SafeSPACE™ funding announcement
On 9th August 2023, the Minister for Police, Hon. Paul Papalia CSC MLA, announced $4.6m funding over two years for PCYC to continue its safeSPACE™ program in five regional locations.
Minister Papalia announced this commitment while visiting the PCYC Centre in Broome.
SafeSPACE™ is PCYC’s core diversionary program for vulnerable children and young people at-risk. Programs are run before school, after school and into the evening. SafeSPACE™ is designed to eliminate most barriers to engagement – transport, food, education and behavioural and enables young people to participate in recreational, diversionary and educational activities that they would not otherwise experience.
Minister Papalia stated, “SafeSPACE™ is a well-loved and much needed initiative which invests in young West Australians.
“Each location has a tailored schedule co-designed by local Police, community members and participants. Engaging with at-risk children, helps them to develop life skills and can prevent them from becoming tangled in the criminal justice system.
“We’re proud to support Western Australia’s PCYCs and applaud the incredible efforts of its staff.”
PCYC Chair, Geoffrey Stooke, stated, “PCYC acknowledges the incredible support of the Cook Government in funding the safeSPACE™ program at Broome, Carnarvon, Geraldton, Gosnells and Bunbury for two years.
“This is an outstanding commitment by the Cook Government so that PCYC can continue to provide the vital safeSPACE™ program for at-risk young people.
“Again, we greatly appreciate the support of the Cook Government.”
PCYC CEO, Peter Tranter, extended his thanks to the State Government. “Without this support, PCYC couldn’t continue to provide the much-needed safeSPACE™ program in Broome, Carnarvon, Geraldton, Gosnells and Bunbury. Across these five centres, PCYC engages over 700 children and young people every month, giving them a break from challenging home environments while allowing them to build relationships with Police, qualified Youth Workers and cultural leaders. I would like to acknowledge and thank all of our people, generous volunteers, partners and Police Officers who make our safeSPACE™ program so successful.”