Retired rugby league legend Nathan Hindmarsh will return to Moree next week to once again share his story of gambling addiction, in the hopes of helping others.
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The former Parramatta Eels captain has been to Moree a number of times over the years, the last two to share his long battle with gambling addiction and how local people can seek help.
Last year Hindmarsh visited Moree, Boggabilla and Toomelah and this year the ClubsNSW ambassador will be taking his talk to Mungindi on Monday, June 18 and Moree on Tuesday, June 19.
Organised by Warruwi Gambling Help and Pius X Aboriginal Corporation, the visit will begin with a talk at the Mungindi Land Council at 11.30am, followed by a tour of the clubs and pubs in Mungindi and a kick of the football around with the Mungindi Grasshoppers Rugby League Club and local school children.
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On Tuesday, the NRL star will have breakfast with the Clontarf boys at Moree Secondary College before giving a talk at Pius X at 11am.
Pius X programs officer Ray Dennison said the whole community is invited to come along to hear Hindmarsh’s story, particularly those who may have a problem with gambling themselves.
“Their experience with gambling might be similar to what he experienced,” Mr Dennison said.
“It’s interesting to listen to his story.
“Hopefully his talk will give people an idea about a budget for their food, because gambling will take their money. If they’ve got no money, they’ve got nothing to eat.
“If he can get the message through and gets even one person to realise how much gambling takes from their lives...”
Mr Dennison believes gambling is a big problem throughout the Moree Plains shire, and something that is not often spoken about.
“The problem with gambling addicts is they think their luck’s going to change; they’re still chasing that win,” he said.
“It’s a big problem and affects people directly and indirectly.”
The visit will also give rugby league and Parramatta fans a chance to meet the legend, now a Fox Sports presenter.
“It also gives a lot of supporters who haven’t seen him before a chance to meet him and get an autograph and ask why Parramatta is going so badly,” Mr Dennison laughed.
“There’s a lot of Parramatta supporters here.”
