Rio Tinto investment enables weekend safeSPACE™ at Roebourne PCYC

Rio Tinto has invested in the safeSPACE™ Program at Roebourne PCYC, contributing to existing RDA Pilbara funding of five nights per week.

The three-year partnership will allow Roebourne PCYC to expand the existing safeSPACE™ Program to provide young people with a safe place to relax, play, and learn over the weekend.

Thanks to Rio Tinto’s contribution, this is the first PCYC Centre to open safeSPACE™ seven nights a week for disadvantaged children and young people at-risk.

SafeSPACE™ creates a home away from home where young people can make friends and participate in a range of activities including sport, arts and crafts, cooking and personal development workshops.

Where needed PCYC also plays an important role referring participants to other agencies and services that can offer further support for issues such as mental health, family violence or drug abuse.

The funding will also enable Roebourne PCYC to purchase a dedicated bus so that PCYC staff can continue to collect children and take them home at the end of safeSPACE™ sessions.

PCYC Chief Executive Officer, David van Ooran said, “PCYC has a proven track record of making a difference in the lives of young people, and with the support of Rio Tinto, we will be able to do so much more for the community and children of Roebourne.”

“Based on consultation and advice from the local community, the safeSPACE™ program was developed specifically for young people during their time of most need. By delivering safeSPACE™ at Roebourne PCYC, we will provide local children with the opportunity to take part in recreational and educational activities to enhance their mental and physical wellbeing and empower them to reach their potential.”

Rio Tinto Iron Ore General Manager, Communities and Social Performance, Ainslie Bourne, said, “We are proud to be partnering with PCYC Roebourne to expand this crucial community program where it will now be delivered seven days a week.”

“The partnership is part of our commitment to deliver lasting benefits to our host communities through important partnerships and community investment. It is incredibly important for young people to have safe places to spend their days, and that’s why we are committed to supporting Roebourne PCYC to address gaps in education, health and employment outcomes in the local community.”