Amidst the middle of the Covid pandemic, PCYC Orange welcomed their new Club Manager, Jaime Wenban. With a passion to help others in life and fitness, Jaime admits PCYC has always been on her radar.

“I love what they do as a not for profit. When the job come up I just went for it. I love how much PCYC can help youth and I didn’t realise the extent of the programs that we do run until now. Whilst we may never make their lives 100% better, we can make a difference in the short time we’ve got them here, which is really quite rewarding.

“As Manager, I really just want to extend on what we are already doing here. I’m excited that fitness classes will be expanding, with a vision to grow it quite significantly in the future, and to find new ways to support the vulnerable youth, finding ways to help them see a clearer path and help generational change to help these kids towards a brighter future.”

Thanks to a grant from Newcrest Mining’s Cadia Valley Operations support, PCYC Orange will be able to run their Fit for Life program for the rest of the year, without having to worry about how they will pay for the breakfasts each morning.

The support from Newcrest is a massive help we are very grateful. This is a program to get kids active, to strengthen the partnership with police and to show that we are a safe environment for them to come to. Through physical fitness, nutrition and social engagement, ‘Fit For Life’ aims to improve their overall wellbeing.” Jaime added, “It’s good fun, I love it.”

As the club now returns to ‘semi-normal’ Jaime admits it’s been a challenge. “We’ve been running limited gymnastics classes and fitness is back open. Recently we’ve been preparing for basketball and netball to begin their shortened seasons, with the comps starting from the 18-20th July. We are getting our courts ready and making sure our social distancing requirements will be followed.”

The PCYC Orange team are now enjoying their school holiday program which includes PJ parties and mini Olympics!