction measures that protect vulnerable people
Pokies reform isn’t about removing fun — it’s about restoring dignity, protecting families, and ensuring councils and governments prioritise people over profit.
