Dubbo’s PCYC will share in a $1,987,634 Federal Government grant to help at-risk youth secure employment and gain real-life skills.
Member for Parkes Mark Coulton announced the funding today, which has been committed to PCYC NSW under Round 3 of the Coalition’s $30 million Safer Communities Fund.
“I’d like to commend PCYC NSW on successfully receiving this grant, which will be used to support youth across NSW, including in Dubbo, through the Fit for Life/Fit for Work program,” Mr Coulton said.
“This program is about building resilience and capacity for at-risk youth. The program transitions youth to employment or apprenticeships, offering real-life skills development and pre-employment training and mentoring.
“Only safe communities can be strong and prosperous, and the best way to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour is to prevent it from happening. This project will help Dubbo’s youth and the local community to feel safer.”
Mr Coulton said delivery of the program will occur simultaneously across six regions in 12 PCYC NSW clubs.
Funding has also been allocated to Bourke’s Youth Off The Streets, which will share in $2 million for youth early intervention services, life skills training and one-on-one support.
The Safer Communities Fund initially received $40 million to support local communities to address crime and anti-social behaviour. This further commitment brings the total amount available under the Safer Communities Fund to $70 million between 2016-17 and 2019-20.
Minister for Home Affairs Peter Dutton said that all Australians have a right to feel safe and secure when their communities come together.
“The Coalition will continue to assist local councils and organisations to address crime and anti-social behaviour and make our nation safer,” Mr Dutton said.
The Coalition has now committed $138 million across Australia to deliver on various strategies designed to strengthen communities.
Announcements regarding other successful recipients of Safer Communities funding in the Parkes electorate will be made in the near future.
