Researchers
NAGS encourages rigorous academic research and scholarly exchange to advance the understanding of gambling and inform evidence-based practices and policies.
Government
NAGS supports informed dialogue and decision making by governments and other bodies involved in policy and regulation to minimise gambling-related harm.
Community Sector
NAGS fosters a collaborative environment where community members and clinicians can engage in open discussions and share diverse perspectives on effective methods to minimise gambling-related harm
People working to minimise gambling-related harm in venues
NAGS provides knowledge of evidence-based harm-minimisation practices to people working in venues to minimise gambling-related harm.
The National Association for Gambling Studies (NAGS) stands as Australia’s foremost platform dedicated to gambling. We foster an environment that encourages open, respectful dialogue, inviting all participants to contribute their knowledge, expertise, and perspectives. As a not-for-profit, self-funded organization, NAGS maintains a neutral stance in the gambling discourse, while acknowledging that our diverse membership brings a spectrum of viewpoints to the table.
Our Purpose
At NAGS, we unite various sectors to encourage the collection and dissemination of research about all forms of gambling. We support evidence-based decision-making and a public health approach, provide grants and scholarships to emerging researchers, and organise an annual national conference.
Our Values
We uphold the values of transparency and accountability, robust inquiry, respectful conversation, and collaborative work. Our commitment to these principles ensures that we remain a trusted and influential organisation in the gambling research community.
Our Unique Position
NAGS stands out as the only not-for-profit Australian organisation that facilitates forward-thinking discussions about gambling-related research between the community sector, academia and government. We carefully evaluate all sponsorships and partnerships to align with our mission and values.
National Committee
Our volunteer National Committee comprises members from diverse sectors, including researchers, government, community sector and people working to minimise gambling-related harm in venues. Together, they guide our initiatives and ensure that NAGS remains true to its mission and values.
OUR GOALS & OBJECTIVES
The National Association for Gambling Studies (NAGS) is committed to advancing understanding of gambling in Australia through effective communication, fostering connections among diverse stakeholders, and promoting governance that upholds transparency and ethical standards. Our objectives include empowering people to access the latest research evidence relating to gambling-related harm and to build collaborations to address the many complex issues relating to gambling-related harm.
NAGS DIRECTORS
The National Association for Gambling Studies (NAGS) Committee comprises professionals in Gambling Research, Government regulation, the Community and people working in venues involved in front-line gambling harm-minimisation. Their diverse expertise forms a solid foundation for the Association, ensuring a comprehensive understanding and perspective in its activities.
Their contributions ensure that the Association's goals of empowering individuals to take action on gambling-related harm are consistently prioritised.
Our Directors volunteer their time, and their behind-the-scenes efforts are greatly appreciated.
Vjorn Bradow
Director - Secretary
Vjorn is the General Manager of Kedron-Wavell, The Sands Social, and The Sands Bowlo in Brisbane. With over two decades of experience in hospitality and a background in marketing and advertising, Vjorn is dedicated to minimising gambling harm and its impact on families, staff, and the community.
Sarah Hare
Director - Chair
Sarah is one of Australia’s most experienced experts in research, policy and strategy for gambling harm-minimisation, with 20 years of gambling research experience. With an expert understanding of gambling research and national gambling harm-minimisation service systems, she has conducted research and evaluations in gambling across all Australian state/territories and for the Ministry of Health in New Zealand.
Robert Heirene
Director
Dr Robert Heirene is a Research Fellow at the University of Sydney's Gambling Treatment and Research Clinic with over 10 years of experience in the addictions field in community and academic settings. He obtained his PhD on the topic of alcohol-related cognitive impairment in 2019 and now his research focuses on trying to understand and prevent the harms associated with gambling.
Stacey Freer
Director
Stacey is a Gambling Project Officer in the non-profit sector in the NT. She holds a degree in Business Management and has over a decade of experience as a programs manager in Allied Health. Stacey facilitates gambling harm minimisation training, supporting workers to recognise and respond to signs of risk and develop initiatives to reduce gambling-related harm to improve community wellbeing.
Aaron Kenny
Director - Treasurer
Aaron supports Gambling Help Service counsellors and community educators as a Clinical Supervisor with Relationships Australia, Qld. Aaron brings a family and systems lens to his work, having supported individuals, couples and families towards recovery in both community-based and private treatment services. Aaron enjoys fostering relationships both across sectors and with lived experience community members towards improving community health and wellbeing.