Mayor Angela Toppin welcomes the funding announcement of $260,000 for the PCYC’s Pulse Café.
“I have advocated fiercely alongside Member for Cook, Cynthia Lui to the State and Federal Government for additional resources for the Mareeba PCYC. I would like to thank Minister for Children and Youth Justice and Minister for Multicultural Affairs, The Honourable Leanne Linard, for the extraordinary investment in the youth of Mareeba,” Mayor Toppin said.
“Youth support services will receive a $260,000 boost to extend the PCYC’s Pulse Café to operate seven days a week until 9pm with extended hours on weekends and school holidays,” Mayor Toppin explained.
“PCYC staff will deliver games, life skills activities, sports, arts and crafts, cooking and excursions, as well as bus transportation for young people to take them home each night after the café closes.”
Minister for Children and Youth Justice, Leanne Linard announced the additional funding during last week’s visit to Far North Queensland in response to community concerns.
“We have heard the voices of community representatives in Mareeba who have raised concerns about the incidence of youth crime,” Ms Linard said.
“Based on their feedback, and the strong advocacy for the Pulse Café by the Member for Cook Cynthia Lui and Mareeba Mayor Angela Toppin, we will continue to support this great facility for the work it does in enhancing community safety.
“The café was established as a local initiative to engage vulnerable young people, and it’s a solution that we want to support and build upon.”
Member for Cook, Cynthia Lui said the extra funding would enable the PCYC to employ a full-time youth worker at the Pulse Café and would be in addition to one-off operational funds to buy equipment and provide more activities.
“The PCYC has been operating in Mareeba and the surrounding communities for more than 10 years. During this time, it has supported countless young people and their families to make better choices.” Ms Cynthia Lui concluded.
Mayor Toppin said, “Outreach activities will also be offered at local parks, as well as support for young people after school. In addition, service providers will be given the chance to share information about social services available in the area.”
“I know these valued programs will benefit our at-risk youth in Mareeba. Addressing youth crime is a complex issue and ultimately this will benefit residents by improving community safety.” Mayor Toppin concluded.