PCYC NSW’s decade long search for Camden home ends

A decade long search for a PCYC home in the Camden region has ended in dust.

No PCYC centre will be coming to the Camden region. Picture Glenn Hampson

A decade long search for a PCYC home in the Camden region has ended in dust.

PCYC NSW has informed Camden Council it will no longer proceed with an agreement from 2014 for a centre at Kirkham Park, Elderslie.

Camden Liberal Mayor Lara Symkowiak said the PCYC decision was unfortunate news.

“It is disappointing but it wasn’t surprising,” she said.

Camden Rams Rugby League Club is one of many sports to play at Kirkham Park. Picture: Carmela Roche.

Camden and Districts Netball Association played at Kirkham Park for the final time this year.

“We have had the land available and $2.1 million in funding. Negotiations had been going back and forth for many, many months and I am actually glad PCYC confirmed what we expected so we can allocate those funds to other sports.”

PCYC NSW CEO Dominic Teakle said the current planning framework wouldn’t allow the not-for-profit organisation to provide a centre for viable youth and community engagement.

“PCYC NSW has been engaged with the council for many years to bring a club to the Camden area for the benefit of youth and the wider community,” he said.

PCYC NSW CEO Dominic Teakle (centre) said he would consider new opportunities for partnership with Camden Council. Picture: Peter Kelly.

“Unfortunately, it was not possible to find suitable sites or alternative options which would meet the needs of a contemporary PCYC facility.”

PCYC had proposed a multicourt and multipurpose activities spaces and youth drop-in areas.

Taya and Ashton Pace at Macarthur BMX Club track, at Kirkham Park. Picture: Robert Pozo.

Cr Symkowiak said other locations in the LGA were explored to accommodate PCYC’s vision. “No other locations were suitable to PCYC and their criteria. We definitely wanted a centre in the region — we tried but it didn’t happen.”