A $6.5 million investment by the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government in PCYC will see the HAKA WARRIORS PROGRAM TO EXPAND TO THE CENTRAL COAST and support thousands more kids across regional NSW to reach their potential and get job ready.
Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast Adam Crouch said PCYC’s Haka Warriors program was already helping hundreds of kids in western Sydney to create connections and find a sense of purpose.
“Haka Warriors has been a bit hit in Sydney and I’m thrilled the concept will be extended to the Central Coast,” Mr Crouch said.
“It uses the discipline, teamwork and cultural importance of the Haka to help kids connect and promote positive behavioral change.”
Deputy Premier, Minister for Regional NSW and Minister for Police Paul Toole said the boost for PCYC is part of a $36 million investment in the next generation aimed at keeping at-risk youth on track.
“This funding represents the biggest ever investment in the expansion of PCYC programs in NSW and one that will have far-reaching benefits in the bush,” Mr Toole said.
“We know these PCYC programs work – and for some kids they will be absolutely life-changing – which is why we want to roll them out to more young people in more locations.
“These important programs are not only diverting kids from poor choices, they’re helping them find a sense of purpose and set goals for their future. This investment will help the next generation of kids in the regions to reach their potential.”
The $6.5 million package includes expansion of the following PCYC programs:
- Extend services provided under the Fit for Life program, which is currently run in all PCYC locations from one to two days per week
- Expand the U-Nites program which engages youth in safe, supervised activities on Friday and/or Saturday nights, to new regional locations
- Expand the Job-Ready, Stepping Up and Fit for Work programs which help prepare youth to enter the workforce to up to eight new regional locations
- Expand the Haka Warriors program to the State’s Central Coast
PCYC CEO Dominic Teakle welcomed the support for the programs.
“We know these programs work. They develop life skills, team work, respect and mindfulness which changes young people’s lives and creates hope for a better future,” Mr Teakle said.
“The whole community benefits when a young person contributes positively to society and is diverted from an alternative path of counter-productive behavior.”
The funding forms part of a $36 million package announced by the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government to tackle youth crime and keeping at risk youth on track. For more information, visit https://www.nsw.gov.au/media-releases/36-million-to-keep-next-generation-on-track
