New Acland Coal donates $360,000 to PCYC Oakey

The money will fund training and upskilling program, exercise and nutrition classes, mentoring, school outreach programs, social sport competitions – all geared towards helping teens get back into school or find a job.

Chantal Kelly (QPS), Pat Weir (Member for Condamine), Dylan Turnbull (Oakey student), Dave O’Dwyer (NAC), Kat Medland (PCYC Queensland), Aaliyah Washington (Oakey student), Rob Workman (PCYC Queensland), James Leahy (QPS), Ben Day (NAC)

A vital youth outreach program run by the PCYC Oakey has a secure future after New Acland Coal donated $360,000 in funding.

The Connect program supports young people to build resilience by delivering a range of initiatives, including training and upskilling, exercise and nutrition classes, youth mentoring, school outreach programs and social sport competitions.

Its goal is to help teens to stay in school or find a job.

In a statement NAC general manager Dave O’Dwyer said the mine’s support would fully fund three team members, a vehicle and all program activities and community events for two years.

“The PCYC Oakey Connect program plays an essential role in the local community,” he said.

“New Acland Coal is thrilled Kat Medland and the Oakey Connect team will continue to provide social, physical and mental wellbeing support to young people in the region.

“Youth unemployment and subsequent social issues are a major concern for many families.

This the second funding pool donated to the program by New Acland Coal, after it covered expenses for past two years.

PCYC Oakey Connect program co-ordinator Kat Medland said in a statement guaranteed funding would “change lives”.

“Over the past two years, the PCYC Oakey Connect program has delivered remarkable results and helped primary and secondary school students who have fallen through the cracks,” she said.

“The funding commitment means the PCYC Oakey Connect program can provide an even better service and help more families and local young people.

“PCYC is all about youth development, getting kids back on track, back into school, and developing pathways so they can better their education and become great members of the local community.”