PCYC Dubbo Sports World set for $15.3 million upgrade

The Minns Labor Government partnership with the PCYC will together fund $15.3 million to deliver major upgrades to the Police Citizens Youth Club (PCYC) Dubbo Sports World that will boost local sporting facilities and deliver life-changing opportunities for young people in western NSW.

The NSW Government is contributing $10.4 million toward the project from the Regional Development Trust Fund and the PCYC is funding $4.9 million

This funding expands on the NSW Government’s existing $10 million youth program partnership with the PCYC that is supporting the delivery of 278 programs over four years for regional youth.

Last year when the Government was in discussions on a regional youth program partnership it requested the PCYC to consider developing these plans for Dubbo.

An extensive process was then undertaken so the Government could determine that the project scope was feasible and would deliver value for money to improve local sporting facilities and engage young people in the Dubbo community.

By upgrading these facilities, the Minns Government is not just providing new sporting facilities but is helping address educational disengagement, isolation and community safety challenges in
regional NSW.

The partnership will deliver the following major renovations to the PCYC Dubbo Sports World:
• Major upgrade of existing sports halls
o Upgrade the existing two sports halls to meet specification standards for multi-sport
competitions
o Equipment upgrades including new mechanical backboard systems, scoreboards and
audio-visual fit outs
• New Front of House development
o Construct new Front of House amenities, including foyer/reception/café, staff offices,
storage and compliant amenities
o Large youth hub and fitness gym
o Police Youth Engagement Officer office, multi-purpose program rooms, and
learning/meeting spaces

This project builds on the NSW Government’s ongoing commitment to ensuring young people in regional and remote areas have access to facilities and stable, long-term support.

The Minns Government and PCYC partnership program is underway and delivering positive results.

The activities are designed specifically for young people in need, living across regional NSW, with a focus on employability, wellbeing, leadership, culture and community.

Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty said:

“This investment is another demonstration of our Government’s targeted and cost-effective
approach to developing facilities that are game changers for young people in Dubbo and western NSW.

“I have always thought that we needed to get a project like this to the right point, so we could ensure it could be delivered and would deliver real outcomes for the community.

“The people of Dubbo have in the past been let down by the former National Liberal Government’s broken promises and grandiose visions. I wasn’t going to let that continue because it was playing political PR stunts rather than delivering for the community.

“After first asking the PCYC to look at developing a project to upgrade facilities for Dubbo, I was pleased to be advised by PCYC that they could cost-effectively deliver what was needed.

“I am confident that Dubbo will now get the sports and activity centre that will attract youth to participate not just in sport but in development programs.

“Our partnership with PCYC is delivering outcomes across regional NSW and this project in Dubbo will encourage local youth to nurture their wellbeing and grow into future leaders for the community.

“Giving PCYC the infrastructure they need means more programs, more stability, and more opportunities for young people who deserve every chance to succeed.

“We’re helping create safer, stronger and more connected communities with our PCYC partnership and this shows we will back a project that can be deliver real outcomes for local communities.

PCYC NSW CEO, Ben Hobby said:

“Young people across NSW face increasing social pressures, including technology being extremely pervasive in their lives, with the challenges often felt more acutely in regional communities.

“In the Central West of NSW, this includes navigating complex barriers — from limited access to safe spaces with positive social interactions, to difficulties with mental wellbeing, engaging in education or finding suitable long-term employment.

“The partnership between the NSW Government and PCYC changes the paradigm for youth and families in Dubbo and the surrounding region. The funding will allow us to significantly expand our sport and recreation offerings, while further strengthening the delivery of our life-changing programs for young people.”