PCYC North West Centres receive much-needed funding

On Tuesday 26th May, the Assistant Minister for Customs, Community Safety and Multicultural Affairs, the Hon Jason Wood MP, announced that PCYC would receive funding for three years to enable PCYC’s vital safeSPACE program to run in the North West.

Assistant Minister Wood said, “The Safer Communities Fund is delivering on the Government’s commitment to keep young people in our communities safe and ensure they have somewhere to go to help them in reaching their full potential.”

safeSPACE is PCYC’s core Diversionary Program for vulnerable children and young people at risk. Delivered at 10 PCYC locations across the state, the after-school hours program provides young people with a safe place to go – somewhere they can feel at home, make friends and take part in fun activities.

Activities range from arts and crafts, to basketball, skating, bike riding, cooking, and help with homework, as well as a chance to spend time with friends in a safe, supportive environment.

PCYC President, Geoff Stooke, stated “We are extremely grateful for the new support from the Federal Government, especially as it is for a three-year term. Without this funding, we couldn’t provide vital programs and activities to keep children and young people active and ensure they stay on a positive life path.”

PCYC is one of six recipients nationwide that will share $15 million in funding as part of the Safer Communities Fund, established to help organisations address crime and anti-social behaviour by providing funding to deliver local crime prevention activities and other initiatives in Australian communities.