PCYC praises ‘great town’

On Monday PCYC Tamworth made its first stop on the ‘Fun for kids, BBQ and Beats’ tour when it arrived at the Narrabri Aquatic Centre.

Families turned up in groups with about 130 people attending the free event which included traditional Aboriginal dances and workshops run by Clinton Lamb, a disco and a barbecue.

The tour was organised by PCYC Tamworth team leader Debby Herdegen as a form of drought relief.

Clinton Lamb, Tyson Donohue, Michael Hurley, Zaidan Whitmore and Brandon Nicholls. Clinton Lamb, Tyson Donohue, Michael Hurley, Zaidan Whitmore and Brandon Nicholls.

Kostah Rooney and Jace Campbell. Kostah Rooney and Jace Campbell.

Back, Millie Adams, Katrina Wall, Trevor Price, Lucy Adams, front, Dakota Wheeler, Trina Price, Mary Price, Scarlett Eames and Kyanna Millstead. Back, Millie Adams, Katrina Wall, Trevor Price, Lucy Adams, front, Dakota Wheeler, Trina Price, Mary Price, Scarlett Eames and Kyanna Millstead.

Lara, Ataliah, Zaidan and Alana Whitmore, Menzie Harvey and Michael Hurle Lara, Ataliah, Zaidan and Alana Whitmore, Menzie Harvey and Michael Hurle

Ayla Cunningham, Hope Stanford and Haylo Hill-Davis. Ayla Cunningham, Hope Stanford and Haylo Hill-Davis.

Charlie Cunningham and Lily Tibbett. Charlie Cunningham and Lily Tibbett.

Taiykeah Anderson, Ceanna Toomey and Ellie Welsh. Taiykeah Anderson, Ceanna Toomey and Ellie Welsh.

Mrs Herdegen was full of praise for Narrabri.

“We were really lucky in Narrabri that the local Rotary club went and paid for all of the stuff for the drought tour,” said Mrs Herdegen.

“We called and asked if they could run the barbecue and all of a sudden they were paying for the barbecue.

“They were so excited that we were in town so they picked up the tab for almost everything.

“We were really impressed by that.

“That is the only town that has happened to us. To us that showed that the community of Narrabri appreciated the fact that we were coming to town and what we’re doing and why.”

As part of the ‘Drought Break – Summer Fun for Regional Youth’ the initiative tries to help families and young people, in the most drought-impacted parts of rural NSW, take a break from the pressures of the drought.

The tour also encourages young people to interact and form healthy relationships with local police.

Narrabri police officers Ben Stride and Cameron Bounds attended the event.

“That is the only town that we’ve been to where the local police have organised to come down and join in as well,” said Debby Herdegen.

“It just depends on the town and how they jump on board with us.”

“And everyone on this tour has been commenting on how Narrabri completely got behind the tour.

The tour will travel to Bingara, Barraba, Gunnedah and Quirindi over the next four days.