Campbelltown is among eight Police Citizens Youth Clubs (PCYC) which have resumed operations following the easing of Covid-19 restrictions.
Operation Restart saw Campbelltown PCYC, which is located in Minto Road, Minto open with limited services last week.
PCYC operates a total of 64 clubs across the state, with more than 110,000 members and 70,000 youth members, allowing police to engage with community members through sporting, recreational, cultural and educational activities.
PCYC NSW chief executive officer Dominic Teakle, pictured below, said hygiene and social distancing processes have been implemented to allow young people back to eight PCYC clubs initially.
“The safety and wellbeing of members and staff is our primary concern, but I am confident that our clubs are well prepared and able to adhere to current hygiene, social distancing and mass gathering requirements,” he said.
While limited services have recommenced, all PCYC facilities remain closed to the public and entry is restricted to staff and program participants.
NSW police and emergency services minister David Elliott welcomed their return, praising the role PCYC clubs play in supporting vulnerable and at-risk youth.
“Many in our community have been doing it tough under the restrictions so I’m overjoyed that this important support is once again available,” he said.
All PCYC activities were suspended on March 23 following the shutdown of all non-essential services.
“While it was necessary for PCYC clubs to close during this unprecedented pandemic threat, it’s timely for their good work to resume in a safe and carefully managed way,’’ Mr Elliott said.
NSW Police capability, performance and youth commander, assistant commissioner Paul Pisanos, said police officers have been reaching out to young people while the restrictions have been in place, providing welfare packages containing food items and hygiene products.
“The welfare packages helped us to stay connected with these kids. It was one way we were able to let them know that police are always here to help, no matter what,” he said.
