August 1, 2012
The South Burnett Police-Citizen Youth Club’s Friday Night Live project looks set to continue into the future following the success of the initial six-month trial.
On Friday nights, the PCYC located in Murgon hosts an evening of free activities, games and entertainment in a safe environment.
Officer-in-Charge of South Burnett PCYC, Sgt Michael Eadie, said the project started because there was a lack of entertainment for teens in the area.
The initial project was to trial six months of events where youths could attend the PCYC for Friday night entertainment between 6:00pm and 9:00pm.
Buses collected primary and high school-aged children from designated pick-up points around Goomeri and Wondai. Other youths from Murgon and Cherbourg also make their own way to the PCYC.
At the PCYC, staff and volunteers oversaw activities, computer games and sports such as volleyball, table tennis, basketball and dodge ball.
“Friday Night Live fills a bit of a gap in our community, with the lack of interesting activities or venues for children in the South Burnett. The bus service is fantastic to provide access for kids who would not be able to get here otherwise,” Sgt Eadie said.
Funding from the Building Rural Communities grant allowed all activities, dinner and transport to be free.
The first Friday Night Live function was held in March with a good turnout of about 40 youths.
It then began to grow until there was an average of 140 children at each event.
The last night of the initial project was held on June 29 with more than 160 children in attendance.
“I’m not sure if the school holidays contributed or word has spread to improve its popularity, but we had record numbers here that week. It shows this is worthwhile and we will try to maintain the Friday Night Live evenings,” Sgt Eadie said.
South Burnett PCYC now plans to host one Friday Night Live each month.
“The activities are very popular but many kids are happy to have a safe, entertaining atmosphere just to hang out in. It’s a positive distraction for some youths. While they are here, we know they are not causing mischief or being tempted towards anti-social behaviors elsewhere,” Sgt Eadie said.
“Most importantly the kids seem to enjoy it and that makes it worthwhile.”
The next Friday Night Live will be held in August.
For more information, contact South Burnett PCYC on (07) 4168-1889 or visit the PCYC website
