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For over 65 years, Wests Illawarra has been a member of the Illawarra community. Throughout the years, as starting out as a Leagues Club, that could involve other sports, to the current home, with the year 2000 seeing a name change to Wests Illawarra, as it is known today, the Club has had a rich and formative history. Now having affiliations with over 16 clubs ranging from Touch Football, to darts, to jogging, to swimming, to even a wine club, looking after its members and the wider community are at the centre of the Club. The latest example of keeping the community at its heart of its operations is through the introduction of OK2PLAY?. Members and patrons of leading Clubs in the Illawarra region will have access to OK2Play?, a world leading technology which normalises the conversation between a club and its patrons, ensuring it is socially acceptable to ask for help. Club members and guests of Wests Illawarra, will now have OK2PLAY? check in with them prior to playing, to confirm they feel “OK” or safe to play. Developed to increase the speed of response between members and patrons of a club and their staff, OK2PLAY? creates the pathway for discreet, seamless, and frictionless connection for club patrons to assistance in real time. OK2PLAY? also takes away any time barrier that may be experienced by club patrons that require assistance. At the push of a button, or by scanning a QR code, a message is sent directly to senior management, who can reach out to the patron in a matter of moments. Club Management can then use the appropriate channels to assist the patron in gaining access to the relevant assistance. “Mental health and wellbeing are important to our members, guests and the community in which we operate. OK2PLAY? normalises these conversations. We want to help connect those who are struggling with support, in a discreet and private way,” Wests Illawarra, CEO, Danny Munk, explains. “We have always taken our role in our community seriously and the introduction of OK2Play? is just the latest in a series of initiatives we have introduced to ensure our staff. members and guests are cared for,” Mr Munk said.

One in five Australians have experienced mental health issues. What that means for individuals is that many of us struggle daily, and often silently. For businesses and organisations, it means we must take steps to care for – genuinely care for – our people and our patrons. This is especially true for the service industries where day-to-day interactions are face-to-face. And people reaching out to other people, to have a one-on-one conversation about how they are feeling, is a crucial step forward. In today’s busy lifestyles, mental health remains an uncomfortable topic for many, and these conversations can be difficult or awkward, which was a key reason for us to create OK2PLAY? OK2PLAY?’s technology platform is a mechanism to provide support for any mental health area in which a patron or member in a hospitality venue recognises they are struggling or may need support. OK2PLAY?  – a digital technology that assists businesses and organisations to check in on their patron’s/communities mental wellbeing quickly and easily helping to normalise the conversation of asking for support. OK2PLAY? means reaching out for support is a touch-of-a-button or a scan of a QR code away, and it is the simplicity of the OK2PLAY? concept that is the key to its success. OK2PLAY?’s technology is simple to action while private, confidential, non-confrontational and non-judgmental – all things someone requiring help may fear driven by embarrassment, awkwardness and the difficulty of asking for help The OK2PLAY? technology platform is a mechanism to provide support for any mental health area in which a patron or member recognises they are struggling. In an era where one in five Australians suffer with mental health, can we really afford not to use technology at this time – OK2PLAY? – Let’s talk about it.

World Leading Technology Normalises Conversations Between Clubs and Patrons In a technology roll-out first, OK2PLAY? has been launched in leading Illawarra region Clubs – Wests Illawarra, Woonona Bulli RSL, Dapto Leagues and Collegians venues. Members and patrons of these leading Clubs will have access to OK2PLAY?, a world leading technology which aims to normalise the conversation between a club and its patrons, ensuring it is socially acceptable to ask for help. Club members and guests of Wests Illawarra, Woonona Bulli RSL Club, Dapto Leagues Club and Collegians will now have OK2PLAY? check in with them prior to playing, to confirm they feel “OK’ or safe to play. “As part of Collegians commitment and care to our Members and guests, we are proud to be part of this group of leading Illawarra Clubs rolling out the OK2PLAY? app which offers a more robust response to customers that may need assistance,” Collegians RLFC, CEO, Michael Wilkins, explains. “It allows us to collectively ensure that we continue to support those that find themselves no longer enjoying or are requiring additional support from their local Club and community by opening the conversation,” Mr Wilkinson said. Developed to increase the speed of response between members and patrons of a club and their staff, OK2PLAY? creates the pathway for discreet, seamless, and frictionless connection for club patrons to assistance in real time. “The offering from OK2PLAY? was a game changer – a non-obtrusive, confidential way for our members to seek help when and if they needed it. We are proud to announce this extension of our member welfare measures, ” Dapto Leagues Club, CEO, David Hiscox, said. OK2PLAY? also takes away any time barrier that may be experienced by club patrons that require assistance. At the push of a button, or by scanning a QR code, a message is sent directly to senior management, who can reach out to the patron in a matter of moments. Club management can then use the appropriate channels to assist the patron in gaining access to the relevant assistance. “The Club is extremely supportive of the OK2PLAY? initiative as it will allow us to provide an added level of assistance and support to our members and community – helping us remove any barriers to asking for help and enhancing our commitment to responsible gambling, player protection and mental health, in the safest and most discreet way possible.”Woonona Bulli RSL, CEO, Michael Brennan, commented. Mental health, including stress and financial pressures are also being felt throughout many communities and for those feeling they would like to talk to someone, these leading Clubs in the Illawarra are also there to provide that support to their members, guests and community at large. “Mental health and wellbeing are important to our members, guests and the community in which we operate. OK2PLAY? helps normalise these conversations. We want to help connect those who are struggling with support, in a discreet and private way,” Wests Illawarra, CEO, Danny Munk, stated. “We have always taken our role in our community seriously and the introduction of OK2PLAY? is just the latest in a series of initiatives we have introduced to ensure our staff. members and guests are cared for,” Mr Munk, concluded.

This week, leading hospitality group, Harris Narvo, has introduced the ground breaking technology platform OK2PLAY? into three coastal venues – Hotel Gosford, Hotel Jesmond and The Lakes Hotel. With a focus on food, beverage and accommodation, the updated and award winning interiors of the three Hotels bring family and community together to enjoy the surroundings while enjoying the high calibre of service. Established in 1926, Hotel Gosford has been serving the community for almost a century. Having recently undergone a multimillion – dollar renovation, the new Hotel Gosford is set to reimagine the local pub experience. The Hotel Jesmond is a Newcastle institution and a favourite amongst the locals. Affectionately known as “The Jeso”, the aim is to provide everything you’d expect from a traditional pub, but even better. Inspired by the laidback lifestyle of The Entrance, as well as the beaches, bay and waterways, The Lakes Hotel welcomes locals and tourists alike with open arms. The heritage listed Hotel is situated right in the heart of The Entrance and is all about enjoying the hospitality of the venue. This philosophy has been in place since it opened its doors back in 1940. With this focus on being the leaders in hospitality, the move behind the implementation of OK2PLAY? stems from the ethos and mission of the Harris Narvo group to be remarkable hosts and leading operators in the hotel industry. OK2Play? is a world leading technology platform, built by Australian Tech Company, GPT, that has been developed to increase the speed of response between a patron and staff, creating the pathway for connecting the Hotel’s patrons to assistance in a discreet, seamless, and frictionless manner, in real time. “We are strongly involved in the community with all of our Hotels and we understand the importance of being there for groups that operate in the community. Sporting sponsorships, International Women’s Day functions, donating to the local schools for fetes and fundraisers – this is a really important part of who we are and how we operate our business,” Group General Manager, Jordan Harris explains. “By looking after the community, being proactive and being on the front foot for the community is the reason why we introduced OK2PLAY? across the Hotels. “We want to look after people who may have an issue, and it is good for the community to know they can come to us, to have a conversation, and we can assist,” Mr Harris explained.

Orange Ex Services’ Club provides significant support within their surrounding communities. Most recently, the Club has been the driving force behind a fundraising effort for communities affected by the recent NSW floods. This in mind, it is of little surprise that Orange Ex Services’ Club is the most recent club to introduce the OK2PLAY? digital technology – a platform whose purpose is to protect both players and staff within Australian hospitality venues. The Australian developed technology removes barriers to asking for help by making the process of asking for help a simple push of a button. Staff from the venue can immediately connect with the member requiring help, connecting them with support services in a seamless, real-time manner. Nathan Whiteside, CEO of Orange Ex Services Club said, “We have always been committed to going above the standard for our Members and the Orange community in all that we do. The OK2PLAY? program allows us to improve how our team can assist those who really need it.”

Casino Returned Servicemen’s Memorial (Casino RSM) has today committed to putting their staff, members and community first when it comes to player and staff protection, implementing a newly developed Australian technology platform this week. OK2PLAY?, is a world leading technology that prompts patrons to respond to the question, “OK2PLAY?” at various points throughout the venue. Patrons respond using the press of a button or a scan of a QR code. The platform creates the journey for Casino RSM Club patrons to gain access to assistance quickly and normalises the conversation between the Club and their patrons, ensuring it is socially acceptable to ask for help. Neale Genge, Secretary Manager of Casino RSM Club explains, “It is not easy for someone to ask for help. In fact it can be a very difficult task to actually approach a person to initiate that first step. “If we can help anyone in getting them help, then that is a great first step forward for them and really what our Club is all about – being there for people and the community. “We are a extremely important part and function of our local community and we have a  social responsibility to our patrons, members, and community. By implementing OK2Play? we are investing in the support that we offer to the community and taking our responsibility as a community venue, seriously,” Mr Genge concluded.

OK2PLAY? continues to be rolled out across Pubs and Clubs in New South Wales and Queensland with this week, Ocean Shores Tavern implementing the technology platform. The world leading technology platform, built by Australian Tech Company, GPT, has been developed to increase the speed of response between a patron and staff, creating the pathway for connecting Ocean Shores Tavern patrons to assistance in a discreet, seamless, and frictionless manner, in real time. For 12 years, co-owner of Ocean Shores Tavern, Adam Berger has dedicated his time in driving the establishment to be part of the community and support when and where they can. “Our mission statement that we have put together with the team was based on a five point theory and part of that five point scope marks a C which stands for our community,” Mr Berger explains. “We are all about doing things for the community and it is very important to be a part of that. We sponsor sporting groups in the area, give donations to charities such as the local art expo that we donate a major prize for each year, schools and events.” On speaking about the implementation of OK2PLAY? into the pub venue, Mr Berger said; “As an industry, it is really important that we support our patrons and take a forward step and be proactive. “This technology initiative is a great platform and it is important to be able to connect with the community and to be able to do good things, and asking someone if they are OK2PLAY? is a positive step forward.” “OK2PLAY? creates a point of contact, that if someone does need a bit of a hand, we will be able to give them that support and connection and that extra step. As an industry this platform is of huge benefit and for the community it is also a connection point for people to know they can come to us and normalise the conversation around asking for help.”

The Ary Toukley has a long history in the Toukley community dating back to the 1940’s. In that time the Club has achieved a myriad of milestones including the latest offering of an outdoor dining and entertainment area named Mason’s Place. The transformation of the Bowling Green was named after a founding bowls member, Fred Mason, and the name was chosen to acknowledge the history of the Club. “We want to be the community’s destination of choice,” Trevor Haynes, CEO, The Ary Toukley explained. “This also goes for employees as well. We work hard to be a local business leader and we do this by uniting local businesses and including them on our journey for growth. Our staff are well trained and inducted to the Club’s values including what integrity, innovation and community engagements mean to us.” In strengthening this commitment to their ethos, The Ary Toukley has this week implemented the hospitality technology leader, OK2PLAY? Developed by the Australian technology company GPT, OK2PLAY? allows patrons who may not feel “OK” to access support in real time, making OK2PLAY? the most advanced player protection digital platform in the world. Ok2Play? creates the journey for The Ary Toukley patrons to gain access to assistance quickly and normalises the conversation between the Club and their patrons, ensuring it is socially acceptable to ask for help. The technology platform takes away any time barrier that may be experienced by the venue’s patrons that require assistance. At the push of a button, or by scanning a QR code, a message is sent directly to senior management, who can reach out to the patron in a matter of moments. Management can then use the appropriate channels to assist the patron in gaining access to the relevant assistance. “The purpose and intent of OK2PLAY? directly reflects three of our values already mentioned. That being integrity, innovation and community engagement. If we believe our level of service is above standard, so should our level of customer care be above minimal expectation” Mr Haynes said. “We are adopters of technology and OK2PLAY? is an extension of our technical footprint. “We see OK2PLAY? as an additional level of care that is visible to our members and we have implemented this platform for our community.”

Situated in Cabramatta, The Star Dust Hotel has been owned and operated independently by Phillip Visalli since 1997. In this time, The Star Dust Hotel has been actively involved in community events, with sponsorships, displays and food stalls at the major Cabramatta attractions such as the Moon Festival, various food festivals and Chinese New Year, to name a few. Today, The Star Dust Hotel strengthened its support of the community and their social licence by asking their patrons; are they ‘OK2PLAY?’. OK2Play? is a world leading technology platform, built by Australian Tech Company, GPT, that has been developed to increase the speed of response between a patron and staff, creating the pathway for connecting patrons to assistance in a discreet, seamless, and frictionless manner, in real time. As an integral part of the community for over 25 years, The Stardust Hotel has a social responsibility to their patrons, members, and community. By implementing OK2PLAY? they are investing in the support that they offer to the community and taking their responsibility as a community venue, seriously. “We are one of the very few operators in the area that are not part of a larger group, and I believe that this platform is a solution every operator needs to get on board with, so we can all be actively involved in normalising the conversation,” Mr Visalli explains.. “With our team taking it on first in this area as a start, others will follow suit and we can all be really proactive in helping people and asking, are you “OK2PLAY?” “As operators of gaming facilities, we need to do our part to ensure that people that do come into our venues, that are vulnerable or are having problems with mental health, that we are here to help them. “Any level of extra support that we can add, we need to do, and we need to actively try to support the people that patronise the venue, and also be there as part of the community,” Mr Visalli said.

For 100 years the Belmont 16s has been part of the Lake Macquarie community.  With four dining options, a 16 foot skiff Sailing Club, and boasting the largest destination for entertainment, dining and social activities in the area, it is no wonder that Belmont 16s grows from strength to strength and boasts a large membership base exceeding 36,000 people. Since 2005, Scott Williams has been at the forefront of the Club, in the capacity of CEO. Under his guidance, together with the Board, Management and staff, Belmont 16s has become the Club it is today and is currently undertaking a major $20 Million extension and renovation project. “The Club will remain open throughout the duration of the construction and on completion in Summer 2023 will feature vast contemporary upgrades to existing entertainment facilities, children’s play area, sailing facilities and dining offerings and will boast the addition of two stunning new water view wedding venues, along with another modern first-floor restaurant and cocktail bar with uninterrupted water views,” Mr Williams explains. Working with the community has always been at the core of Belmont 16s operations and no more is it prevalent than in the sailing program.   “We are currently in the middle of our sailing season and Belmont 16s has been a key player in the world of sailing, fostering young talent and developing Olympians and world champions,” Mr Williams said. “We have been supporting junior sailing actively for over 60 years and currently hold several ‘Tackers’ learn to sail programs throughout the year, aimed at getting 7 – 12 year olds confident on the water.” While Belmont 16s is a Sailing Club, their focus goes beyond that, and they are also dynamic sponsors of an additional eight local sporting organisations along with several charity organisations they donate to and support regularly throughout the year. Committing to the community and taking steps to further commit to their social licence, Belmont 16s has now introduced the leading Australian tech platform, OK2PLAY? OK2PLAY? has been developed to increase the speed of response between a patron of a venue and staff, creating the pathway for connecting patrons to assistance in a discreet, seamless, and frictionless manner, in real time.    Belmont 16s investment in OK2PLAY? is an investment in their continued support of their community and ensures a meaningful connection between their patrons and their staff is maintained. “We have always been committed to going above the standard for our Members and Community in all that we do. The OK2PLAY? Program creates that next level approach for our team in our Club’s social responsibilities,” Mr Williams said. “OK2PLAY? is another avenue for us to actively connect with our community, to show them we care and that we are here to help in any way we are able. We are excited to be an early adaptor our region to roll out this player protection program, our team have embraced the means and opportunity to further support any Member or visitor who may need it.,” Mr Williams concluded.