GambleAware Hunter New England

Ever since graduating from university with a Bachelor of Psychology, Stephen Dooker has known that he wanted to do work that specialised in making a difference to those who struggle with gambling. He is proud that the GambleAware program offers an amazing opportunity for people to experience a positive wrap-around service that includes addressing their finances as well as behavioural change to make a positive impact to their lives.

Steve works with GambleAware Hunter New England because he enjoys supporting people, whether it is within his team or as part of the greater organisation of CatholicCare. In his multi-faceted role, he is faced with a variety of tasks, but it brings a number of opportunities for him to help others. He feels privileged to be working with a talented and dedicated team.

His number one tip when it comes to gambling is to ask yourself are you consciously aware of what you are doing?

“I know that sounds simple; sometimes we set ourselves on autopilot and then realise only when it is too late. Know your reasons, know your limit, and look for ways to stick to your resolve,” he explains.

When Steve is not at work, he enjoys time with friends, especially around a campfire while camping in a quiet location away from the hustle and bustle.

In her role as Community Engagement and Care Coordinator, Tammy Gribbin is passionate about raising awareness about gambling harm and supporting people who are impacted by it. Tammy knows firsthand how it can affect people’s lives after two of her family members developed serious gambling problems. She wants to make sure that people receive the support they need.

Tammy enjoys working with our clients to help them build a better life, create a greater sense of wellbeing and satisfaction by exploring current issues, developing new insights that help them find solutions to problems, learn new skills, and set goals.  

She wants people to know that gambling is not a way to make money. Tammy is also a SMART Recovery facilitator who runs weekly meetings and workshops, specialising in addiction and recovery.

In her spare time, Tammy loves spending time with her partner and dog, going away on adventures, reading, and watching sports or trashy reality shows on TV.

Elizabeth ‘Libby’ Ferfoglia has worked in this industry for 10 years which has given her a wealth of knowledge. Libby is proud to support families, gamblers and loved ones that require help in navigating and reducing gambling harm.

She enjoys working with GambleAware because it gives her the opportunity to meet new people and help them achieved their goals. Her number one tip when it comes to gambling is to build better roadblocks or barriers to slow down the process or action of “just going to gamble”.

She also wants people to know GambleAware is here to help.

“Sometimes people fear the unknown, they wonder what a gambling counsellor will do to them,” Libby says.

“It is important to remember we are not here to judge; you are the expert in your own life.  A gambling counsellor is here to walk alongside you and support you in making better choices in your own life.”

In her spare time, Libby loves to garden and take her very active border collie for walks.

Thy Le is one of our dedicated Counsellors. As part of the team, she is committed to promoting awareness of gambling harm and helping others whenever she can.

One of Thy's favorite parts of the job is receiving positive feedback from clients and witnessing the reduction of gambling-related harm, increased self-respect, and improved mental health among those she helps.

When it comes to gambling, Thy's number one tip is to develop low-cost hobbies that meet your personal needs and interests. This approach allows individuals to divert their attention from gambling and find alternative outlets for fulfilment.

During her free time, Thy enjoys meditating and surfing.

Desley Niccoli is one of GambleAware Hunter New England’s Financial Counsellors. She joined the team because she loves being able to help reduce the financial stress people are feeling. Taking some of that pressure away, gives clients the time and space they need to focus on their gambling and any other issues they are dealing with.

She enjoys working with clients to help them get back on track with their finances and build their skills to help them stay on track in the future.

“I also love that our team includes financial counsellors, gambling counsellors and care coordinators – and how we all work together to support our clients,” she says.

Her piece of advice is to never gamble money that you can’t afford to lose.

In her role as a Financial Counsellor, Liz Wilson is dedicated to making a positive difference in people’s lives. She is passionate about sharing her financial knowledge and experience to help her clients move forward and work through any issues they have around gambling.  

She enjoys working for GambleAware Hunter New England because it gives her an opportunity to meet and get to know new people.

Her number one gambling tip is to stay in control and stop before it becomes unstoppable.

In her spare time, Liz enjoys caring for her friends and family by cooking for them, pitching in on housework and spending time with them. She also likes to exercise and join in on park runs.

As one of our Financial Counsellors, Yvonne Grass is passionate about assisting individuals to overcome and work through any issues they have around gambling. She provides them with guidance and support in managing their financial circumstances and improving their overall relationship with their finances.

Yvonne finds great satisfaction in working with a supportive and dedicated team and loves knowing that her work supports others.

She encourages people to avoid gambling whenever they can.

“If you do gamble, please make sure you limit your spending and only use money that is left over after you have paid your bills and added to your savings.”

Outside of work, Yvonne enjoys connecting with nature, working on her farm, and taking her dog for walks.