PCYC’s $56m boost as fun and games become our latest weapon against youth crime
Some $56 million is being rolled out for new Police Citizens Youth Clubs facilities and early intervention initiatives for at-risk youth across Queensland.
Former world champion Australian boxer Jeff Horn poses with fellow boxer Liam Wilson at a PCYC gym in Brisbane. PCYCs will get additional funding as an outlet for youth criminals (AAP Image/Dan Peled)
The Palaszczuk government first pledged the funding to expand intervention programs by building additional clubs and upgrading existing clubs over two years in the June state budget.
PCYC programs, many of which involve sports, have been credited with helping at-risk young people avoid a life of crime.
“They can get in early and help young people at risk of offending stay on the right track before they get involved in crime,” Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said on Tuesday.
PCYC supports more than 100,000 members each year.
PCYC Queensland CEO Phil Schultz said the funding was a considerable investment in its activities and the work the PCYC does with the Queensland Police Service.
“This funding will be a huge support to us carrying out much-needed upgrades and enhanced program delivery,” he said.
The government funding will go toward new PCYC facilities in Rockhampton, Sandgate, Pimpama, Mareeba and Beaudesert and upgrades at 20 existing clubs.
