THE WA Police and Community Youth Centres (PCYC) kicked off its ‘Full Throttle’ bike rebuilding diversionary program in Merriwa last month.
The program engaged almost 15 young people through the restoration of damaged, dumped and donated bikes on July 27 at Alta 1 located at The Salvation Army premises.
PCYC coordinator Chrissy Howard said the program was delivered by a qualified youth worker, and young people learnt about bike maintenance and repairs by working on bikes donated by WA Police that would eventually be donated to the community or families in need.
Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE
Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.
READ NOW“These young people are referred into the program by Alta 1 and are largely disengaged presenting with a multitude of issues,” she said.
“The key objectives of this program is to develop positive social behaviours, interactions and attitudes in local youth, by teaching them value and importance of volunteering and giving back to the community.
“The program also provides an environment where youth at risk can foster a positive relationship and improve interactions between WA Police youth crime intervention officers and qualified youth workers.”
WA PCYC outreach sessions in Butler also started on July 26 at the Kingsbridge Reserve.
Sessions will run from 3-5pm on Wednesdays until the end of August, providing an environment where youth can enjoy recreational activities and socialise with police officers rather than engage in anti-social behaviour around local shops.
The delivery of the programs and outreach activities is part of a WA PCYC project to increase the organisation’s presence in the North West Metropolitan Area.
For more information, call 9277 4388.
MORE: Woman dies after Southern River dog attack
MORE: Alleged samurai sword attacker has charge upgraded
MORE: Cockburn garbage truck drivers give Spearwood boy precious gift