The New South Wales Government has announced a new partnership with the National Rugby League (NRL) and the Police Citizens Youth Club (PCYC) aimed at engaging young people across regional NSW and steering them away from crime.
The initiative, which involves an investment of over $270,000, will see NRL great Brad Fittler, alongside PCYC staff and NSW Police representatives, working with youth through school-based competitions, PCYC centre events and Fit for Life sessions.
Premier Chris Minns said the program is a key part of the government’s broader strategy to enhance community safety and provide young people with positive pathways.
“This is a great initiative and one the NSW Government is really proud to support,” said Minns. “We want our regional communities to be safe, which is why we are working around the clock to take every action we can from legislative reform to supporting grassroots interventions.”
The initiative follows similar programs launched in Moree last year, where NRL stars Latrell Mitchell and Cody Walker, as well as local legend NRLW star Rhiannon Byers and team mate Quincy Dodd, engaged with at-risk youth. That program included mentorship, training opportunities and community events designed to inspire young people and provide them with alternative pathways away from crime.
The new partnership will expand on these efforts by rolling out activities in regional centres including Dubbo, Cessnock, Queanbeyan, the Central Coast, Wagga Wagga, Albury, Coffs Harbour and Tamworth.
Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley highlighted the importance of early intervention and engagement.
“The NSW Police and Government are doing everything we can to keep our regional communities safe – we don’t want to see anyone living in fear,” said Catley. “Our police are working around the clock to not only investigate crimes but to engage with young people and show them positive alternatives to crime.”
This initiative builds on the government’s broader crime prevention efforts, which include tougher bail conditions for repeat young offenders, a new offence targeting those who film and share criminal acts, and increased police recruitment.
Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said the program is an important step in addressing youth crime by providing meaningful engagement opportunities.
“The NSW Government is putting resources into initiatives like this that are ready to go, and use methods which regional youth will relate to and engage with,” said Moriarty. “This partnership means more kids in regional NSW will have the opportunity to come together, learn, stay fit and grow through a shared love for rugby league.”
NRL CEO Andrew Abdo said the league was committed to supporting youth in regional areas and recognised the power of sport as a tool for positive change.
“Rugby league changes lives and this new partnership will harness the power of government, community and sport to positively impact young people across NSW,” said Abdo. “Supporting youth in regional areas is important to us and this funding will help us reach even further into communities to provide opportunities and a support network to young people who need a helping hand.”
PCYC NSW CEO Ben Hobby said the program would be a game-changer for many young people in regional areas.
“The PCYC has a strong and enduring tradition of working with youth in regional areas across NSW, and we know how impactful the role models in the NRL can be to these communities,” said Hobby. “Young people look up to these incredible athletes and sports stars.”
Hobby emphasised the importance of having both current and former NRL and Women’s NRL players directly engaging with youth, saying their involvement could be “life-changing” for young people and their communities.
The partnership builds on the success of Project Pathfinder, launched last year, which brought together the NSW Police Force, the NRL, and Youth Justice NSW to provide mentorship and support for at-risk teenagers in regional areas.
With regional youth crime a key concern for many communities, the NSW Government is hoping these initiatives will create long-term change by providing young people with access to positive role models, structured activities, and support networks.
Top image: police, politicians and NRL stars join forces at a Moree event last year. (NRL)
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