Recognition for Umina PCYC

Umina Beach Police and Community Youth Club (PCYC) have been recognised by the State PCYC organisation for its commitment to young people on the Peninsula.

Umina Beach PCYC received the Club Achievement Award on Saturday, May 5, at the PCYC annual state conference in Mittagong.

Umina Beach PCYC was among 59 other clubs in NSW to be considered for the award.

The Club Achievement Award acknowledged significant improvement or innovation by a club, in particular improvements in financial performance, membership or volunteers, and innovation in community linkage and activities.

Umina Beach PCYC manager Mr Tim Keogh said he was "really happy" with the success of the club.

"It is great to see everyone's hard work and dedication to the club acknowledged," Mr Keogh said.

"We have made such significant progress over the years, especially with membership and overall profile and efficiency."

Mr Keogh said he has been involved with Umina Beach PCYC since October 2004 and has been working with youth and youth-related projects for the past 23 years.

As well as achieving significant financial improvement over the last two years, Umina Beach PCYC membership grew from 446 at the end of 2004 to over 1300 at the end of 2006.

Mr Keogh said the club coordinated a traffic education program aimed to stop offenders of drink driving and speeding from re-offending, and runs what he considers to be "best practice" dance parties for youth on the Peninsula.

The Umina Beach PCYC have organised more than 30 dance events on the Peninsula since 2005 "without any serious problems, injuries or incidents".

Mr Keogh said the award "was a testament to a hard-working team of people".

"We currently have approximately 30 registered volunteers who assist the club in a variety of ways," Mr Keogh said.

"Our volunteers come from a variety of different backgrounds and play an essential role in club operations and fulfill a vital role in forming and maintaining links with the local community.

"It's a great result from what can be achieved when the police, community and youth cooperate for a common goal," Mr Keogh said.

Clare Graham, 10 May 2007