The $39,500 grant for the new bus will allow case managers to visit young people at home, as well helping with transport of youth for programs.

“This vehicle is very important to our club – it will be used every day and will transport approximately 55 people each week to and from programs including our free Saturday recreational program, school programs and sports for both disabled and mainstream youth, outreach programs, competitions and tournaments,” PCYC’s De-anne Douglas said.

“We’re so grateful that the Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation saw the value in funding this vehicle – it really will make a huge difference in the lives of many local young people.”

Charitable Foundation chairman Michael Slater said the bus would help programs at Muswellbrook PCYC which work to improve the health of young citizens and reducing youth crime.

“The old Muswellbrook PCYC bus was more than 10 years old and was impacting on the Club’s ability to engage local young people in the club’s activities and programs and we hope the new van will allow club management and local police to deliver their services and programs to even more young people in Muswellbrook,” Mr Slater said.

The next funding round closes on Tuesday, April 17, and is open to local charity and not-for-profit organisations.

For more information, or to apply, visit www.newcastlepermanent.com.au/foundation or phone 131 987.