Minister for Police joins 80th Birthday Celebrations

We were delighted to host the Minister of Police, Hon Paul Papalia MLA, Acting Commissioner of Police, Gary Dreibergs, Hannah Beazley MLA, Member for Victoria Park, PCYC Life Members, staff, volunteers, and students to celebrate our 80th Anniversary at Kensington PCYC.

The event marked 80 years of partnership with the Western Australian Police Force providing life-changing programs and activities to disadvantaged children and young people at risk across WA.

Hosted by Geoff Stooke, PCYC Chairperson, guests were welcomed with a 5-metre-long timeline of our history which generated much storytelling and recount of days gone by.

Minister Papalia opened the speeches, congratulating PCYC for its impact over 80 years, confirming his support for the organisation and looking forward to an increased reach in the years to come.

Geoff Stooke, PCYC Chairperson, talked to the audience about our proud history and shared some heartwarming videos of incredible support over the years.

Mr Stooke said, “80 years since PCYC was established, our purpose remains the same – to keep children and young people active and engaged so that they can reach their potential and stay on a positive life path.”

However, despite our purpose remaining the same, our services and reach in 2021 is far broader. In the 1940’s PCYCs main offering was recreational activities, now children and young people can enjoy alternative learning and diversionary programs and Centres are attended by girls and many Indigenous children, which wasn’t the case in the forties.

Blue Light™ has also expanded from just discos. This year we are seeing growth in locations and activities which now include pool parties, sport, movie nights and family events.

After enjoying some videos and the official launch of our new brand, guests enjoyed a morning tea, sharing stories and memories from over the decades. Institute of Training students also joined the morning tea and enjoyed chatting to Minister Papalia and various Police Officers who attended the event.

We are proud of our rich history in WA and are so grateful for the support we continue to receive from the State Government, the Western Australian Police Force, the WA community and all of our PCYC staff and volunteers.