New kitchen transforms Broken Hill PCYC

A NSW Government investment of more than $65,000 in a new kitchen has allowed Broken Hill Police Citizens Youth Club (PCYC) to run programs that feed children and teach them life skills.

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said the old, dilapidated kitchen was replaced with new flooring, stainless steel benches, cabinets, a fridge, microwave, dishwasher and six-pan bain marie.

“This $65,080 investment means the PCYC can run its Fit for Life program that helps young people aged eight to 18 stay out of trouble while giving them better nutrition and improving their physical, social and emotional wellbeing,” Mr Kamper said.

“It’s an incredible program that includes a hot breakfast of porridge, toast or bacon and eggs for up to 50 kids, which the PCYC couldn’t do without the new kitchen.”

Senior Contracts Manager at PCYC NSW Rebecca Loughton said the facility was a game-changer that allowed the PCYC to run programs that improve people’s lives.

“The new kitchen in Broken Hill has been used on a daily basis since it was installed in mid-January, including for our Fit For Work program that serves meals through the day and teaches everything from interview skills to cooking, budgeting and how to store food.”

Mr Kamper said the upgrade to the Broken Hill PCYC was funded through the Crown Reserves Improvement Fund (CRIF) which is managed by the Department of Planning and Environment – Crown Lands.

“The Crown Reserves Improvement Fund supports Crown land managers by providing funding for repairs, maintenance and improvements on Crown reserves to contribute to the cultural, sporting and recreational life of communities,” Mr Kamper said.

“Crown land is held in trust for the community and supports everything from PCYCs and community halls to showgrounds, racecourses, ovals, parks and walking tracks.”