Guy Sebastian and NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb revamp PCYC Blacktown music studio

The Sebastian Foundation has joined forces with the NSW Police and PCYC Blacktown to create a bespoke revitalised music studio in Western Sydney.

The “safe space” forms part of The Upbeat Project, designed to foster a secure and welcoming environment for students. Picture: Richard Dobson

It’s not everyday one of the country’s most recognisable star performers links up with the state’s top cop.

But on Thursday, The Sebastian Foundation – formed by Guy and Jules Sebastian – joined forces with the NSW Police and PCYC Blacktown to create a bespoke revitalised music studio.

The Sebastians, alongside NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb unveiled the “world class” studio with the Battlescars singer saying the community of young people in Western Sydney will “get the best because they deserve it.”

“Part of this is helping them (young people) realise we’re all the same and you don’t need to push yourself down. I think people like that need to come in here and go I’m good enough and it’s not that hard and I can dream big,” he said.

“You don’t need to think everyone seems better or more talented or worthy. They need to come in here and just play without any rules and realise, I can make some really cool stuff in here and it’s actually easier than I thought. That’s my goal.”

The Sebastian Foundation has refurbished and updated the PCYC Blacktown music studio with professional equipment. Picture: Richard Dobson

The “safe space” forms part of The Upbeat Project, designed to foster a secure and welcoming environment for students, aged between 12 and 17 and any at-risk youth across the Blacktown area, and allow them to express themselves and harness their love for music.

Attendees at the official opening were seen wiping away tears in their eyes as members of the youth group performed Bill Withers’ ‘Lean on Me’ alongside Sebastian, performed a special Hakka and spoke to the audience about the significance of PCYC in their lives.

Attendees at the official opening were seen wiping away tears in their eyes as members of the youth group performed Bill Withers’ ‘Lean on Me’ alongside Sebastian. Picture: Richard Dobson

Year 12 student and PCYC regular Justice Pinono and Guy Sebastian. Picture: Richard Dobson

“I was struggling for a bit,” Sebastian admitted.

Sebastian said he hopes the studio will allow talented young artists the tools, software, programs, opportunities and confidence to produce and record their own music and “change lives”.

“The Blacktown and Greater Western Sydney communities have an incredibly talented aspiring youth,” he said.

Commissioner Webb praised the work done to establish the Upbeat Project and the forces’ 85 year partnership with the PCYC and said she was “pleased to be a part” of the initiative.

“It’s about connecting kids with their community. It’s about all kids from all walks of life having a place they can come to and feel safe,” she said.