The Police Citizens Youth Club will expand its work across the regions, with the Minns Government announcing a major funding boost to support programs that are already changing young lives across New South Wales.
The new $15.6 million partnership between the NSW Government and PCYC NSW will deliver hundreds of youth programs over the next four years, with a strong focus on regional and remote communities.
The funding builds on the success of the Fit for Life program, a before-school routine that combines early-morning fitness, mentoring and strong partnerships with local police. The initiative targets 10 to 16-year-olds and sees participants picked up from home, taken to the club for breakfast, and guided through morning sport or exercise before school.
PCYC Gunnedah Club Manager Jessica Blair said building trust between police and young people was essential, especially in communities where relationships could be strained.
“It’s putting the youth and the police in a positive environment, so they’re breaking down those barriers that are in every community right now,” she said.
Under the expanded partnership, PCYC will deliver 278 programs across regional NSW, ranging from employment and training support through Fit for Work and Job Ready, to wellbeing and resilience programs like GRIT, and cultural and community activities including Fit for Life, Nations of Origin and U-Nites.
The NSW Government will contribute $10 million, while PCYC will co-invest $5.66 million. Importantly, the model allows programs to shift and adapt as community needs change, giving PCYC flexibility to respond to issues quickly.
Police Minister Yasmin Catley said strengthening early intervention programs was essential to reducing youth crime and supporting safer communities.
“Regional youth crime is something we are determined to tackle head-on and we’re in it for the long haul which is why we’re giving communities the tools they need to make real and lasting change,” Minister Catley said in the announcement.
“PCYCs provide positive spaces where police and young people can build trust and respect, adding to the tireless work our officers already do to keep communities safe.”
Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said the investment would deliver long-term benefits right across the state.
“This multi-year funding commitment will be a game changer for young people across regional NSW,” Minister Moriarty said.
“The NSW Government is giving the PCYC a solid foundation to work from in planning programs that will run across multiple years with momentum and make a real difference in young people’s lives.”
The expansion will also complement broader state efforts to tackle youth disadvantage, including place-based responses in Moree, Tamworth and Kempsey, additional caseworkers, and a new Community Safety Investment Fund.
PCYC NSW CEO Ben Hobby said the challenges facing young people in the regions were significant, but the right programs could change lives.
“Increasing access to PCYC Youth Programs in regional NSW is an essential frontline resource for early intervention that fosters positive relationships with Police, strengthens skills and creates pathways to employment for the rising generation,” he said.
With more programs on the way and further locations to be announced soon, regional communities can expect to see even more support for young people in the years ahead.
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