For 35 years Auburn Youth Centre (AYC) has been providing support to disadvantaged youth of Western Sydney and their families.  In 2021, through major parts of the pandemic  AYC supported  overe 1100 young people aged 12 -24 and their families.  Over 60% of young people supported were born overseas, coming from 55 different countries. 

The pandemic has hit our commmunity hard. Our Cafe provided free grocery packs and essential household items. For those isolated or in isolation we were making deliveries. For families in absolute hardship we assisted, as best we could with payment of bills, petrol and phone credit. Our budget has been decimated and 2022/23 will see a reducton in support unless we can raise some funds. At this time our Cafe, meal programs and Careers programs are at risk of closure. We will have to reduce staffing to maintain viability.

Pre COVID our area was one of the most disadvantaged being in the poorest 15% of areas for socio economic disadvantage in NSW, with some Suburbs being in the 4-7th percentile for disadvantage. COVID and the lockdown of Western Sdney has furthered this disadvantage into poverty and despair.  Youth disengagement was 46% higher than the average for Greater Sydney. 1 in 8 young people aged 15 - 24 are neither working or undertaking education. This has grown dramatically. Without financial assistance from the community and corporate Australia our impact will be lessened and more young people will stay in the cycle of disadvantage and poverty.

Every donation helps the next person, no matter how big or small. We thank you.