We’re for better outcomes.
Our youth programs are designed and delivered by experienced…
As a key community service organisation we aim to provide a safe environment for young people, and other community members to participate in fun, affordable recreation and well-being based activities.
Who We Are
PCYC Tasmania is the peak body for PCYCs in Tasmania and our strategic plan vision is to be Tasmania’s leading organisation supporting young people who face factors that heighten their risk of justice system involvement, by providing community led coordinated systems of support and evidence based developmental crime prevention services.
As the peak body for PCYCs in Tasmania we provide statewide leadership, governance, strategic advice and support to affiliated/member clubs.
PCYC Tasmania prioritises its knowledge, connections, networks and relationships with local people and local organisations via schools, councils, police, justice, community services, business, not-for-profit organisations and individuals of influence who are committed to building systems of support designed to keep young people out of the youth justice system.
The PCYC brand, via affiliated/member clubs, also operates government and/or community owned recreations hubs in partnership with government.
Our Team
Debra ThurleyPresident
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Debra Thurley
Debra Thurley is a former Alderman of the Clarence City Council and Executive at the Legislative Council of the Tasmanian Parliament, a Local Government Administrator for 10 years and Small Business Owner/Manager for 18 years.
Her former Board roles include Director of the Tasmanian Racing Club, Business Enterprise entity Business East, President of the Australian Local Government Women’s Association (ALGWA) Tasmanian Branch, National Board Member (Treasurer) of the Australian Local Government Womens Association, a Non-Executive Director of COTA.
Debra offers a broad perspective gained through knowledge of State & Local Government, the Tasmanian Parliament, Small Business Directorship/Management, public and private Administration, Strategic Planning, Finance, Human Resources, Communication and Community Engagement.
Debra holds a Masters of Employment Relations (formerly Industrial Relations), Diploma of Business, Diploma of Business Management, Diploma of Human Resources and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD).
Debra believes in improving the life chances for children and youth with at-risk factors through a proactive preventative approach via Youth Developmental Crime Prevention.
Ben ShawVice President
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- Kyron Johnson
Secretary / Public Officer
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- Robert Lappolla
Treasurer
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- Robert Blackwood
Police Commissioner Board representative
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Mat GriningBoard Member
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Mat Grining
Mat Grining is an experienced education leader and board director with over two decades of service in public education across Tasmania. He currently serves as President of the Tasmanian Principals Association (TPA), having been elected to the role in January 2023 following seven years on the TPA State Executive. He also holds current roles on the boards of the Australian Government Primary and Australian Secondary Principals’ Associations.
Mat has taught across Kindergarten to Year 10 and has held senior roles including principalships in primary and K–12 schools during periods of organisational change, school amalgamations, and major infrastructure projects. His leadership experience includes curriculum and assessment support, principal advisory roles, and collaboration with state and federal education departments.
He holds strong beliefs on the responsibility we have in reducing social barriers to participation for young Tasmanians and the opportunities to leverage off the capacity of our community groups. Mat is on the Principal Advisory Group for the Schools Excellence Scholarship Fund, a board member of Youth Family Community Connections (YFCC) and has presented at the National Sports & Physical Activity
- Kerry Graham
Board Member
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- Scott Wade
State Manager
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- Cassie Grimwood
ROYW Project Manager
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Our History
The first Police and Community Youth Club (PCYC) was established in Launceston in 1946, in the aftermath of World War II. The club was formed in response to the needs of young people, particularly boys whose fathers had not returned from the war, and who were considered vulnerable to disengagement and delinquency if not supported by strong community structures.
In 1947 Deloraine PCYC opened, followed by Hobart PCYC in 1953. Through the following decades, PCYC expanded steadily across Tasmania. Clubs were established in multiple regional and urban communities, each operating in isolation to each other, but united by:
- A shared vision of youth engagement and crime prevention
- Strong partnerships with Tasmania Police
- A focus on low cost, accessible sport and recreation
By the late 1970s, PCYC has become a significant part of Tasmania’s youth and community infrastructure, particularly in communities experiencing socio-economic disadvantage.
In the early 1980s, a peak-body for PCYCs in Tasmania was formed, primarily as an initiative to provide leadership, coordination and advocacy on behalf of member clubs. At its height 21 member clubs existed.
Contact Us
Scott Wade
State Manager, PCYC Tasmania
Email: scott.wade@pcyctas.org
Phone: 0400 219 203
Cassie Grimwood
Project Manager, PCYC Tasmania
Email: cassie.grimwood@pcyctas.org
Phone: 0427 281 403
Or by post:
PCYC Tasmania
P O Box 304
Hobart, TAS, 7001
PCYC Tasmania
Sport & Recreation House
1 Selfs Point Road
Cornelian Bay, TAS, 7008
