The new Far South Coast PCYC hopes to take advantage of the new facility and is seeking volunteers and ideas for programs from Batemans Bay to Eden, but more on that later.

The project came about after the Tuross Head community, through the Tuross Head Progress Association asked the youth of Tuross what they needed in the way of a recreation facility.

After much discussion it was decided that the Tuross Head Progress Association would try and secure a grant to build an outside basketball court at the site of the netball court and install goals that could be reversed for netball.

Four years later and the Tuross Progress Association in April secured a Community Building Partnership grant for $9000.

Presiding over the official opening, Tuross Head Progress Association president Lei Parker thanked the generosity of sponsors including Lauren Jackson, SouthernPhone, Andrew Constance and the State Government, Eurobodalla Shire Council and the Tuross Netball Club.

The Tuross Head Business Owners Association was also mentioned and local businesses in town raised $4500, which was matched by the Tuross community who sponsored square metres of the new hot-mixed court.

Mayor Lindsay Brown then acknowledged Mr Parker for all his work raising funds to see the court come to fruition; as well as council’s director of infrastructure Warren Sharpe and the volunteers helping on the project.

Clr Brown then invited Lauren Jackson to cut the ribbon officially declaring the basketball court open.

Ms Jackson has close ties to Tuross Head as her parents are live there and she has also become a bit of a regular on the Narooma golf course.

After the ribbon was cut, 10-year-old Vincent Edwards of Tuross Head threw the first goal on his first attempt before an exhibition game of three-on-three basketball between the Tuross Giants and the Moruya Crusaders began, with the Tuross Giants winning the match.

“We were honoured to have Lauren opening the facility, as Lauren and her parents have been solid supporters of the project from day one,” Mr Parker said.

PCYC looking for volunteers

THE new Police and Citizens Youth Club (PCYC) for the Far South Coast is also excited about the new basketball court at Tuross and hopes to offer programs for Tuross area youth at the facility in the future.

The new FSC PCYC program is currently being developed with officers appointed, but volunteers are still needed.

Senior Constable Greg Curry is one of two recently appointed PCYC police officers, the other being Senior Constable John Smith from the Bega station who will be responsible for the area from Eden north to Narooma.

Senior Constable Curry meanwhile will be responsible for the area from Batemans Bay south to Narooma.

He said volunteers were needed to help coach and train young people in a range of activities from martial arts to dancing to basketball.

What kinds of activities and sports offered would depend on feedback from youth and their parents.

“Some towns and schools might be interested in touch footy or basketball but it all depends on what the kids want and what we can do to keep them interested and it could also vary and change from year to year,” he said.

The State PCYC organisation meanwhile was also about to advertise for a civilian manager to oversee the whole Far South Coast program and who would be based in Narooma.

While the Narooma Sports and Leisure Centre will be one hub for the new PCYC program, it is envisioned that officers and trainers will travel out to wherever the kids were from Eden to Batemans Bay.

The PCYC-affiliated Far South Coast Boxing Club meanwhile held a meeting at the Narooma centre last week and Senior Constable Greg Curry said there was a great level of interest from young people and those interested in being trainers.

In another boost, the Narooma Sporting and Services Club has agreed to donate $5100 toward the purchase of a new boxing ring for the club,

The 400kg ring will be based at the Narooma Sports and Leisure Centre but could potentially be moved, he said.

Anyone interested in becoming involved in the PCYC in any way or who has suggestion for sports or activities, should contact Senior Constable Curry on 0447 421 319.