Youth urged to join PCYC activities

After an upgrade of more than $1.1 million to the Rockingham PCYC during 2016 and 2017, the staff at the youth centre are encouraging people to become aware of the centre’s activities and programs in hopes it will be utilised more.

The centre relaunched in March last year, with funds being injected to help it become more welcoming and vibrant for the region’s youth and allow for recreational activities and diversionary programs to be delivered to the wider community.

Refurbishments included the installation of an outdoor patio, a commercial kitchen, new roof, flooring, cabinetry, carpet and a fresh paint job.

Rockingham PCYC has been running since 1971 and delivers a variety of projects and activities for youth and youth at risk within the local community.

People who have been in the area for a long time probably know about us, but nowhere enough people are aware of who we are and what we do,

“What we do in the community is pretty special and can only get more special, now that we’re really trying to ramp this place up.”

Mr Sambell said the centre had two main focuses: sport and recreation and learning and development.

The centre has about 200 children registered for gymnastics a year but also offers air-rifle shooting, archery, martial arts, rollerskating, dance, bingo, junior darts, police rangers and joey rangers.

New to this year’s program is a three-on-three basketball competition, which includes a corporate cup for businesses and not-for-profit organisations and junior competitions.

The learning and development aspect of the centre provides youth at risk with opportunities to gain employment.

The centre delivers a Weld to Life program, which provides at-risk youth the chance to learn technical skills in a hands-on environment.

Participants graduate with a Certificate I in Engineering and Certificate I in Wider Opportunities for Work.

Mr Sambell said the centre was looking at establishing a “safe space” and extending on its activities and its learning and development program.

“We’re always looking for help from the community - businesses, volunteers and financial assistance.”