Assistant Commissioner Cassar has been making the rounds around the state, visiting PCYCs to discuss the not-for-profit organisation’s  at-risk youth programs.

“There are more than 60 PCYCs across the state. Since my appointment as Assistant Commissioner last year, I have managed to visit about half of those sites.”

No doubt, it’s a lot of kilometres that has seen the commissioner pass through places such as Mudgee and Dubbo. But Assistant Commissioner Cassar says it’s worth the mileage.

“No area is the same. Each PCYC is dealing with issues local to the community. There is no one program fits all PCYCs. You have to look at the demographics of the area, and determine which program is best.”

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Assistant Commissioner Cassar cited more than 120 programs were available in the program pool, allowing staff to choose which ones best suited the area. For Moree, the focus is about helping at-risk youths and cutting down on re-offences.

“We look at the hotspots, when people are most likely to commit a crime. For instance, Thursday nights through to the weekend, are when more at-risk youths are guaranteed to be out in town. The PCYC will run programs at these times, as a way to keep them off the streets.”

According to Assistant Commissioner Cassar, the PCYC is a safe space, where staff can provide vital mentroship on health, nutrition and training.

“Some of these children come from families without role models. And that has been the case for many generations.”

But Assistant Commissioner Cassar has bigger visions for PCYC, saying it’s not just about helping at-risk youths.

“We’re moving away from the traditional approach that worked on one focus group. Now, we’re looking at the broader community, looking at ways to keep them safe.”

To achieve this, he said it was important that involvement came from all corners of the town.

“We are always looking to pull in more government agencies and local businesses and organisations to help our cause,” said Assistant Commissioner Cassar.

PCYC CEO Dominic Teakle picked up the thread.

“Council has recently provided a $2,000 grant to Moree PCYC. That money will be used to identify key issues and what programs fit best.”

He said the visit from the Assistant Commissioner Cassar was an important show of solidarity.

“Local officers are also a big support of PCYCs, engaging with at-risk youths.”

Youth and Crime Prevention Commander and Superintendent Dave Roptell praised the PCYCs.

“Across NSW, they are a great facility that maintains professional relationships with not just staff and the community, but also the police. They are doing a fantastic job, ensuring the best service delivery, engaging youth, and ultimately working to stop re-offenders and crime.”

Moree councillor George Chiu thanked Assistant Commissioner Cassar for the visit.

“It means a lot for a small town to see so a large support network.”