PCYC Broken Hill marks 80 years of delivering positive community impact

This month, the PCYC Club on Gypsum Street in Broken Hill is celebrating a major milestone - 80 years of positively impacting the community, with more than 500 active members.

PCYC Broken Hill was established in July 1945, with the aim of providing a safe and supportive environment for young people - since then it’s been encouraging the community to get active, develop their skills, character, and leadership.

Club Manager, Linden Cox noted “PCYC isn’t just a place to come for sports, it’s a safe space for all to engage with welcoming staff and NSW Police who are passionate about helping young people reach their full potential in life.”

PCYC NSW Chief Executive, Ben Hobby shared "Broken Hill is cherished as one of the first regional Clubs established in PCYC’s 88-year history, playing a vital role in ensuring young people in Far West New South Wales have access to life-changing programs.

“These programs empower the rising generation to be active, build capability, and connect with their community in meaningful ways. Together we have built a strong, enduring legacy for the communities of this region and I’m very grateful for the support we have received over many decades from community members, local businesses, and volunteers."

‘Fit for Life’ is one of the Youth Programs changing lives in the Broken Hill community. It’s a morning early-intervention program designed to engage young people in physical activity and mentorship before school.

15-year-old participant, Mervin Etrich said PCYC has helped him turn his life around and added “we do fun activities of a morning like sports and games, I’ve got good friends and cousins who attend – we learn new skills like leadership and teamwork, and work on engaging in our education.”

It’s not just the Broken Hill community reaping the rewards, PCYC staff run outreach Fit for Life sessions in Wilcannia and Menindee, so young people in other rural towns don’t miss out.

Cox advised “we work hard to be consistent and proactive, to keep building the relationships in these towns to ensure we are doing the best we can to support our youth.”

40 young people from Broken Hill will travel to Western Sydney from 14th to 17th July for PCYC NSW’s ‘Nations of Origin’ – a jam-packed week of sport, community connection, and a celebration of First Nations culture.

The community has rallied to raise more than $60,000 towards travel, accommodation, and uniforms for eight teams - rugby league, basketball, and netball. It’s an experience of a lifetime for these young people.

Programs at PCYC Broken Hill wouldn’t be possible without community donations, and volunteers.

Brady Adams started Fit for Life at 12-years-old, from 14 to 19 years old he volunteered his time facilitating programs, gym and sports coaching, and events – he’s now 20 and employed as a PCYC Activities Officer.

Adams shared "I love giving back to PCYC, helping the young people out and giving them a chance at something better, keeping them off the streets and engaged in meaningful activities.

“I encourage locals to get down to the Club, there's plenty to help out with, volunteering at PCYC helps change lives."