The new Walgett PCYC was officially opened yesterday, Wednesday 15 December, with the ribbon-guarded entrance to the building cut by Governor-General His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley. 

A striking building of 1,800 square metres, the new club is a far cry from the humble PCYC that was established in Walgett in 2015, and which was also opened by David Hurley when he was Governor of New South Wales. 

The state of the art building is a result of over $7.5 million in funding, boasting fully air-conditioned indoor multi-purpose courts, gymnastic space, gym, youth hub area, green features and social enterprise car and caravan washing facilities to provide work and marketing experience for young people. 

Inspector Trent Swinton said that the temporary PCYC had enormous success in reducing crime, and that the new one should only do more to help.

“That temporary facility was only able to target a very narrow demographic…over a four year period after the introduction of the centre we saw adverse youth interactions reduced by just over 50 per cent,” Inspector Swinton said. 

“Kids weren’t getting up to mischief, whether that be out on the streets or involving themselves in small level crime like break and enters…there was a real change in their behaviours and probably their attitude,” he said. 

“Now, this facility can be utilised by kids from primary aged all the way through their high school years and into their adult life. I’m hoping to see either further reduction in adverse interactions with police, so its going to be invaluable,” Inspector Swinton said. 

Local police from the Central North Police District will be engaged with the new club through running programs, such as the RiseUp program that assists young people in entering the workforce. 

“There are a lot of plans to assist kids with gaining skills in hospitality and barista style work, and more of those service industry type areas,” Inspector Swinton said.

“Amanda Cheal, the PCYC Manager, has done a great job in mentoring and developing these young people into leaders within the community today, and the young people who will provide ongoing mentorship through their employment in various areas at the PCYC,” he added.

Member of the NSW Legislative Council Sam Farraway said that the state-of-the-art facility marks an important milestone for young people in the Walgett community. 

“I’m excited to be here for the opening of this amazing facility that will help address youth and community disadvantage by providing recreation, community outreach and sporting activities for young people in Walgett,” Mr Farraway said. 

After being in the pipeline since 2004, the building has not disappointed.