The excitement on his face says it all.

As Grafton PCYC manager Tyson Donohoe overlooks the final stages of construction, he knows it won’t be long until the Clarence Valley community can begin using the new facility.

Beginning as a consultation between PCYC NSW and Clarence Valley Council more than two years ago, the resulting $6.5 million refurbishment of the Grafton Sports Centre has delivered a state-of-the-art facility and a massive coup for locals, including Mr Donohoe.

“Words can’t really express how happy I am that PCYC is here in Grafton,” Mr Donohoe said.

“I think the facility has the ability to change lives and that is such a positive concept for our whole community.”

PCYC (Police Citizens Youth Clubs) is a not-for-profit organisation which empowers youths to reach their full potential through community activities, support and development programs in partnership with NSW Police Youth and Crime Prevention Command.

With a background working in juvenile justice with young offenders, Mr Donohoe is incredibly passionate to be involved with Grafton PCYC and is eager to officially open the doors.

“It’s given me an opportunity to make a difference, to make positive changes in my hometown,” he said.

“PCYC is a youth organisation and it’s something I feel we really needed to establish in the Clarence Valley because an issue Grafton predominately has is a lack of things for kids to do, especially in the afternoons after school.

“Boredom is one of the biggest risk factors for youths and it increases the odds of them getting into trouble.

“In my previous employment, I saw a lot of kids come into custody who were either unaware of the consequences of their actions or what they’d done and my aim at Grafton PCYC is to stop boredom from happening and help get kids back on track and in a positive mindset”

One of the main programs offered through PCYC facilities is RISEUP. An early intervention police program, it helps disengaged youths reestablish connections in their local community under the guidance and mentoring of local police officers.

Another important police program which operates through Grafton PCYC is Fit 4 Life, run by several general duty officers who volunteer their time to work with Clarence Valley youths.

Mr Donohoe said these programs are a massively important part of Grafton PCYC as they encourage and build positive relationships between youths and police.

“We have five or six local general duty officers who get involved with the kids and it’s really great because the interaction breaks down those systemic barriers,” he said.

“Over 90% of kids are in fact scared of police and they won’t approach them.

“The interactions through Fit 4 Life show and teach them police are real people too and a lot of new friendships have been developed.”

Mr Donohoe said the programs are “heavily supported” by Coffs Clarence Police Chief Inspector Joanne Reid, adding he is extremely thankful for her ongoing dedication.

While many of the RISEUP and Fit 4 Life programs are held on the adjacent Grafton PCYC training field, the upgraded building will be used to incorporate many new and exciting activities. Some of the interior features include conference and meeting rooms, a kitchenette, study area, new gymnasium, boxing facilities and an upgraded indoor basketball court.

Local youths will be able to participate in sporting events and after school study sessions in a safe environment which Mr Donohoe says will reassure local parents and guardians.

“It’s massively important that kids have somewhere safe to come to,” he said.

Mr Donohoe said the redevelopment had to be viable and sustainable in the local environment. He was also adamant the construction of Grafton PCYC, which is one of the biggest in NSW,  involved as many local businesses as possible.

“Over 80% of trades used on site are local, so that’s an enormous percentage of a $6.5 million renovation that has been spent here in the Clarence Valley,” he said.

“We literally started from the ground up with local plumbers and concreters and we also have local glaziers and roofers working on site too.

“It’s very inclusive, locals supporting locals and that is what we’re all about.”

While the impressive new Grafton PCYC is fast approaching it’s official opening, Mr Donohoe remained coy on an exact date, admitting everything has to be perfectly in place before a final decision is announced.

To stay up to date with the latest developments and events, which include a popular beginners gymnastics program that is quickly running out of vacancies, please visit the Grafton PCYC Facebook page.

Late news: The PCYC head office have announced that after 10 months of building work, the multi-million dollar PCYC Grafton refurbishment will be open for business on 24 August 2020.