As part of its ongoing election promises, the WA Labor Government has pledged $24 million in funding to support the operations of Police and Community Youth Centres (PCYCs) across the state.
PCYCs currently receive $4.5 million annually in State Government funding. The State Government has announced it will increase this to $6 million per year for the next four years if re-elected.
Labor said the funding would enable PCYCs to continue providing vital youth diversionary programs by offering meaningful activities and providing access to positive role models.
The funding would be used to hire staff, improve services and facilities, and support areas such as marketing and fundraising.
Since 1941, PCYCs have played a crucial role in WA, offering sporting programs and, more recently, educational initiatives for young people across the state, particularly regionally, where there are currently 10 active centres. In the Perth metropolitan area, there are six centres.
In 2023-24, the centres saw a total of 314,709 participants, including 87,642 in gymnastics and KinderGym, and 42,249 youths in youth at-risk programs.
Police Minister Paul Papalia made the funding announcement last week.
“PCYCs are a vital part of our community, especially in the regions, which is why WA Labor will deliver this multi-million dollar funding boost to ensure they have a bright future,” Papalia said.
“From Albany to Broome, our PCYCs will continue to have a positive impact on the WA community and change many young lives for the better.”
In Perth’s south-eastern suburbs, there are two PCYCs, one in Gosnells and another in Kensington.
Located on Royal Street in Kenwick, the Gosnells PCYC celebrated its 50th anniversary in December and continues to offer a range of recreational activities such as gymnastics, judo, boxing, and air rifles.
Made possible by the dedicated volunteers at Gosnells Boxing Club, the centre is renowned for its successful boxing program.
