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Opening of the new Canberra PCYC Office and Training Facility, Fairbairn ACT

[E&OE]

I acknowledge the traditional owners of the land on which we meet, the Ngunnawal People, and pay my respects to their elders, past and present, emerging leaders and all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders gathered here today.

Good morning, everyone. Linda and I are delighted to be with you all and to preside over the opening of Canberra PCYC’s new office and training facilities.

There is no stopping the Canberra PCYC! Just five months ago we were at Brindabella Park launching the Cruisin Café, which I’m informed has since expanded and is set to open in St Andrews Village in Hughes in the coming weeks. It’s great to see the Youth Mobile Training Van providing the refreshments today. We’re looking forward to seeing the Van at Government House in the not-too-distant future. A smaller version of the Van, which is also here, is due to hit the streets in the coming weeks.

It’s a thrill for me as Patron to have a window seat to these significant achievements of the Canberra PCYC.

Today, of course, we’re here to open the Club’s new office and training facilities. These rooms will, for various reasons, enable the Canberra PCYC to provide a better level of service to its clients. The premises are bigger, there’s increased desk space for staff and importantly, there are allocated rooms for training and study. Bottom line? This new work environment will be much more accommodating and productive for both staff and clients.

It is very fitting that Canberra PCYC’s new premises are located on this site. For those in the audience who might not be aware of the history of this building – it was once a RAAF Hospital, built during the early years of the Second World War. It is fitting, therefore, that this building now house an organisation that helps support vulnerable young people and their families. An organisation that embodies values such as compassion, kindness and inclusion.

One of the many things I like about the Canberra PCYC is its can-do attitude to helping people. No matter a person or family’s circumstances, the Canberra PCYC team will find a way to help.

Linda and I are delighted to share in this significant occasion with you all today. My thanks to Cheryl [Ms Cheryl O'Donnell, CEO, Canberra PCYC] and her team at Canberra PCYC, as well as the many supporters who have stood by the Club to help improve the life path of many individuals and families in the ACT.

Well done to all involved.

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