This project, in partnership with the Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation (OLGR) and the Department of Justice (DOJ), showcases our commitment to delivering culturally safe initiatives for First Nations communities. The project’s primary objective was to reduce gambling-related harms and empower communities to implement proactive measures. Key deliverables included the development of comprehensive support materials and resources, such as the educational video tool “Where is Gambling Taking You?” and the “Let’s Yarn About Gambling” campaign, which aimed to promote prevention initiatives for younger audiences while also supporting adults.

A significant identified challenge was the low uptake of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander support services by those impacted by gambling. Initial community evaluations highlighted a substantial gap in culturally appropriate materials and services. The project aimed to reposition gambling as a health issue, akin to alcohol or drug abuse, and develop a self-help resource suite that resonates with young people, utilising language and communication design that is culturally safe and relatable. Additionally, creating materials to assist organisations in addressing systemic barriers.

Our solution involved a structured, two-phase process centred on extensive community engagement and co-design. We employed a multi-layered strategy for in-depth community consultation, which informed the development of a cohesive project identity. Each deliverable was crafted to have a unique identity that resonates with the target audience. By engaging with the community and professionals, we identified that the central approach should be grounded in lived experience, cultural knowledge, personal journeys, and choices.

From this foundation, we created a suite of creative assets, including concepts, artwork, messaging, campaign materials, and support resources, all designed to be engaging, accessible, and culturally safe. The educational video “Where is Gambling Taking You?” presented a first-person narrative with a split-path choices narrative, highlighting key decision-making moments that have an impact on daily life. The “Let’s Yarn About Gambling” campaign featured two co-designed animations highlighting diverse Queensland First Nations individuals to encourage dialogue and guide community members to support services, along with a range of printed materials.

To address the challenges identified in the service sector, we developed a gambling harm screening and referral tool tailored for health and community sector workers in Queensland’s First Nations communities and Gambling Help Services. This tool evolved through our embodied design methodology, transforming existing content into a visually engaging resource. Artist Lill Jacobsen created a custom illustration of the Rainbow Lorikeet, symbolising connection and resilience, which aligned with the project’s aims.

Our work delivered culturally informed outputs that addressed the specific needs of the community and our client. Key outcomes included a comprehensive report summarising community insights, which served as the foundation for subsequent creative work. The co-designed suite of materials is sensitive to the cultural context and aims to increase accessibility and relevance of gambling support services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

All outcomes complied with Queensland Government corporate identity standards and met strict accessibility criteria, aligned with the Gambling Harm Minimisation Plan for Queensland 2021–2025, and strengthened our partnerships with OLGR and DOJ in addressing critical social issues.