ACCORDING to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, Moree has one of the highest rates of youth crime in New South Wales – and Moree’s PCYC is encouraging young people to get off the streets and engage in meaningful activities and mentorship in a safe space through the U-Nites program.

There have been 2120 attendances at Moree PCYC U-Nites between January and May this year, with 97 per cent of participants identifying as First Nations, aged between eight and 16.

The demand has recently seen U-Nites at Moree expanded to three nights – Thursday to Saturday, between 6pm and 10pm.

Young people can participate in a variety of sporting, cultural, and educational activities after-hours, with supervision from PCYC staff and NSW Police.

One young participant said: “I never thought I’d hang out with cops, but I actually look forward to it. It’s cool that they are not here to catch the bad guys but help me to figure out what I want to do with my life.”

The PCYC Moree Club also has a new Digital Centre fitted out with a range of consoles and technology, allowing those who may not be interested in sports to engage in gaming instead.

Club manager, Tayla Macey said the program can be life-changing.

“When young people experience the care, trust and mentorship of those who serve and work within the community, it can completely change the trajectory of their lives,” she said.

“A simple meal shared with a NSW Police officer can turn into a conversation that changes perceptions, builds trust and inspires futures.”

PCYC NSW CEO Ben Hobby echoed Tayla’s words.

“We can now engage with and encourage the youth of Moree in a safe space and on a more consistent basis,” he said.

“It’s initiatives like these that are life-changing, not only to the rising generation, but also to the communities that surround them.

“Our ultimate objective remains to lift PCYC’s sustainability,” he said.

“This will enable us to continue effectively serving communities as they evolve, and to elevate social harmony.

“We will explore opportunities for facilities acquisition, co-location and regeneration. Refining our youth programs will also continue to receive our attention, with a focus on pathways for employability, wellbeing and leadership and culture and community.

“We will strengthen how we report youth program impact and magnify young people’s voices to be heard,” he said.

The program is also offered at several other PCYC NSW Clubs including Gunnedah, and features in the youth charity’s latest Impact Report, with 6218 participants and 24,875 attendances in 2024.

PCYC chair, Nicole Sorbara, said more than 88,000 young people across New South Wales last year participated in PCYC programs designed to promote physical activity, character building, life skills and learning.

“These programs, tailored to specific goals, positively impact youth through sports, recreation, education, leadership, and cultural activities,” she said.

“U-Nites and Fit for Life provided safe spaces and role models for youth at risk. Additionally, almost 300 young people participated in employability programs, Fit for Work, Stepping Up and Job Ready with over 80 participants securing employment, university or apprenticeship placements.”