Albury’s Police Citizens Youth Club will undergo a major upgrade, as a part of a $40 million investment by the state government.
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The Keene Street facility will receive a $150,000 upgrade, to modernise and upgrade amenities as well as enhance multi-use areas.
Albury member Greg Aplin said the upgrade would make a significant difference for young people and adult volunteers, and encourage more participation.
“Once the works are complete, the facility will have enhanced multi-purpose activity spaces enabling a variety of sports to be played and increasing participation by the wider community,” Mr Aplin said.
“The current amenities at the club will also be upgraded so they are modern and inviting.
“Our PCYC does exceptional work engaging our young people in many sports and activities, guiding them to make positive life decisions and helping many to avoid entering into the juvenile justice system.”
Mr Aplin said the upgrades were an investment in Albury’s young people and generations to come.
CEO Dominic Teakle said the 2018-19 Budget investment showed how valued the unique partnership between the community and the NSW Police Force was.
“PCYC is humbled by this announcement which is tribute to the NSW Police Commissioner’s focus on Youth and Crime prevention and the legacy born of a partnership between Police, Rotary and the community which began more than 80 years ago,” he said.
“This investment by the NSW government will help strengthen the relationships we facilitate between young people and police officers.
“The $40 million boost to PCYC ensures youth and the community have modern and safe facilities to participate in a range of sporting and recreational activities.”
Albury is one for five clubs statewide to receive major upgrades through the funding, while facilities at Wagga Wagga, Walgett and Dubbo will be fully replaced.
A new fully-funded PCYC will be built in Windsor to support the growing demand for indoor youth and recreation facilities.
Mr Teakle said PCYC was at the heart of the community and with police in every club.
He said PCYC facilities host educational, character-building and physically active youth programs and diversion projects that give young people purpose, focus and mentorship to make positive life choices.
The government revealed in 2017, almost 1900 young people were involved in case management and programs by police officers, most of whom were young offenders and youth at risk of offending.
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