Residents from Romsey and surrounds gathered last Monday for a keep Romsey pokies free (KRPF) event.
The KRPF committee held the event on December 11, at the Romsey Mechanics Institute, with a kitchen table discussions model featuring special guests.
It follows the Romsey Football Netball Club’s application to the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission for approval of 50 gaming machines at the Romsey Hotel.
Local resident Cassy Borthwick said about 60 people attended the event and there was a positive consensus.
“We invited representatives of community organisations and businesses, and we had a diverse and good representation of the community,” she said.
These groups included Sunbury Cobaw Community Health, the Victorian Alliance for Gambling reform, along with a performance from Three Sides of the Coin.
Ms Borthwick said It’s important to have conversations about pokies because it is a big issue for the community.
“It’s important that people engage in conversations and understand what the consequences are when approving something like this.
“It’s important so that people can make informed decisions.”
If residents want to learn more about KRPF or attend events planned for next year, Ms Borthwick said they can access the groups Facebook or Instagram pages.
In February this year, the Romsey FNC committee announced its plan to reopen the Romsey Hotel.
Owner and long-time hotelier Jim Hogan closed the pub in October 2017, leaving the town without a pub for the first time in more than 150 years.
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Zoe Moffatt
