Community & Business
25 November, 2024
NAC extends PCYC funding
A funding extension from New Acland Coal will allow the PCYC Oakey Connect program to continue to support the region’s young people for another two years.
New Acland Coal announced it will invest another $360,000 to fully fund the vital program.
Two years ago, the Mine stepped in and prevented the PCYC Oakey Connect program from closing due to lack of funds.
The mine’s financial support will fully support the program, including three team members, a vehicle and all program activities and community events.
The funding means the program will continue to deliver a range of initiatives, including training and up-skilling programs, exercise and nutrition classes, youth mentoring, school outreach programs, social sport, and employment pathways.
Oakey Connect also champions local education pathways and relationships between young people and community leaders.
PCYC Oakey Connect program coordinator, Kat Medland said two more years of guaranteed funding will change lives.
“(The program) has shown them different pathways in life and been
a positive influence,” she said.
“We do cultural programs which helps a lot of our Indigenous students in Oakey.
“It’s about getting the young people to know community more and the older generation.”
Mrs Medland paid tribute to the army of volunteers who help run the Community Barbecue at the Rotary Park every Thursday afternoon during term time.
“We get over 150-200 community members to the barbecue and it’s awesome,” she said.
“The community has come on board.
“We have a lot of volunteers which is good because they are the backbone of what we do and I appreciate what they do.”
NAC General Manager, Dave O’Dwyer said that PCYC Oakey Connect program plays an essential role for local youth who are looking for guidance and mentorship.
“We joined up with the PCYC two years ago to keep the project going and we’ve seen some great outcomes and benefits in the community,” Mr O’Dwyer said.
“That sponsorship came up again, so a little bit of quick thinking, and it didn’t take us long to decide that we wanted to get back on board with the PCYC here in town.”
PCYC Queensland South-West Regional Manager for Youth and Community Programs South-West Rob Workman thanked Mrs Medland for her work, conducted under the guidance of PCYC Toowoomba Youth Club Program Manager Chantal Kelly, and to NAC for its support
“From my end, I want to say a big thank you to NAC and the New Hope Group for having the confidence in us to provide youth programs for another two years and continue that good work that we otherwise may not have had the capacity to do for the Oakey region,” Mr Workman said.
Students Aaliyah Washington and Dylan Turnbull said Kat and her team make life more fun.
“I used to do the boxing program they did down at the Cultural Centre a few years ago,” Dylan said.
“Now I go and do the Bunburra Touch Carnival every year around June and July.
“(PCYC) is fun - it’s great to catch up with mates every Thursday when they do the sausage sizzle.
“Sometimes I’ll go down there and I’ll have a sausage and play basketball with my mates.”
Aaliyah agreed with Dylan and said Kat had built up strong connections with Oakey’s families.
“She’s known my family for ages,” Aaliyah said.
“We always do stuff together like all the community things - the Cultural Club down at the Community Centre.
“That’s where we all learn new dances with William (Thira-Mayinj) as well.
“It’s pretty good - you meet a lot of new people and it’s good to just have somewhere to go after school instead of just going home and being bored.”
