Funds to drive regional epilepsy support

Unclaimed winnings collected by the State Government's Gaming Community Trust will be used to fund a $300,000 grant to Epilepsy Action Australia to support regional people living with epilepsy, and their families.

  • $300,000 to support regional people living with epilepsy

  • Money from unclaimed gaming winnings

Unclaimed winnings collected by the State Government's Gaming Community Trust will be used to fund a $300,000 grant to Epilepsy Action Australia to support regional people living with epilepsy, and their families.

Racing and Gaming Minister Terry Waldron said he had accepted a recommendation from the trust for the grant, which would be paid over three years and would go to the Epilepsy Action's Regional Outreach Service Program.

"The outreach programs will be provided by four epilepsy registered nurse educators based in Geraldton, Kalgoorlie-Boulder, Albany and Broome," Mr Waldron said.

"The services provided by the nurses include individualised epilepsy education to epilepsy sufferers and their families."

The Minister said the program included seizure management planning, education sessions for professionals who work with epilepsy sufferers (such as carers), and other awareness-raising projects to promote the online tools/services available to epilepsy sufferers.

"This type of service is currently not available in regional and remote areas of the State and we are pleased to be able to offer the funding to allow such a service to be introduced," he said.

In a further grant from the trust, the Town of Bassendean will receive $56,000 over two years to help fund its 'Ladders and Life Rafts' youth project.

      Fact File

  • The Gaming Community Trust is funded by unclaimed winnings from authorised gaming events, predominantly from Burswood Casino

  • The trust was established in 2002 to give advice and make recommendations to the Minister on grants for worthy community programs and organisations

Minister's office - 6552 6100