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Gisborne on the march
...Press Release...
December 14,
2007
Gisborne on the march
A march to highlight concern at substance abuse and problem gambling in Gisborne tomorrow is the third of a series and is expected to attract a large turnout.
Community Action on Youth and Drugs, The Problem Gambling Foundation and Ngati Porou Problem Gambling Service have combined forces to organise the march which will focus on youth.
March organiser Dick Johnstone says Gisborne is one of the heaviest places in the country for substance abuse and problem gambling.
"This is an isolated community and a youth culture focusing on substance abuse and gambling has become cemented in.
"People are traveling long distances from outlying areas just to gamble.
"I have seen kids in school uniform placing bets and gambling on the pokies at the TAB.
"We are really trying to inform our young people of the dangers of this sort of behaviour and show there are alternatives.
"Today's young people are the parents of tomorrow and we need to break the cycle of harm."
Local MP Anne Tolley and the Deputy Mayor of Gisborne are both very familiar with the problem and are showing their concern for the youth of the city by speaking at the completion of the march
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