First Pokies" Meeting to be Held in Oakleigh - Public Opinion Sought

The first public meeting of Duty of Care, a newly formed consumer protection association who aim to clean up" poker machine services throughout Australia will be held in at the Oakleigh Mechanics Hall on Thursday 12th May at 7pm.

(PRWEB) April 22, 2005 -- Duty of Care are inviting members of the local community to share their views on gaming machines and encourage all pokies" players, harmed players, their families and friends, business owners and others who want to know more about the action against gaming machines to come along to the meeting.

Lobbying government, protecting consumer rights, legal action, raising public awareness and support for affected citizens are all part of Duty of Cares plan to better control the gaming machine industry.

Duty of Care offer community involvement in all aspects of its organization, however those present at the meeting can also just listen or ask questions anonymously if they prefer.

Libby Mitchell, Vice President of the non-profit community group said We must rally together to give our government and the gaming industry a clear directive, that our community will not tolerate any longer the insidious social impacts that occur for ALL of us, because of poker machines.

We do not need this tragedy money" and we certainly dont want it!"

Excellent work has been done by groups such as Gamblers Help and other organizations who are committed to helping those harmed by poker machines. Now is the time for the whole community to be seen and heard as a collective voice", to make local wishes heard and to find ways of preventing problems from pokies" before harm occurs."

Although some people may feel reticent about expressing their feelings about this issue, we must overcome apathy. We ask the community to support us so that together we can speak loudly and clearly. We can stop exploitation that is ravaging our lives. United and empowered, we CAN make a difference!"

For meeting details please contact Libby Mitchell on 613 0770 0989 or 61 410 815 115. Email enquiries@dutyofcare.org.au or visit our website at www.dutyofcare.org.au.

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