Young people in Dubbo are already benefiting from a major $10.4 million upgrade of PCYC Dubbo Sports World, with three new basketball courts now complete and 1,500 young people taking part in regional youth programs so far this year.
The Minns Labor Government is investing $10.4 million to upgrade the Dubbo facility, supporting better sporting infrastructure, more youth-focused spaces and stronger opportunities for young people in Western NSW.
The Sports World works include upgrades to existing sports halls so they can support multi-sport competitions, new equipment including mechanical backboard systems, scoreboards and audio-visual fit outs, a new front-of-house area with reception, café, staff offices, storage and amenities, as well as a youth hub, fitness gym, program rooms and learning spaces.
So far:
- Three new basketball courts have been completed;
- The roof of the main hall has been resealed; and
- Work is underway on refurbishing part of an old indoor court into a dedicated gymnastics space
The front-of-house refurbishment is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2027.
The Dubbo investment builds on the Minns Government’s $10 million partnership with PCYC, supporting 278 youth programs across regional NSW over four years.
Programs include Nations of Origin, which combines sport and First Nations culture to build connection and pride; Stepping Up, which helps school leavers transition into careers through mentoring, training and employer connections; and Fit for Work, which gives disengaged students practical skills, qualifications and confidence to move into employment or further education.
During Terms 1 and 2 of 2026, PCYC youth programs funded through the partnership have engaged 1,500 participants, including 1,034 Indigenous young people.
Programs have been delivered across regional locations including Armidale, Walgett, Broken Hill, Griffith, Kempsey, Wagga Wagga, Queanbeyan, Parkes, Orange, Lithgow and Bathurst.
Employment-focused programs have also supported early pathways into work and study, generating nine job outcomes and eight secondary education outcomes so far.
Funding for the PCYC is part of over $220 million being delivered from the Minns Government’s $400 million Regional Development Trust Fund that provides strategic and sustainable investment to grow regional and rural industries, businesses and communities.
For more information, go to: www.nsw.gov.au/regionaldevelopmenttrust
Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said:
“This project is about giving young people in Dubbo and across Western NSW better facilities, more support and more opportunities to build their futures close to home.
“It’s fantastic to see real progress at PCYC Dubbo Sports World, with three new basketball courts already delivered and work underway to create modern spaces for sport, fitness, learning and youth programs.
“We’re backing the facilities and programs that help young people build confidence, stay connected to their communities and take the next step into education, training or work.
“We’re already seeing the impact of our partnership with PCYC, with 1,500 young people taking part in programs across regional NSW this year, including strong participation from Indigenous young people.”
PCYC NSW CEO Michael Silman said:
“It’s exciting to see the transformation of PCYC Dubbo Sports World taking shape, this investment from the NSW Government will help us improve our facilities, reach more young people across Western NSW and create stronger, safer communities.
“The $10 million regional youth program partnership with the NSW Government has enabled us to deliver more programs, more impact, more regularly, in the communities that need them most.
“Through our suite of employability programs, as well as U-Nites, Nations of Origin and GRIT, participants are building positive connections with their communities, engaging in education and achieving employment outcomes that can change the trajectory of their lives.
“We thank the NSW Government for its continued commitment to regional communities and for recognising the vital role PCYC plays in supporting young people to realise their capability and build brighter futures.”
PCYC Wagga Wagga Stepping Up program participant, Allira McCracken said:
“I was struggling with my self-confidence, worried about my future. I wasn’t enjoying school and didn’t know where to start with looking for a job, or if I’d even be able to get one. I was spending days in bed, then I found PCYC.
“The PCYC Stepping Up program has made me feel like I have a chance in the world, I learnt how to develop resumes and cover letters, how to apply for jobs, and how to present myself professionally. Because of this and the qualifications I gained during the program, I secured work experience in community services which has put me on a positive path.”
“I most enjoyed the one on one mentoring in the program, the support from PCYC staff meant a lot to me personally. I’m now more independent and I believe in myself, I’m productive in life, and doing things that I never thought I could do.”
