The Collie Police Community and Youth Centre will be one of many around Western Australia to share in $11.3 million in state government funding to help expand its services and ensure its ongoing operation.
Collie-Preston MLA Mick Murray met with the Police Minister Michelle Roberts in the South-West recently to welcome the funding.
The funding was provided as part of the 2019-20 state budget and will support PCYC programs aimed at reducing juvenile offending and improving community safety.
Ms Roberts said the announcement would provide certainty to PCYCs and ensure they could continue their work, particularly in regional communities.
"For nearly 80 years, PCYCs have done an outstanding job providing services to our young people," she said.
Mr Murray said the funding would ensure Collie's PCYC could continue to provide invaluable programs.
"I'm so pleased that this funding will help to better support the Collie PCYC carry out their important work and give them opportunity to plan for their future operation," he said.
"The PCYC has been part of the Collie community for many years, and has been integral in helping to build relationships with young people, reduce the risk of reoffending and supporting some of the most vulnerable kids in our area."
Premier Mark McGowan said it was essential there was a support base like PCYC to help young people develop positive behaviours.
"The extra support and programs for local kids at risk of offending will go a long way to help lower the rates of youth offending," he said.
"We are committed to making our communities safer and trying to prevent young people from becoming entrenched in criminal behaviour in the first place."
PCYCs are one of the largest multipurpose youth facilities, and have a history of 78 years in Western Australia.
The Collie PCYC was established in 1941 as the first PCYC centre , and has since become an integral part of the Collie community.
This funding will ensure the Collie PCYC can continue to offer community youth development programs, including Police Rangers, Safe Sanctuary, and Joey safe space for under 10s.
Other community programs offer boxing, air rifles, gymnastics, darts, street gym and mountain biking. The Coderdojo and Be Active programs are also popular.
In consultation with the Commissioner of Police, a new partnership agreement with the WA Police Force is being drafted which will allow police officers to participate in youth intervention and learning and development programs.
The officers will provide mentorship, case management and coaching to youths.