Locals are rallying around the Parramatta PCYC after it was announced the facility is set to close.
The community were left shocked after it was recently revealed the Parramatta PCYC, which has operated in Parramatta for over 60 years, will be shutting the doors of its George Street address.
Radio 2GB reported the closure was due to a “difficult financial situation”, confirming it will close down in April.
Since then, over 400 concerned residents have already signed a petition calling for the facility to remain open in Parramatta.
“Parramatta PCYC has been an integral part of our community for years, fostering positive relationships between police and youth while promoting health and wellbeing,” the petition said.
“It’s more than just a club; it’s a place where friendships are formed, skills are honed, and lives are positively impacted.
“We urge the relevant authorities to reconsider this decision. Let us keep Parramatta PCYC open for the benefit of all current members as well as future generations who will undoubtedly reap its rewards too.”
City of Parramatta Councillors have also voiced their frustration at news of the closure.
“To only be given six weeks to vacate a premises, I say shame on you PCYC head office,” Our Local Community Councillor Michelle Garrard said.
“The PCYC has served in Parramatta since 1962 and was initially at Macquarie Street before shifting to Hassall Street, its home for decades, before it was sold for $31 million to make way for a multi-storey tower, [which] meant that headquarters had to relocate to George Street in 2016.”
Garrard added that with the current youth crisis, it’s important that the only primary stakeholder in Parramatta that supports youth remains open.
“Not in every child’s instance, but a lot of kids that go through there have had problems at home and haven’t had stability. What they get in relation to leadership, mentoring and the programs that the PCYC offer do more than a program,” she said.
“These kids without the PCYC could be going into juvenile detention. PCYC give them a way out and offer programs to try to get them back on track.
“This is going to be a great loss to Parramatta.”
Labor Councillor Sameer Pandey said Parramatta PCYC is “such an important service.”
“I do want to thank the volunteers and the board at PCYC Parramatta for the work that they have been doing, 5,000 registrations and subscriptions that they have, 5,000 youths have been registered with the PCYC Parramatta,” he said.
“They have been around for 62 years and for the PCYC head office to give them six weeks notice to shut down this operation is appalling.”
Independent Councillor Kellie Darley shared that the closure presents an opportunity for the PCYC and Parramatta Leagues Club to work together to find a new home for the gym.
“With the upcoming closure of PCYC and plans for the re-development of the Parramatta Leagues Club being dusted off, there’s a great opportunity for these two organisations, who play an important role in our community, to work together,” she told Parra News.
“Sadly PCYC has been played by the previous State Government and the current NSW Government appears to have dropped the ball with finding a solution.
“I’m therefore going to reach out to PCYC and the Parramatta Leagues Club to join me at a round table discussion to explore making a home for PCYC where it rightfully belongs in the sports precinct, between CommBank Stadium and the Leagues Club.”
The PCYC did not respond to a request for comment.
The petition can be found at http://www.change.org/p/halt-the-imminent-shutdown-of-parramatta-pcyc.
Ellie Busby is a news reporter for Western Sydney Publishing Group. A graduate of the University of Hertfordshire and Western Sydney University, she is a journalism Major. Ellie has worked with Universal Media, The Cova Project and for a range of other organisations. In 2024, Ellie was named Young Writer of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.