PCYC Nations of Origin kicks off

The multi-faceted sport, cultural, education and leadership program has been going for the past six years, giving kids an opportunity to represent 30 indigenous nations in rugby league, football, netball and basketball.

Mr Elliott said he supports the event which is about bringing young indigenous Australians together to celebrate culture and develop leadership skills.

“Over the next four days, we will see indigenous and non-indigenous young people come together to challenge themselves and realise their leadership potential,” he said.

“PCYC do a fantastic service for the local community. Since 2011, a record investment of close to $80 million in NSW Government funding has been committed towards PCYC club infrastructure, programs and staff across the state.”

Mr Martin said he was thrilled to see the proceeds of the Government’s strong economic management flow back into the community to consistently support PCYC.

Mr Elliott and Mr Martin also visited Tomaree National Park, part of a Strategic Fire Trail Program being rolled out across NSW to better protect communities against bush fires and improve firefighter safety.

The Government was committed to enhancing and strengthening the state’s fire trails and access points to support firefighters on the frontline. A total of $6.65 million of funding is being provided through the NSW Rural Fire Service under the Bush Fire Grants Scheme.

“New standardised fire trail signs will display important information to ensure firefighters can safety operate from trails and clearly identify access points and the limitations of each trail,” Mr Elliott said.

Mr Martin said the Tomaree National Park contained the first Strategic Fire Trails cerified by NSW RFS working with the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service.

“Communities right across the Hunter region continue to be affected by the threat of bushfires, and in an effort to contain and manage these fires, firefighters on the ground need decent access,” Mr Martin said.

Finally, they toured Varely Vehicles Factory in Tomago which is fitting out a NSW Police Force Mobile Command Centre and five rescue trucks. These vehicles will be state of the art and will provide the best possible support for police.