Mount Isa PCYC launches community garden for youth nutrition

The Police-Citizens Youth Club (PCYC) in Mount Isa has launched a new herb and vegetable garden initiative to teach local teenagers about healthy eating and positive lifestyle choices. The project, which converted a former sandpit into a garden, is part of the weekly ‘After Dark’ program that serves up to 30 young people aged eight to 17.

In partnership with dietetic students from the North West Hospital and Health Service and Griffith University, the program utilizes a ‘garden to plate’ approach. Students help participants develop nutritious, affordable meal plans and recipes using the produce grown on-site. The initiative aims to provide practical life skills, such as food hygiene and budget-friendly meal planning, to help build confidence and community connections among local youth.