Rio Tinto Extends Support for Roebourne PCYC’s safeSPACE™ Program

PCYC is thrilled to announce that Rio Tinto has generously extended its funding for both Weekday and Weekend safeSPACE™ programs at Roebourne PCYC.

This continued partnership builds on Rio Tinto’s existing support, which included stepping in to fund an additional three days of safeSPACE™ in July 2024 after previous funding ended. Their quick response ensured that vital services for young people remained uninterrupted.

Rio Tinto’s new commitment will fund safeSPACE™ for five nights a week, from Wednesday to Sunday, through to June 2025, and extend support for Weekend safeSPACE™ through to December 2027.

This funding is crucial in providing consistent, reliable support for young people in the community, offering them a safe, regular space to access essential services and connect with Youth Workers. The ongoing service delivery also contributes to creating stable employment opportunities for the local community.

Rio Tinto Iron Ore Vice President of Health, Safety, Environment and Communities Caitlin Westgarth said:

“PCYC plays an important role in providing support to the local Roebourne community.

We are pleased to continue our support for the PCYC safeSPACE™ programs which provide young people with access to essential services and the opportunity to build community connections, in a safe and welcoming environment.”

PCYC CEO Peter Tranter said:

“I’d like to offer my sincere thanks to Rio Tinto for this funding. Rio Tinto has a very real commitment to supporting vulnerable young people in Roebourne. To extend funding to 2027 is a mark of their extraordinary generosity and enables PCYC to continue delivering services over the next three years.”

PCYC Head of Youth Services Laura Dunlop said:

“The safeSPACE™ program is an important service in Roebourne, offering young people a space to participate in recreational, educational, and diversionary activities. With Rio Tinto’s support we can continue to provide opportunities to engage with positive role models, develop important life skills, and foster a sense of belonging, all of which are essential in empowering young people to reach their full potential.”

This announcement comes at an exciting time for Roebourne PCYC, as they prepare to celebrate 25 years of service to the community, with celebrations set to take place in the coming weeks.

For more information about Roebourne PCYC and other PCYC programs, recreational activities and vocational courses, visit www.wapcyc.com.au