Game On: Recovery Meets Gaming

Community engagement efforts in the Buloke Shire have highlighted the significant role online gaming plays in the lives of our residents, particularly among young people. 

Gaming is more than a pastime –  it’s vital for community cohesion and recovery, as shown by the successful Level Up event at Sea Lake Neighbourhood House on Monday, with over 40 attendees, and another event set for Wycheproof on Sunday.

In the wake of the October 2022 flooding event, Buloke Shire Council initiated a series of community discussions through their award winning “The Paddock: The Goals” Vodcast.

These conversations uncovered the growing importance of these environments as another pillar for social connectivity.

Listeners heard from local gamers who described these communities as highly organised, with structures akin to traditional sports clubs, including volunteer-led registration processes, fundraising activities, and event management.

However, this connectivity is more than just about entertainment.

For many young people in isolated rural areas, online gaming provides a crucial sense of community belonging.

Shared Experiences
This is especially important where geographical distances can exacerbate feelings of isolation with families and peer groups seeking connection through various shared experiences such as:

• Platforms like YouTube Live, Twitch, and VR venues which host virtual concerts and music festivals where families and friends can watch performances together, chat, and even interact with artists in real-time.
• Services like Netflix Party, Teleparty, or Disney+ GroupWatch, where synchronised movie viewings, shared reactions in a chat, can be experienced together from different locations.
• Platforms like Zoom and Discord allowing book lovers to meet regularly, discuss their latest reads, and share recommendations, creating a virtual community around literature.
• Services such as ESPN+ and DAZN allowing groups to watch live sports events together, with integrated chat features enabling real-time commentary and shared excitement.
• Platforms like Tabletop Simulator, Jackbox Games, and Among Us offering spaces where families and friends can play board games, trivia, and other multiplayer games together online, replicating the social aspect of in-person game nights.

Vulnerabilities
“The October 2022 floods and subsequent storm events brought to light the vulnerabilities of these online communities,” said Mayor Cr Alan Getley.

“Many faced disruptions not only in their physical environments but also in their online spaces, where they typically find solace and social interaction, so Council saw the need to incorporate gaming into its broader community recovery strategy, with thanks to the Australian and Victorian Government’s Community Recovery Hubs Program.

“We were pleased to partner with the Neighbourhood House to generate such a positive response.”

From information on staying safe online to practical advice on avoiding physical strain during long gaming sessions, the events are designed to foster a holistic approach to youth engagement in a supportive trauma-informed environment that also addresses health and wellbeing concerns.

The Mayor added that Council has advocated strongly for improved broadband access and mobile internet coverage, which has allowed our residents to connect more frequently with both local and global communities.

“It reinforces Council’s commitment to tackle other black spot areas and overcome these barriers, while also addressing the cost-of-living challenges,” he said.

To register for the Wycheproof event at the Shire Council Hall on Sunday, August 25, from 1:00p.m. to 5:00 p.m. visit www.levelupgamingevents.com or contact Council’s Community Recovery Team at 1300 520 520. The event is open to 8- to 25-year-olds.