The Parkes PCYC has achieved a lot in the last 12 months - increased membership, more programs and activities, and more funding and upgrades to its facilities.
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The club has done so well that PCYC NSW has presented Parkes the 2019 PCYC Club Achievement of the Year Award.
PCYC NSW held its 82nd state conference at Doltone House, Sydney on November 28, with Parkes PCYC coming first out of 64 clubs across the state.
Having serviced the community since 1977 and providing numerous activities such as sport, the Fit For Life youth boxing program, science and art classes and L-plate driver education - the club has been on a mission in the past 12 to 24 months to improve its facilities, available programs and child attendance.
Its child attendance is up a massive 223 per cent.
"It was fantastic, there are clubs within our organisation that are at a similar level to an AIS so it's amazing to get this award and tops off an amazing year for the club," Parkes PCYC manager Tim Watts said of the club's win.
"We have had a heap of renovations completed, opened our second fully accredited after school care centre, our Out of School hours team won several awards through the year, our gymnastics program had an extra 100 kids involved and we had several kids competing at a state level.
"We doubled the amount of L plate drivers taking part in our education programs and we won two Henry awards for Social Enterprise and Business leader.
"It's certainly been a great year for PCYC Parkes and we have just got started."
Parkes PCYC has received $70,000 in new sports equipment, upgraded its toilets and shower facilities, renovated its reception and office area and upgraded stormwater drains to prevent flooding.
There are also several projects expected to be completed in early 2020, with close to $500,000 in funding approved and secured.
This funding covers new gymnastics equipment, the removal of the old basketball court floor and replaced with plastic flooring, upgrades to lighting, installation of safety nets, repainting of the hall and plans to upgrade its outdoor OOSH space.
[Our amazing staff and volunteers] are the people who run our programs, fundraising and community projects - it's only through them we have achieved what we have this year.
- Parkes PCYC manager Tim Watts
On top of this work, the Parkes PCYC has also created a Clubs Committee with representation from Parkes Rotary Club, Parkes Shire Council, Forbes Shire Council, schools, mines, SES, the aged care sector, parents and youth members involved in Bluestar.
Tim said having an amazing group of staff and volunteers is what has contributed most to the club's win.
"They are the people who run our programs, fundraising and community projects - it's only through them we have achieved what we have this year," he said.
"Outside of our staff running programs, I would like to thank everyone who has donated their time to the club this year.
"In particular the Rotary clubs of Parkes and Forbes - they have people in our club every single week, helping us to run our Fit for Life program. Also all of our sponsors like Northparkes Mines, Inland Rail, Forbes Shire Council, Parkes Shire Council, and Parkes Woolworths."
PCYC NSW CEO Dominic Teakle congratulated Parkes PCYC on its well-deserved win.
"PCYC Parkes operates as a second home to many young people in the local area. It provides a safe space away from the challenges, isolation or disadvantage which some of our young people are exposed to," he said.
"Manager Tim Watts, supported by Senior Constable Lockwood and the PCYC team have an unwavering passion for empowering young people.
"They do that through a variety of activities, including sports, education classes, L-plate driver education, school holiday programs and OOSH.
"Congratulations to Tim Watts and the dedicated team of PCYC staff, police, volunteers and members on their amazing achievements and on their well-deserved win."
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