Regional PCYC moves a step closer
A dedicated Police Citizens Youth Club (PCYC) for the Wingecarribee and Wollondilly Shires has moved a step closer with the Minister for Police and Emergency Services approving $250,000 for the establishment of the Mittagong-based facility.
Regarding signing off on the funding, the NSW Minister for Mental Health, Assistant Minister for Health and local Member for Wollondilly, the Hon Jai Rowell MP said the State Government recognised the important role PCYC played in supporting youth services and reducing juvenile crime.
Chair of the combined Wingecarribee and Wollondilly PCYC Working Group, Councillor Larry Whipper praised the signing.
“This approval by the Minister is a great outcome for our youth and will undoubtedly benefit both Shires,” he said.
“It means that after almost 20 years, we’ll soon be able to provide our young people with an alternate supervised venue for them to engage in a variety of safe and healthy activities,” he said. “It gives our youth a place to meet and train under the guidance of passionate role models.”
“The Minister’s endorsement is also recognition of the lobbying and hard work carried out by the entire PCYC Working Group.”
The combined Wingecarribee and Wollondilly PCYC Working Group is made up of community members, Bowral Police representatives, councillors and staff from both Councils.
“Importantly, the facility has also been wholeheartedly supported by the local Wollondilly and Wingecarribee Aboriginal communities, and will no doubt provide partnership opportunities with existing services and strengthen relationships between young people and the Police,” Councillor Whipper added.
“The Member for Wollondilly, Jai Rowell MP, and both Wingecarribee and Wollondilly Shire Mayors Juliet Arkwright and Benn Banasik have been fantastic advocates for the facility.
“So too have Inspector Anthony McLean from the Goulburn Local Area Command and community representatives Simon Taufel, Chris Alleyn and Leah Rossteuscher,” he said.
An additional $150,000 from developer contributions paid by Urban Growth NSW through the Renwick development will also be allocated to the facility.
The joint PCYC will be located adjacent to the Mittagong Recreation Centre and Mittagong Swimming Pool to serve the youth of both the Wingecarribee and southern villages of the Wollondilly Local Government Areas.
“Now that State funding is secured, we’ll be pushing ahead to have this facility operational by mid-2015.”
For more information on PCYC NSW contact the PCYC State Office on phone (02) 9625 9111.