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The NSW PCYC (Police & Community Youth Club) is to return to Port Macquarie as tenants of a new $5.2 million community recreation facility.

With Port Macquarie's PCYC at Bourne House having closed its doors in 2008, the new plan will reinstate a PCYC in the city and increase the capacity of the Port Macquarie Indoor Sports Stadium.

NSW Police Minister Michael Gallacher said he genuinely believed in the value of police work through PCYCs, stating "every young person we prevent committing a crime means less victims, not only just for now but also for the long-term."

Minister Gallacher stated that PCYC-based police built relationships with young people and were a positive role model, adding "for some (young people), quite often this is the first time they will come into contact with a police officer in a non-confrontational way.

These are investments that quite often will serve that young person for the rest of their lives."

The club new will offer a range of activities as well as being a place for youth to 'drop in'.

The facility will have two police officers and a manager.

The $5.2 million project, jointly funded by the Federal and NSW Governments, will extend the Port Macquarie Indoor Sports Stadium with four extra sports courts and a range of space required for the PCYC such as meeting areas, break out rooms and offices.

NSW PCYC Chief Executive Chris Gardiner said the PCYC plan made sense based on three criteria reducing youth crime, the proposal's viability and the number of young people in the area.

Image: Artist's impression of the entrance to the new Port Macquarie Indoor Sports Stadium.

17th February 2012 - PCYC NSW CELEBRATES 75 YEARS

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