History
The Federation of Western Australian Police & Community Youth Centres (Inc) celebrates its 70th anniversary in 2011. PCYC was formed in WA in 1941 as the Police Boys Club during the war years to provide guidance and structure to boys to reduce crime within the community, while their fathers were away fighting for our country and mothers toiled in the munitions factories for the cause.
Since those early days, The Federation has seen some changes to its name and structure to accommodate the changing needs of young people in the community. In 2005 the organisation changed it’s name from "Police and Citizen’s Youth Clubs" to "Police and Community Youth Centres" to better represent PCYC’s service to the wider multi-cultural community, including those that may not necessarily be Australian citizens.
Attendance rates show there is still a very strong need for PCYC and the services it offers. Approximately 550,000 attendances (excluding Blue Light Discos) are recorded at PCYC activities each year. In 2010 there were approximately 55,000 attendances at Blue Light activities across the state, with a majority from regional WA.
We have had a number of Olympians, as well as famous sporting stars begin their careers at a PCYC centre.
- Allana Slater (Gymnastics) originated from Claremont PCYC. As an olympian, The Australian senior all-around National Champion in 2000, 2003 and 2004 and a multiple medalist at the Commonwealth Games, Slater is considered to be one of Australia's most internationally successful gymnasts.
- Emily Little (Gymnastics) originated from Armadale PCYC. Emily was successful at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi where she was a member of the gold medal winning Team and also secured the silver medal in the Women’s All Around final.
- Robert Galsworthy (Weightlifting) originated from Armadale PCYC. Robert competed in the 2010 Commonwealth Games and placed 4th in his weight division of 105kg category. Remarkably in 2009 he broke his anterior crucial ligament and was initially ruled out from competing at the Commonwealth Games. The injury he suffered usually takes a minimum of 9 months to heal. Yet with strong determination Anthony came back from his injury and competed and placed in the games.
- Anthony Little aka Blue Boy (Boxing) originated from Geraldton PCYC. Anthony qualified for the Australian Olympic Team and competed in the Athens & Beijing Olympics.
- John Worsfold (AFL) & Luc Longley (NBA & NBL) played basketball together at Fremantle PCYC
We currently operate 10 centres within the metropolitan area and 13 in regional and rural Western Australia, as well as two camp facilities and 35 Blue Light Centres.
PCYC is different to other organisations delivering youth services because of our partnership with the Western Australia Police. Police Officers work in PCYC centres, delivering life-changing programs targeted at young offenders and youth-at-risk, which plays a significant role in the WA Police's crime prevention strategy.
