The City of Casey is inviting eligible community groups who provide support services to apply for funds as part of the Lynbrook Hotel Community Contributions Fund.
Since 2018 the Lynbrook Hotel has been directed by the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation (VCGLR) to make an annual cash contribution of $68,000, as a condition of its gaming licence, to the City of Casey.
Community groups, organisations, and schools located within Casey, which directly support residents of Lynbrook, Lyndhurst, Hampton Park and the wider Casey community, can apply for up to $10,000 and a minimum of $1,000, of the fund.
City of Casey Mayor Cr Amanda Stapledon said that we have agreed to take on this responsibility to ensure our community is benefiting and receiving the contributions in a way that provides support back to communities that need it most.
“To positively benefit members of the community, the allocation of funds will be made to community groups and organisations that: support individuals who are experiencing hardship as a result of problem gambling; support mental health through activities that promote resilience, social inclusion and social connection and that promote alternate recreational activities in the municipality to achieve a balance of lifestyle choices for the community,” she said.
The Mayor also highlighted that in accepting to administer the Lynbrook Hotel’s gaming machine contributions and distributing them to the community, the City of Casey is not endorsing gaming and gambling providers, products or services.
“Our position on gaming machines has not changed and we are very aware of the social detriment that is caused to our communities as a result of gaming machines. We will continue to maintain our responsibilities to the community including social responsibilities in relation to gambling,” she said.
It is anticipated that the funds will primarily be distributed to benefit residents of Lynbrook, Lyndhurst and Hampton Park, being the primary patron catchment of the venue.
Two information sessions about the fund will be held on Monday 7 October 2019 – 10.00 am at the Lynbrook Community Centre and 6.00 pm at Bunjil Place.
