Queensland Police youth program launches in Toowoomba along with $1 million PCYC upgrade

Project Booyah - an award-winning collaborative initiative between the Queensland Police Service, Police Citizens Youth Clubs (PCYC), and the local community - has launched in Toowoomba today along with the announcement of a $1 million PCYC upgrade.

Project Booyah includes a 16-week community inclusive police mentoring program that focuses on adventure-based learning, leadership skills, social and skill development training, community intervention, functional literacy/numeracy support, and vocational scholarships.

Its goal is to support disconnected young individuals between the ages of 14 and 17, and help them regain self-worth, build resilience, and establish a sense of connection with their local community.

Each cohort, consisting of 10-12 young people, will participate in the program twice a year, aligning with school semesters.

The family inclusive program will focus on enhancing self-esteem, resilience, and respect while providing pathways to study, training, and employment.

Project Booyah which has already been launched in 10 areas throughout the state, has already seen many successes in deterring disengaged youth from crime.

In 2016, Project Booyah won gold at the Australian Crime and Violence Prevention Awards – an achievement that speaks volumes of the value of the program.’

Last year, 82% of Project Booyah graduates achieved a Certificate II Foundation Skills Training Qualification, 77% re-entered the education system, 46% engaged in further education or training, 33% undertook work experience and 28% obtained employment through taking part in the program.

The Queensland Budget also delivered a significant funding uplift to Police Citizen Youth Club operations with the government having allocated $1 million for the upgrade of infrastructure and facilities at the Toowoomba PCYC.

The upgrade is part of a $50 million investment that will support new and upgraded PCYC facilities across the state.

The government has also provided an additional $6 million in funding to PCYC Queensland which will in part support a ‘back to basics’ initiative to deliver programs like after dark basketball and boxing.

Phil Schultz, Chief Executive PCYC Queensland shares “we appreciate that this is a considerable investment into PCYC Toowoomba demonstrating QPS and Queensland Government’s commitment to driving early intervention initiatives through prevention, intervention, and diversionary programs.

“PCYC and QPS have been working together to look at how they can further support the community working in conjunction with the police district to target specific areas of community need.

“This funding will be a huge support to us carrying out much needed upgrades and introduce a much-needed dedicated youth space.”