PCYC a step closer

A PCYC in the Clarence Valley could be one step closer.

A PCYC in the Clarence Valley could be one step closer.

Today Clarence Valley Council's environment, economic and community committee will decide whether the council will put its hand up for funding from the O'Farrell Government to establish a Police and Community Youth Club.

The O'Farrell Government has set aside a pot of money to fund the establishment of eight new PCYC's between 2011 and 2015.

If the committee decides to follow the council officer's recommendation and submit the expression of interest, the council will be vying for funding of up to $2.5 million, with five allocations of $250,000 and two of $2.5 million available.

Along with the funding comes the staff associated with the PCYC.

If a PCYC was established, the Clarence would be allocated two police youth case managers, while a manager would be appointed for the club.

The push to establish a PCYC has the support of Mayor Richie Williamson, who met with the PCYC chief executive officer (CEO) to discuss an appropriate model for development in the Valley last year.

In the report prepared for the committee, the council's deputy general manager Des Schroder suggests Grafton Ngerrie Local Aboriginal Land Council partners with PCYC, with their South Grafton premises used as an administrative centre for the PCYC.

Due to the Clarence Valley's size and geographically dispersed population, the report recommends the PCYC, if established, utilises existing infrastructure and integrates with existing programs, including midnight basketball, Youth Activities Yamba and Out of the Box to achieve the best outcomes for Valley youth.

Councillors Sue Hughes, Pat Comben, Craig Howe, Ian Tiley and Richie Williamson will decide whether to lodge the expression of interest for the PCYC at the committee's meeting which starts at 4pm at the Maclean Council chambers.

Their recommendation will go before next Tuesday's full council meeting. Expressions of interest close on October 31.

Originally published as PCYC a step closer