Gulf Youth and Community Services
McArthur River Mine Community Benefits Trust
24
Full-time, part-time and casual staff
<$1.8m
Annual Funding
<15
Programs run weekly
#Overview
Gulf Youth and Community Services (GYCS) is an organisation dedicated to supporting young people and community wellbeing in Borroloola, town camps and outstations and Robinson River.
Community members have consistently identified the needs of young people as their highest priority for investment by McArthur River Mine Community Benefits Trust (CBT).
In August 2023, the CBT initiated the establishment of a stand-alone Youth and Community Program in Borroloola aimed at addressing needs and community aspirations.
Since inception, the CBT has invested almost $3m into the program’s establishment, a significant investment which included governance establishment, engagement, planning, employment of Coordinator and local Wellbeing Officers, vehicles and purchase of properties for operations, programs and staff accommodation.
#On Location
#Plan C's role
In mid-2023, the CBT committed $500,000 towards Year 1 establishment costs for a Youth and Community Program with a total commitment of $900,000 over three years.
Following establishment, the program was auspiced by Plan C to set up the service, purchase infrastructure and materials, engage and oversee the Youth and Community Coordinator position, establish governance and support programming, establish systems and provide payroll and administrative support.
The intention from the program’s inception was to transition into an independent entity within 12 months, with Plan C supporting the process of establishing the new entity.
In 2024, Plan C transferred the CBT Youth and Community Program to CBT Youth and Community Limited, establishing the independent “Gulf Youth and Community Service” (GYCS).
GYCS is now a standalone charity with a range of other funding partnerships and programs established to grow service provision. The CBT provides on-going investment to ensure GYCS is established to be sustainable, impactful and provides wellbeing outcomes to local young people and community members.
#Journey of GYCS
Identified Community & Board Aspiration
Scoping Project & Strategic Action Plan
Establishment funding and hiring coordinator
Youth and Community Program formed
Transfer to independence
Sustainable operational funding streams
Property Acquisition
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