PCYC construction launched

Member for Peats Marie Andrews and Gosford mayor Cr Chris Holstein officially launched the construction of the Police & Community Youth Club (PCYC) at Umina on August 7.
The club is expected to open in January and will include a café, Internet facilities, a pool table, homework club with tutors, counselling rooms, stage, DJ's booth, regular blue light discos, and bands specifically for primary and high school age groups.
Gosford Council has provided the grounds and buildings, making this the first PCYC in Australia to be located in a council-owned building.
The council has also provided $500,000 for refurbishment.
The PCYC is fitting out the buildings and $48,000 has been made available by the Ettalong Beach Club and the Umina Bowling Club.
On launching the construction, Ms Andrews said: "The PCYC is predominantly a facility for young people and needs community involvement and support for it to succeed."
PCYC is a charity with less than three per cent government funding.
Cr Holstein said: "Facilities for young people on the Peninsula are important.
"I am pleased to say that this project has been able to proceed with the unanimous support of council."
The PCYC would be free of alcohol and other drugs, and would provide a venue where young people could feel comfortable.
Young people in the community were called upon to help make decisions on the development of the facility for young people and would be able to work in the café and other parts of the complex.
In a separate building, a fully-equipped gymnasium would be established.
Boxing would be used to help young people with anger management.
The hall in the main building would also be made available for aerobics and dance classes.
Membership fees were $5 for 12 months and there would be a $4 activity fee.
There would be no charge for general use of the facility.
The PCYC movement is promoted as a partnership between young people, the community and the NSW Police Service, dedicated to excellence in youth leadership ands youth crime prevention.
The clubs are designed to provide young people with a friendly and positive environment where they can try new experiences, develop skills, meet people, get advice or just hang out.
PCYC officers also work with local police, schools and community agencies to provide programs based on local youth needs.
One of Australia's largest youth organisations, the PCYC has 57 clubs spread across the state with over 60,000 members.
The clubs are self-funding and, apart from the police salaries, rely on donations, sponsorships, and membership and entry fees.