Alternative Media Group

PCYC Open Day gathers unsung social saviours

Author:

Michael Gormly

Posted:

Thursday, 21 May 2009

To the uninitiated, Open Day at Woolloomooloo’s newly renovated Police and Citizens Youth Club (PCYC) revealed an alliance of committed people and official programs co-operating to provide opportunities and positive role models for inner-city youth.

Livewire Mark Spinks kept the official opening moving along, his infectious enthusiasm and way with words transcending the formalism of his Centrelink role as Indigenous Community Development Officer, Area Sydney East.

Mr Spinks is also chairman of Babana (meaning ‘brother’), an Aboriginal Men’s group based in Redfern which also welcomes non-indigenous members.

“Young people deserve to have a good time,” said Mr Spinks explaining the purpose of the group. “They deserve to be rewarded for taking control of their lives in a constructive way.”

He started Babana after he found himself in his Centrelink role repeatedly interviewing the same parolees. The group started with eight members.

But it’s growing. A Men’s Health Day on Rodd Island in Iron Cove attracted 112 participants, 20 of whom didn’t even have a Medicare cards. A two-day domestic Violence Forum drew 50, and many more are expected to attend a Reconciliation Week event on the island later this month.

Transport to the island is provided partly by The Tribal Warrior, a 110-year-old wooden ketch that funds its operations by running Aboriginal Cultural History cruises on Sydney Harbour. Young inner city residents are trained to crew the boat, some achieving maritime certificates and an opening to an interesting new career.

Deputy Lord Mayor Marcelle Hoff opened proceedings at the PCYC.

“I am pleased to see new young leaders emerging and I am proud to be their friends,” she said.

While her speech was suitably official, off-stage it was obvious Ms Hoff personally knew many of those present and had a close working knowledge of the groups represented.

After an indigenous dance sequence from Terry Olsen, new PCYC Manager Paul Collins spoke of his intention to bring top level sports people into the Centre. He is already involved with Manly Rugby Union and the National Karate Team, and the upgraded centre with new showers and change rooms for men and women made it a suitable training venue where locals would get the chance to meet and learn from professionals.

Rabbitoh’s Wingers Nathan Merrit and Fetuli Talanoa were there, along with local Police and Redfern Commander Luke Freudenstein. Merritt was tipped by Paul Collins as a State of origin contender and he went on to kick the winning field goal against the Tigers on Sunday.

Outside, the crowd enjoyed a free lunch while being entertained by Koori Radio’s Marlene Cummins who broadcast her show Our Yura from the “Live and Deadly” outside broadcast van.

Mark Spinks, centre, with Rabbitohs Nathan Merrit (left) and Fetuli Talanoa on the wings

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