During the ACT Lockdown, four Rotary Clubs joined forces to fund the purchase of a new catering van for the Canberra PCYC.

The Canberra PCYC project aims to increase the capacity of their mobile training cafe and catering course in which they give young people skills to complete a Certificate in Hospitality.

A collaboration between the Rotary Clubs of Aurora Gungahlin, Ginninderra, Belconnen and Hall, has resulted in funding of over $45,000 to supply and fit out a new catering van.

PCYC food van
Pictured is the existing PCYC catering van. The new Rotary van will be constructed with the same fit out so that operating in either van will make for a seemless transition.

Canberra Police Community Youth Club (PCYC) does a fabulous job of helping to reduce youth crime and stop young people from entering the justice system and this program enables on-the-job experience for disadvantaged adults to gain qualifications leading to sustainable permanent employment as ‘pre-trained’ staff.

PCYC students

This additional van will enable this successful social enterprise catering service to travel throughout the ACT region, generating revenue that will enable the project to become self-sustainable; all while giving the homeless a free meal.

PCYC is also partnering with Big Brother Big Sister. ‘Bigs’ are volunteer mentors, ages 18+ (16–17-year-olds accepted with parent permission in the School-Based program).

The PCYC project will register young people in Certificate 4 Hospitality through the Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT) or another Registered Training Organisation (RTO). The RTO will then provide educational plans and any necessary supervision, in partnership with PCYC.

This PCYC project is an innovative approach to supporting disengaged young people by providing an educational program and vital case management support to ensure each candidate’s success.