Investing in Youth: Nambour PCYC receives $2m boost
Mick Hughes, left, is pleased to receive news from Rob Skelton of the $2million funding for Nambour PCYC.
THE Police Citizens Youth Club at Nambour is in line for an upgrade thanks to a $2 million funding boost.
The $2 million is part of $56 million in funding for infrastructure and program delivery at PCYCs throughout Queensland
The announcement of the funding allocation, which was part of the state budget, comes at a time when the Palaszczuk government is under pressure from frustrated Queenslanders to act on youth crime.
A media release from ALP Member for Nicklin Rob Skelton’s office said $50 million would go into construction of new PCYC facilities and upgrades at existing centres and $6 million towards the delivery of programs such as after dark basketball and boxing in high need areas.
“Part of the investment is aimed at delivering programs that have been proven to work in helping at-risk young people turn away from involvement in the criminal justice system,” the statement said.
Mr Skelton said he was delighted to be part of a government delivering important upgrades for the community.
“Our local PCYC Sunshine Coast has been in need of a facelift for some time, with the derelict squash courts out the back requiring a complete teardown, so I’m really looking forward to seeing our community using the new facilities once completed,” he said.
The Nambour Police Youth Club, as the PCYC Sunshine Coast was known, opened in 1975 on 5.5 acres and has a gym and is wellequipped for gymnastics.
The once-popular Squash courts have fallen into a state of disrepair but the site has potential for a multi-purpose shed or building.
Sergeant Mick Hughes, officer-in-charge of the PCYC Sunshine Coast, said the injection of funds was exciting and would continue the legacy the PCYC had created over the last 50 years.
“We look forward to the opportunity to increase delivery of valuable programs to our young people in our local communities,” Sgt Hughes said.
“This funding will be a huge support to us carrying out much needed upgrades and redevelopment works to PCYC Sunshine coast including the introduction and improvement of a dedicated youth space, allowing for increased Drop In and After Dark programs.
“PCYC Sunshine coast is in need of major upgrades and over the coming months we will be working to establish design development and project parameters.
“We look forward to providing the opportunity for increased program delivery through these upgrades as well as great safe spaces for the young people of the Nambour community to take part in sport and recreation activities, gain mentoring and access referral services.”