Collie's PCYC needs support

Collie's PCYC is looking for a helping hand to stay open and running for the community.

Collie PCYC manager Constable Robert Adamczyk said the fitness centre at the PCYC was the ‘‘cash cow’’ because the PCYC did not receive any funding from the State.

‘‘Everything is self-funded,’’ he said.

‘‘All the 24 PCYCs across the State work independently as non-profit businesses.’’

The fitness centre, which is the only fully equipped gym in Collie, helps to fund overheads such as power and water for the building.

But Const. Adamczyk said some equipment in the fitness centre could use an upgrade.

‘‘A lot of the equipment we have has very generously been donated by people who don’t need it anymore,’’ he said.

‘‘Any funds we do get, apart from our overheads and costs, we put back into the centre through getting repairs done or new equipment where we can.’’

Donations to the PCYC will go towards two recently purchased plasma screens and a Foxtel connection too, which will soon be added to keep fitness fanatics entertained.

‘‘Any donations received will also be put towards youth engagement activities,’’ Const. Adamczyk said.

He said engagement activities had a positive and lasting impact on many young people and donations would make a real difference to young lives.

Young people at the PCYC have the chance to use the Department for Child Protection-funded Hang Out, which has a range of computer games, a plasma television, trampoline and air rifles.

Const. Adamczyk also said money would go towards a new initiative called the Move Forward Centre which focuses on three areas of engagement: recreational, vocational and educational.

A $5000 grant from BHP is providing a padded BMX frame that can be used on a portable trampoline for young people to practise their tricks.

Const. Adamczyk added that the Collie PCYC was looking forward to working with the Bunbury branch to involve at-risk youth who have been in contact with the justice system to engage in programs at the centres.

Donations can be made in person or by mail to PO Box 886, Collie,WA 6225.