Looking after your health isn't just about what happens on the job. It's also about looking after your mental wellbeing, relationships and finances.
As part of Tradies National Health Month, TAFE Gippsland is continuing its Mates Matter Most program with a series of toolbox talks helping apprentices and tradies have conversations about health and wellbeing.
Over the coming months, sessions across our campuses will cover topics including anxiety, workplace stress, mental health, financial confidence and more.
This week, Latrobe Community Health Service Gambler’s Help team member Steve Tong visited our Yallourn Campus to talk with apprentice students about financial literacy, gambling and gambling harm.
For many young people, starting an apprenticeship also means starting to earn a regular income and making more financial decisions independently. It can be an exciting time — but it’s also a good time to build healthy money habits.
Steve encouraged apprentices to understand the risks associated with gambling and recognise the signs that it may be becoming a problem.
“Gambling can start when you turn 18, sometimes with mates encouraging you to have a go on the pokies,” Steve said.
“The choices you make every day can have a lasting impact. Building good money habits early can help you stay in control of your finances, and your life.”
The figures show why these conversations matter. More than $169 million was lost on pokies across Gippsland in the 2025–26 financial year, an increase of 6.45 per cent on the previous year.
Steve also encouraged apprentices to look out for their mates. Borrowing money, hiding gambling, spending more than they can afford or becoming increasingly stressed about money can all be signs that someone may be experiencing gambling harm.
Looking out for your mates
You don't need to wait until gambling becomes a serious problem before asking for help.
If you're worried about your own gambling or a mate's, support is available:
Latrobe Community Health Services Gambler’s Help
1800 242 696
Monday to Friday, 8.30am–5pm
Gambler’s Help
1800 858 858
Available 24/7
The Mates Matter Most program is helping TAFE Gippsland apprentices and tradies have the conversations that matter — because looking after your mates means looking after the whole person, not just the person on the job.
What's coming up for Mates Matter Most
Mind Your Mates: Presented by Jack Symes from Lifeline Gippsland.
- 1 September – Morwell
- 2 September – Leongatha
- 8 September – Bairnsdale Trades Centre
- 14 September – Yallourn
- 15 September – Port of Sale
- 17 September – Baw Baw Trades Centre
Ahead of the game (Drug and alcohol awareness): Presented by Steve Tong from LCHS.
- 7 October – Leongatha
- 8 October – Morwell
- 12 October – Yallourn
- 13 October – Bairnsdale Trades Centre
- 20 October – Port of Sale
- 27 October – Baw Baw Trades Centre