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11 OCTOBER, 2023

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‘Cool’ driving

Anton De Pasquale after qualifying third.

Anton De Pasquale drives the Shell V-Power Racing Ford Mustang in Supercars Race 24 during the Supercars at Bathurst. (Pictures: AAP Image/Dan Himbrechts)

Werribee South’s Anton De Pasquale and teammate Tony D’alberto combined to finish third in Sunday’s Bathurst 1000. De Pasquale’s podium finish wrapped up a week of strong performances, securing third place in Friday’s qualifying session and fifth place in Saturday’s shootout. De Pasquale said he was relieved to secure his first Bathurst 1000 podium amid a backdrop of drama and a run of Mount Panorama outs. “Wrapping up from Bathurst, just finished on the podium, it was awesome, it was a really cool day. Tony drove mega all day, it was really cool to get a trophy at Bathurst, our biggest and best race of the year,” he said. “We fought hard, put our best foot forward and got rewarded which was really cool. “Thanks to all of our team for all of their hardwork. Looking forward to Gold Coast.” De Pasquale, in his sixth ‘great race’ start, with D’Alberto delivered the Shell V-Power Racing team’s first Bathurst podium since it won in 2019. De Pasquale, who now sits seventh in the rankings, will resume his 2023 season at the Boost Mobile Gold Coast 500 in three weeks’ time.

Doors close on gambling By Cade Lucas Reducing the harm caused by gambling was the focus of policies released by both the state government and Wyndham council last week. On October 3, the state government announced reforms that would require gaming venues other than the casino to close their doors from 4am to 10am.t The mandatory closure periods are included in the Gambling Legislation Amendment Bill 2023 which was introduced into parliament by Casino, Gaming and Liquor Regulation Minister Melissa Horne. The reforms are in response to the Royal Commission into the Casino Operator and

Licence which found evidence of gaming venues using staggered opening hours to allow patrons to move to nearby venues to continue gambling once one closes. Minister Horne said the mandatory closures would help prevent this. “We’ve seen predatory behaviour from some venues, allowing people to keep gambling for hours, at any hour,” she said, “Closing gaming areas between 4am and 10am will give people an important break to reassess and walk away.” If passed, the closure period will come into effect from mid-2024. Wyndham has 13 gaming venues which take in $239,782 per day, the 7th highest

gambling expenditure among council areas across the state. While the regulation of the gaming industry is a state responsibility, Wyndham council has released its own plan to reduce the harm it causes in the community. The Draft Gambling Harm Prevention Policy Statement was released for feedback on October 2 and replaces Wyndham council’s previous gambling harm minimisation policy. Wyndham Mayor, Cr Susan McIntyre said the Draft Policy Statement aims to address the complex issues related to gambling while at the same time promoting healthy communities.

“This is done by working with partner organisations and advocating on behalf of the needs of our community, continuing our leadership role in working towards education and change, while also protecting those at risk,” Cr McIntyre said. “The effects of gambling include poverty and financial pressure, personal distress, family violence, and homelessness. Family violence also continues to be a major health and safety issue for Wyndham, representing a significant concern and priority for the community.” To provide feedback on the draft policy statement, visit: https://theloop.wyndham. vic.gov.au/gambling-harm

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