They were joined by their teachers, local council representatives, staff from the regional PCYC office, the NSW Police Youth Command Western Zone Office and other community members.

This term the function was held at the Lithgow PCYC.

TAFE and PCYC have been working together this term and have formed a very successful partnership.

Among the other vocational electives this term including welding, hospitality, hairdressing, gardening and computer gaming, TAFE students have been attending the PCYC every Monday to participate in a fitness program and have also joined the PCYC as a result of the generosity of a benefactor.

This has included a membership to the facility and many students are also attending in their own time to participate in boxing lessons, play table tennis or drop in for advice and support from Roger Spence, the local Manager, as well as support from Sen Const Martyn Warren from the NSW Police Force who is Youth Case Manager.

This has been a very successful program and will continue next term.

Through this association they have been very fortunate to make contact with Wayne Clark and the local Rapid Relief Team who were able to put in a submission to their organisation and as a result sponsor the end of Course Function.

RRT is a volunteer, not-for-profit organisation that serves local communities in times of need.

The main purpose is to relieve poverty, suffering and misfortune in the community.

This is done by serving food and drinks to emergency services personnel, helping out homeless missions and supporting other charities.

This resulted in a fantastic day with RRT serving the most beautiful home style food to all in attendance.

A barbecue lunch and cold drinks was followed by the most amazing home cooked cakes and slices with coffee and tea.

RRT takes hospitality to the next level, with staff easily identified in their uniform and all tents and marquees labelled with their logo.

There are fold out chairs and umbrellas and the service was second to none, making everyone feel welcomed and part of the greater community.

At the barbecue, those present were even able to celebrate the significant birthday of one of the more senior students with a birthday cake and singing.

As an additional act of kindness for the students, the hall at the PCYC was set up and run by the women from RRT to look like a shopping centre.

There was a selection of beautifully washed new and second hand clothes, shoes and bags.

The students were able to select some lovely things for themselves and others.

The clothing will remain at the PCYC for other members to access.

TAFE staff and students are grateful for the ongoing community support that they receive in order to make their programs work and to provide meaningful outcomes. 

The students will pass Certificate II at the end of the year and look forward to continue working together.

In light of all the recent job losses and economic concerns within the community organisers want to acknowledge that community spirit and generosity continue to make this town a great place to live and work.