30 Poker Machines
94 High Street,
Wallan 3756
Tel: 5783 1251
Shire of Mitchell.
Licensed to Tabcorp.
Hotel Website
2006 VCGR Community Benefit Statement
VCGR Inquiries or Hearings

Pokie Loss History
2005/06 pokie losses were $1,827,117 at $60,904 per pokie
2006/07 pokie losses were $2,194,523 at $73,151 per pokie
2007/08 pokie losses were $2,592,879 at $86,429 per pokie
2008/09 pokie losses were $3,085,445 at $102,848 per pokie

17 July 2008 Inspection Notes:

'Cannot Win' talker signs
All were placed on the top box so as not to be visible when looking intothe video play face.

Visibility of ATM from pokie room
No. Placed in entrance to pokie room behind glazed glass.

Distance of ATM from nearest pokie
15 paces

Visible posting of availability of Self-Exclusion facility
None. Unlike posting in the co-owned Shamrock Hotel there was no noticeable posting of Gambler's Anonymous phone number.

Number of Player Information Posters
4

Eating in Gaming Room
Yes. While there was a room adjacent to the pokies, tables, chairs and couches were also provided in the pokie room.

Coffee / Tea service in Gaming Room
Yes

Visibility from Bistro Area
To enter the bistro area from the rear car park requires families to pass by the pokies room. Entry from the High Street side of the hotel enters directly into the bar / bistro area. There is no visibility or pokies noise in the bistro. Pokies room is located in the rear of the venue.

Kid's Play Area
Yes.

Do not leave children in vehicle signs/notices
Yes. Located on exterior walls of the venue and entrances.

Non-gambling posters in pokies room?
All large posters promoted gambling. This included other pokie games or the current Tabaret promotion which encourages attendance at pokie venues.General CommentsLocated across from Wellington Square shopping centre and next to a hardware store.

Comparing Observations with Statements made to the VCGR

• Evidence was lead by Mr. Hogan to the VCGR hearing granting the 30 pokie licenses, about a second stage development of a 300 seat function room and 32 room motel, (Mr. Hogan stated "every week the hotel received requests for accommodation which it is unable to meet"). The evidence of a consultant supporting the application cited the approval as enabling "the second stage of the developments to the hotel to be carried out thus providing additional benefits both as to employment and facilities and resources available within Wallan." The Bendigo Advertiser reported similiar promises of future motel units being made by Mr. Hogan with respect to the Romsey hotel. Click here to read the article.
  
• No such developments were observed although the contemplated bottle shop area seemed to be a recent construction. There was no visible advertising for motel units nor was there any construction in progress.
  
• The VCGR also cited "the evidence demonstrates that the new gaming venue will be in a discrete portion of the hotel which those attending the hotel for other social purposes will have no occasion to visit." This appears not to be the case for patrons accessing the dining areas from the rear car park. Please refer to the photograph of the rear entrance to the venue. Please note the directional signs.
  
• Paragrpah 32 of the VCGR's decision states: "Mr Hogan stated that the Hotel was contributing approximately $50,000 to the Wallan Football Club and the Kilmore Golf Club. When pressed about the level and nature of such contribution Mr Hogan’s evidence was somewhat vague. He conceded that a large portion of the contributions was in the form of discounted or free liquor and he was very unclear about the level of any cash contributions. The issue was further raised by Councillor Gordon and referred to by the applicant’s solicitors. In their written submissions in response to Councillor Gordon’s submission, considerably more detail has been supplied and we are satisfied that quite significant contributions are being made to local sporting and community groups." The 2006 Community Benefit statement lodged does not disclose contributions of this nature being made.
  

27 March 2009 Web Page Observations

This venue promotes to families with children as follows: "Our enclosed playground is a huge hit with the families. From slides and tunnels to video games and pinball machines, the kids are sure to be endlessly entertained, leaving mums and dads to fully enjoy their dining experience."
This venue posts a "Kids Menu" online. It is reproduced below:

12 y e a r s & u n d e r o n l y

M A I N
Pig Out Platter & Chips $10.50
Chicken Parmigiana & Chips $ 9.50
Chicken Schnitzel & Chips $ 8.50
Lasagna & Chips $ 8.50
Fettuccini Bolognese $ 8.00
Fettuccini Carbonara $ 8.00
Crumbed Calamari & Chips $ 8.00
Chicken Nuggets & Chips $ 6.50
Fried Fish & Chips $ 6.50
Hawaiian Pizza & Chips $ 6.50
Roast of the Day & Vegetables $ 6.50
Hotdog & Chips $ 6.50

D E S S E R T
Chocolate Mousse $ 3.50
Frog in a Pond $ 3.50
Ice-Cream Sundae $ 3.50

The web page for the cafe promotes that pokie gambling is available with the picture as shown to the right.