We turn young lives around before the justice system has to.
Canberra PCYC runs the programs that get young people out of trouble, back into education and into work, referred by ACT Policing, schools, families and community services across the ACT. And a community fitness centre in Wanniassa that helps pay for it.
Figures from the Canberra PCYC Annual Report 2024–25.
All figures from the Canberra PCYC Annual Report 2024–25.
In one paragraph
Canberra PCYC works with young people in the ACT aged 8 to 25 who are in contact with police or at risk of it, in conflict at home, or without a path into education or work. Referrals come from ACT Policing, schools, government agencies, community organisations and families. Our programs range from a free weekly drop-in to full-time diversion with intensive case coordination, and in 2024–25, 84% of the young people who completed Project 180 were diverted from further contact with the justice system. We also run the Erindale Centre in Wanniassa, a community fitness centre whose memberships help fund this work.
Start with your situation
Three reasons people come to us. Pick yours.
A young person you're worried about
Police officer, teacher, caseworker or parent: if a young person aged 8 to 25 is heading the wrong way, we have a program for where they are right now. The referral takes minutes and the matching is our job.
See the programs →
A class for your family
Boxing, martial arts, wrestling, dance, tots tumbling and rock climbing at the Erindale Centre in Wanniassa — low-cost membership, and every membership helps fund our youth programs.
Classes and membership →
Time or money to give
A registered charity and Company Limited by Guarantee with an independent board, publicly reported program outcomes, and partners who can see exactly what their support achieves.
Donate or partner →
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.
We are guided by an independent board, our members, and three values shared by everyone who walks through our doors: Engage. Belong. Respect.