People who have overcome the affects of problem gambling are trained and supported to share their personal stories on how problem gambling affected them.

Grace's story

Gambling has always been a part of my life I grew up learning how to gamble from my father. We played cards and five years ago gambling started taking over my life as a way of dealing with my grief and anxiety. Gambling took over my mind and my thoughts and I became someone I did not know. I spent all my money on the pokies, everything I had. I would ask for money from my friends and I sold my car to pay back the debts. I lost respect for myself and the respect of my son and daughter. I then heard a Consumer Voice Speaker talking on the television about her gambling story and this gave me hope and a starting place for help. I have not gambled since the end of 2007. I now feel different about myself and have some respect for myself. I have regained the respect of my son and daughter and I put my energies into other activities such as studying English and computing at TAFE. I look more positively at life and I enjoy being on my own.

Christine's story

"Why don’t gamblers just walk away from the pokie machines? It can’t be that hard!!” These words of judgment, from me, came back to haunt me years later. I went from “living the dream” of a great family, friends, home and work onto a self destructive rollercoaster ride of gambling. Life’s challenges turned my world upside down and I could see no future, instead of seeking help I turned to the pokie machines to rescue me! Only to eventually learn I was imprisoned by them. The inevitable happened and I hit rock bottom, finally I sought help through a gambling help service. With their amazing encouragement and support I started my 'rocky' road to recovery. I am now part of the Consumer Voice Project and loving it. I have re-gained my confidence and self esteem and hopefully I can help even just one more gambler to seek help. It certainly worked for me.

Alan's story

During 1994-95 I became hooked on the pokies. I tried to stop but I couldn’t. I tried seeing a counsellor which helped but didn’t solve my problem. After 11 years of gambling I had to change or I was headed for serious trouble. I heard about a gambling therapy program and I began in early 2004 and haven’t gambled since. I have now had success in dealing with some of the issues which have led to alcoholism, depression and gambling addiction. The Consumer Voice Project has given me self-confidence in talking about private feelings; it has allowed me to empathise with others having to cope with their own or others problem gambling.

Anna's story

My ‘adventure’ began three years ago when I found myself severely affected by my husband’s problem gambling. I was heartbroken, separated, broke, depressed and had nothing to look forward to.
Three years ago I thought my life was over. With the support of a gambling help service I began an amazing journey of self discovery and self realisation. In 2005, I was invited to participate in the Consumer Voice Project where I had the chance to share my experiences with other members of our society. I have found new friends, new colleagues and never-ending support.

Anyone who has been affected by problem gambling, whether directly or indirectly, can become a Consumer Voice speaker.

For more information call Maureen Germein or Rachel Northeast on (08) 8223 4566 or by email