About Us
Who Are We?
Canberra PCYC are a non-profit organisation supporting our community since 1957. Our Erindale fitness centre offers a suite of exciting and fun programs beginning with our Tots Tumbling, Boxing, Wrestling, Parkour, Rockwall, Dance, Gym Fitness and a range of Martial Arts programs and much more!
We are committed to ensuring that young people and their families build positive futures. Our evidence-based programs utilise hands-on, high adrenaline activities, education and vocational skills, and social skills training to divert young people from the justice system.
Our programs are co-designed with young people and their families to ensure that targeted outcomes meet the needs of individuals.
OUR MISSION: Building Positive Futures
Canberra PCYC is committed to seeing lives changed. Whatever journey people may have been on, it is our mission to empower people to create pathways to a better future for themselves.
OUR VALUES: Engage, Belong, Respect
Our values encompass what we believe to be critical in bringing about lasting change for individuals and for community edification. We engage people in a range of services in an inclusive manner, led by our vibrant and passionate staff. We teach self-respect and respect for others, which are the cornerstones for achieving fulfillment.
We create a place of belonging and safety for people, not just at PCYC, but as we link people into broader community support networks, which provides a platform for people to build meaningful and supportive relationships.
Our Story
Founded in 1957, the Canberra Police Community Youth Club Inc. (Canberra PCYC) was established by ACT Police Sergeant Harry Luton, and a committee of dedicated police officers and citizens who wanted to make a positive difference in the lives of young people in the ACT.
Following incorporation, the Canberra PCYC provided a platform for ACT Police and the Australian Federal Police to engage with young people and the community. While community engagement originally focused on sports activities and social events, our services have now evolved into an holistic approach to social edification.
Today, the Canberra PCYC provides leading and innovative services for young people and their families across the ACT.
The Canberra PCYC have an enthusiastic case management team who are dedicated to client driven outcomes. Our case management framework encompasses a flexible, creative, strengths-based approach to supporting individuals and families in need.
The Canberra PCYC run recreational-based early intervention, crime prevention and reduction, and youth crime diversion programs for vulnerable young people. These are targeted programs for young people who are exhibiting anti-social behaviour, disengagement from school, or are engaging in low-grade petty crime.
Personal development outcomes for participants include improved resilience, leadership skills, teamwork skills, a sense of belonging, fostering better social skills, a sense of identity, skills to manage emotions, practical skills, understanding of healthy choice making, goal setting skills, and building positive self image.
Our sport and recreation programs and activities form a part of our community engagement strategy. These programs and activities are a low cost, high quality service run out of our Erindale Centre. Our wide range of sporting and recreational options cater to the diverse local community and provide our members with an inclusive environment, sense of belonging and an increase in health and mental well-being.
Canberra PCYC continues to work closely with police and takes pride in the police history of the organisation.
Our Patron, Her Excellency the Honourable Ms Sam Mostyn AC
Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia the Governor-General, sitting with her hands crossed
Ms Sam Mostyn AC was sworn in as Australia’s 28th Governor-General on 1 July 2024.
A businesswoman and community leader, Ms Mostyn is known for her exceptional service to the Australian community. She has a long history in executive and governance roles across diverse sectors, including business, sport, climate change, the arts, policy and not-for-profit.
In 2024, Ms Mostyn was appointed a Companion of the Order of Australia for eminent service in the social justice, gender equity, sporting, cultural and business sectors, to reconciliation, and to environmental sustainability. She had previously been appointed an Officer of the Order in 2021.
For her continued contribution as an advocate for gender inclusion and equality, sustainability, and climate change action, Ms Mostyn was awarded the 2020 United Nations Day Honour Award and an Honorary Doctorate of Laws from the Australian National University in 2018.
Most recently, Ms Mostyn chaired the boards of Aware Super, Centre for Policy Development, Beyond Blue, Australians Investing in Women, Foundation for Young Australians, Women’s Economic Equality Taskforce, Australian National Research Organisation for Women’s Safety (ANROWS) and The Climate Council.
She has also served on the boards of some of Australia’s leading companies including Mirvac, Citi Australia, Transurban and Virgin Australia.
She dedicated more than a decade to the boards of the GO Foundation and Climateworks Australia, during this time she also served on the boards of Tonic Media and Global Business & Sustainable Development Commission.
Ms Mostyn was a Commissioner with the Australian Football League for over a decade until 2017.
She has also been a strong supporter of women in sport, and was an advocate for the creation of the AFL Women’s league and co-founded the Minerva Network, Australia’s only mentorship and development program dedicated to professional female athletes.
From 2013–2017, she was President of the Australian Council for International Development.
Ms Mostyn became an inaugural commissioner with the National Mental Health Commission in 2012 and Deputy Chair of the Diversity Council of Australia in 2010. She served on the Australian faculty of the Cambridge University Business & Sustainability Leadership Program from 2010–2024.
She has contributed to independent reviews for the betterment of the community as a member of the panel of the Crawford Sports Funding Review (2009), and Review of the Treatment of Women in the Australian Defence Force (2012). She chaired the NSW Government Women’s Economic Opportunities Review (2022), and Women’s Economic Equality Taskforce report (2023).
She also held membership to the boards of Reconciliation Australia and Australia Council for the Arts.
Before taking on non-executive roles, she held senior executive roles at Insurance Australia Group, Optus, and Cable & Wireless plc.
Ms Mostyn is married to Mr Simeon Beckett SC and they have an adult daughter, Lotte Beckett. Ms Mostyn is an avid Sydney Swans fan, and served on the board from 2017–2024
Our Committee
Canberra PCYC is governed by our skilled Committee that operate in accordance with our Constitution. Committee members are responsible for setting the strategic direction for the organisation, ensuring effective and appropriate governance and overseeing ethical and legal compliance. Our Committee contributes to developing the positive, inclusive culture of Canberra PCYC and champion our work in the wider community.
Committee Members
Cheryl O’Donnell - Chief Executive Officer
Ph: 0432 637 179
Mr Peter Macfarlane - Vice President
Ms. Stella Conroy - President
Ms. Helen Badger - Secretary/ Board Member
AFP Representative
Mr. Dean Chapman - Board Member
Ms. Graciete Ferreira - Board Member
Mr Robert Wilson - Board Member