WA Labor to bolster support for Geraldton at-risk youth

A re-elected Cook Labor Government will invest in Geraldton to keep the community safe with $1 million for Geraldton Police and Community Youth Centre (PCYC) to continue youth diversionary program SafeSPACE for two more years.
  • Re-elected Cook Labor Government to invest $1 million in Geraldton PCYC
  • Investment to continue youth diversionary program SafeSPACE for two more years
  • Builds on WA Labor’s $24 million commitment to support PCYCs across WA

A re-elected Cook Labor Government will invest in Geraldton to keep the community safe with $1 million for Geraldton Police and Community Youth Centre (PCYC) to continue youth diversionary program SafeSPACE for two more years.

The funding will enable the continued delivery of youth diversion programs in Geraldton, which helps to keep young people on the right path and reduce anti-social behaviour.

PCYC’s SafeSPACE is a series of diversionary programs to suppress antisocial behaviour by keeping young people off the streets and occupied in meaningful activities with access to positive role models.

In 2022-23, 52,320 young people attended PCYC’s free diversionary programs for at-risk youth across the state.

Geraldton PCYC also provides a space for delivery of other vital community programs, through venue hire for childcare services, out of hours school care programs, and sporting programs.

This investment is in addition to the recently announced $24 million to support PCYCs across the State, keeping them sustainable and enabling delivery of important services across WA.

The funding will enable PCYCs to hire staff and provide services and facilities, as well as access support across a range of areas including marketing and fundraising.

PCYCs currently receive $4.5 million annually in State Government funding. A re-elected Cook Labor Government will increase that to $6 million per year for four years.

Comments attributed to Police Minister Paul Papalia:

“PCYCs are a vital part of our community, especially in the regions like Geraldton, which is why I’m pleased a re-elected Cook Labor Government will deliver this multi-million dollar funding boost to ensure they have a bright future."

“This is about ensuring Geraldton PCYC can continue to have a positive impact in the region, to better help those kids at-risk, their families and the communities they live in."

“Our election commitment builds on the work we’ve done in Government including the introduction of the new On Track to Thrive initiative we announced recently which is aimed at diverting vulnerable young children from entering and becoming entrenched in the criminal justice system.”

Comments attributed to Geraldton MLA Lara Dalton:

“Community safety and providing support to our at-risk kids to ensure they are well-supported and engaged is a priority for me and our community."

“This crucial investment to future proof these programs shows WA Labor’s commitment to always do what’s right for WA and our communities like Geraldton.”

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