Building positive futures for young people, since 1957.
From award-winning early-intervention and diversion programs to boxing, tots tumbling and rock climbing at our Erindale Centre — Canberra PCYC helps young people and their families across the ACT shape a better future.
Figures from the Canberra PCYC Annual Report 2024–25.
All figures from the Canberra PCYC Annual Report 2024–25.
Programs that change the direction of a young life
Evidence-based early intervention and diversion programs, co-designed with young people and their families, delivered in partnership with ACT Policing, schools and community services.
Project 180
Our flagship full-time diversion program for high-needs young people — recreation, education and vocational pathways with intensive case coordination alongside ACT Policing and CYPS.
Make a referral →
Level Up
Therapeutic risk-taking, social-emotional learning and community engagement that build resilience and prosocial connections for at-risk and vulnerable young people.
Make a referral →
Solid Ground
Strengths-based mentoring and casework for young people at risk of, or experiencing, family conflict — fostering safe, supportive environments.
Make a referral →
Project Empower
Individual and family case management under the ACT Child, Youth and Family Support Program — practical goals, real solutions, connected supports.
Make a referral →
Pathways to Empowerment
A 20-week intensive program building employment pathways through vocational education, personal development and real qualifications.
Make a referral →
Firebelly
Our free weekly drop-in session — sport, recreation and connection with youth workers, every Wednesday 4–5pm during school terms at the Erindale Centre.
Refer or just come along →“I don’t know how you do it but you have given me my son back! We are a family again. We thought we had lost him. Thanks for all your team does.” Family of a Project 180 participantMake a referral
Referring a young person is simple — and it works
We accept referrals from ACT Policing, schools, government agencies, community organisations, and families themselves. Every referral is reviewed by our program team and matched to the right support.
Tell us about the young person. The form takes about five minutes. Not sure which program fits? Leave it to us — matching is our job.
A program coordinator gets back to you. They'll contact you to discuss fit, timing and consent.
Intake and engagement. We meet the young person and their family, agree goals together, and keep referrers in the loop throughout.
If a young person is in immediate danger, call 000. Canberra PCYC programs are structured supports, not a crisis service.
Referral enquiry
Prefer to talk it through? Call our Community Services team on (02) 6296 7822.
Canberra’s community fitness centre with a bigger purpose
Low-cost, high-quality sport for every age — and every membership helps fund our youth programs. Find us in the Erindale Shopping Centre, 17 Grattan Court, Wanniassa.
BoxingTots Tumbling
Martial ArtsRock Climbing
Wrestling
Capital Martial Arts
Dance
Gym FitnessMembership
| Membership | Term (10 weeks) | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Family | $35 | $55 |
| Individual | $15 | $35 |
| Casual visit (individual) | $5 per visit | |
Current published rates. Program fees (e.g. Tots Tumbling, Martial Arts) are per class series — see timetable.
Join online in two minutes
No forms to print, no PDFs to email. Pick a membership, pay securely, and you’re in — with your timetable on your phone. (Demonstrated in this concept; delivered on the production site.)
“Really nice place. My son is very happy to have box lessons. Strongly recommended.”
John John · Google review“The staff are fantastic. They go over and above to make you feel supported and part of a community.”
Lisha · Google review“The most awesome programs for young teens. My son attends and he is so happy to have such positive male role models to help him achieve his best.”
j rice · Google reviewBehind the Wheel — free for ACT schools
An intensive road-safety program for young people: first-responder presentations, vehicle checks and maintenance, driver simulators and learner-driver skills. Funded by the ACT Government and Rotary, delivered by skilled youth workers — at no cost to your school.
Run over two full days or ten shorter sessions, shaped around your timetable. Community organisations and individual young people welcome too.
Your support becomes a young person’s future
Canberra PCYC is a registered charity and Company Limited by Guarantee, governed by an independent board. We partner with government, foundations and local business, and we report our program outcomes publicly each year.
Donate or sponsor
From the Youth Mobile Training Kitchen to Behind the Wheel, our programs exist because partners like the Snow Foundation, Boorer Foundation and Hands Across Canberra invest in them. Talk to us about sponsorship that shows measurable community return.
Social enterprises
Our Cruisin’ Café and Southside Mower Shed give young people real work experience and qualifications — and both welcome community customers and corporate support.
Partner logos shown as published on pcyc.net.au — for-discussion concept only.
An original invitation to a Club social evening, Turner ACT, December 1960.
Founded by police and citizens. Trusted for 69 years.
Canberra PCYC was founded in 1957 by police officers and citizens who wanted to make a practical difference in young lives. What began with sport and social evenings in Turner has grown into one of the ACT’s leading independent service platforms for vulnerable young people and their families.
Today we operate from our Erindale Centre in Canberra’s south and our head office and training facility at Fairbairn — a former RAAF hospital opened by our patron, the Governor-General. Our next chapter, the redevelopment of our original Turner site, will expand what we can offer the community for generations.
We are guided by an independent board, our members, and three values shared by everyone who walks through our doors: Engage. Belong. Respect.
Good questions, straight answers
How do I make a referral, and who can refer a young person?
Referrals come from ACT Policing, schools, government agencies, community organisations — and from families directly. Use the referral form above or call (02) 6296 7822, and a program coordinator will be in touch to discuss fit, timing and consent.
What does membership at the Erindale Centre cost?
Family membership is $35 per 10-week term or $55 annually. Individual membership is $15 per term or $35 annually. A casual visit is $5. Program classes such as Tots Tumbling and Martial Arts carry their own fees — see the timetable.
What ages are your programs for?
Community programs span roughly ages 8 to 25 depending on the program — Project 180 supports ages 12.5–16, Level Up ages 8–16, and Pathways to Empowerment ages 10–25. Erindale Centre programs run from 12 months (Tots Tumbling) to adults.
Is the Erindale Centre open to everyone, or just young people?
Everyone. The Erindale Centre is a community fitness centre — families, adults and young people all train here, and every membership helps fund our youth programs.
Is Behind the Wheel really free for schools?
Yes. Behind the Wheel is funded by the ACT Government and Rotary, so there is no cost to ACT schools. Delivery is flexible — two full days or ten shorter sessions.
How can my business or foundation support Canberra PCYC?
Through donations, program sponsorship, or support for our social enterprises. We are a registered charity with independent governance, and we report outcomes against every program — your support is acquitted properly and visibly.
Where are you located and when are you open?
The Erindale Centre is at 17 Grattan Court, Wanniassa ACT 2903, inside the Erindale Shopping Centre — call (02) 6296 1292 for current opening hours and the class timetable. Our head office is at 5 Richmond Avenue, Fairbairn ACT 2609 — call (02) 6296 7822.