Young Bunbury leaders break the record

It was a proud day at Bunbury PCYC in October when 21 young people celebrated their graduation from the most recent Certificate in Leadership Course. Bunbury has never before had such a high number of leadership graduates, making it a state-wide PCYC record.

The ceremony was attended by over 100 guests including the Member for Bunbury, Don Punch MLA, Bunbury Youth Policing Officers, the district superintendent, participation coordinators from the Education Department, local school teachers, Department of Communities and local media and community groups.

The young people aged between 14 and 17, who were disengaged from school and at risk, were referred to PCYC by the Bunbury Police’s Youth Policing Officers, school principals and family members.

Through the course they have learned new skills and had great opportunities to be involved in unique community projects, thanks to the support of local groups. The volunteering for community work component of the course incorporated different environments including the Bunbury Aero Club and Bunbury Library.

The aero club exercise, which started with cleaning the planes, turned into an exciting day when the club’s pilots took the participants for a flight over Bunbury as a thank you for their hard work. For many of the young people, it was their first time in the air.

Back on the ground and thanks to a grant from Bunbury Library, our future leaders partially completed their 20 hours of community work by helping senior citizens use technology such as mobile phones, computers and e-books. The remaining hours were achieved by creating and building a Nature Play area at the Bunbury PCYC.

The grant also helped to cover costs of the young people obtaining police clearances and this, together with their volunteering work, will help with future employment.

The young graduates have either re-engaged with school or are progressing to vocational training.

Along with everyone at Bunbury PCYC, they are absolutely thrilled and proud of what they have achieved.

Leadership course graduates with Bunbury PCYC staff on their graduation day.