Over the past 20 years she has worked in a range of roles with the Australian Paralympic Committee, Sport Tara­naki in New Zealand and the Australian Sports Commission.

Originally from Scone, she also understands what it’s like to grow up in a country town that doesn’t have access to state-of-the-art sporting facilities.

Arriving at Cessnock PCYC, she was blown away by the $7 million centre and the incredible potential it holds.

After 60 years on Wollombi Road, Cess­nock PCYC relocated to the former Bonds factory site in August 2014, and is now the second-largest PCYC in NSW.

The club now has 4000 members and Ms. Puxty said she hopes to further expand and engage the membership base.

“I’d like to see it buzzing with activity – providing a hub for everyone in the family, while not forgetting our mission to help youth at risk,” she said.

“Kids can come here and feel part of the PCYC family.

“Cessnock is an area with high rates of disadvantage; this club has huge potential to help out with those sorts of issues.”

While the new club has been open for a year now, there are still many more exciting developments to come – the 18-metre high rock climbing wall is due to open by Christmas, and a Mega­mania-style ‘adventure room’ for children aged zero to six is also planned for the club.

A half-sized outdoor basketball court and a fitness studio will open soon, while the growing sport of futsal is now on offer.

The club has applied for regional arts grants to fill the blank walls around the centre.

Ms. Puxty said she is looking to form an advisory committee to advise the club on the needs of the community and provide connections with like-minded groups, and that the club also needs more volunteers.

If you can help out, call the PCYC on 4991 1407.