PCYC Port Macquarie marks its first anniversary of supporting community

Following the recent flooding across the NSW Mid North Coast, PCYC Port Macquarie has, for the last week, acted as a recovery centre providing residents with vital support services. This delivery of much needed support for the community comes as PCYC Port Macquarie is marking its first anniversary.

For more than 12 months, the community has benefited from state-of-the-art facilities which hold gymnastics sessions, indoor sports competitions, school holiday activities, Safer Drivers Courses, and PCYC’s life-changing Youth Programs.

It’s the first of PCYC’s 67 Clubs that is co-located in a school, at Hastings Secondary College – in collaboration with the NSW Department of Education.

Deputy Principal of Hastings Secondary College, Kim Burton noted “having the PCYC on site has been invaluable to both staff and students, Youth Programs like Fit for Life and Fit for Change have made a real difference in supporting our students’ wellbeing and growth.”

‘Fit for Life’ provides a safe space for young people aged 10 to 17 to kickstart their day with group activities, a nutritious breakfast, and a lift to school. It’s designed as an early intervention initiative to divert young people from antisocial behaviour or crime, through the youth charity’s partnership with NSW Police. There have been more than 150 attendances since January.

17-year-old participant, Reiley Wheeler shared “At PCYC we feel welcomed and relaxed. I enjoy Fit for Life because it lets me get away from stress and meet new people. Meeting the Police has also given me an idea of their role in the community. I enjoy chatting and having breakfast together.”

Club Manager, Erin Perkins added “It has been fantastic to see young people in our community positively engaging with Police, staff and volunteers, through sport and recreation. We have children who have very rarely missed a session.”

NSW Police also act as mentors as part of the ‘Fit for Change’ program, fostering resilience and self-reliance in at-risk young people in need of support.

More than 5,000 people have become PCYC members since the Club’s grand opening, and its impact on Port Macquarie is only growing.

The Club anniversary coincides with the release of PCYC NSW’s 2024 Impact Report revealing the mark the organisation has made on its 88,059 members across the state.