Sergeant Tim Henderson was sworn into the Queensland Police Service in 1997. Prior to being appointed as the Branch Manager at the Mackay PCYC Tim worked in the Townsville Police District, Palm Island, Townsville Water Police and Slade Point.
Tim became involved with PCYC activities whilst attending Blue Lights discos while he was stationed at Slade Point. In 2006 Tim joined the management committee of the Mackay PCYC and has maintained an active interest since then. He completed the PCYC relief managers course in 2007 and completed numerous stints as a relieving manager prior to being appointed as the Branch Manager.
Working as a Branch Manager at the Mackay PCYC is very rewarding for Tim particularly as everyone works towards the associations goal of “Improving communities through Youth development”. Along with his colleagues, he has worked hard to establish a rapport with the children and wants all children at the branch to feel valued. Usually the only tears are when the children do not want to go home. Tim very rarely has to deal with an angry person – it is a very different type of police work!
Tim is a level one Rugby League and Surf Lifesaving Coach and recently attained the qualification in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award as an expedition leader. In 1999 whilst Tim was stationed on Palm Island he established Australia’s first indigenous Surf Lifesaving club to combat youth boredom and anti-social behaviour. The program was a huge success and Tim was recognized for his efforts by being presented with both national and state awards by Volunteer and Government organisations.
Working with the
teenagers and seeing them develop into responsible young people has been one of
the most rewarding experiences for Tim, especially the young people on the
Youth Management team who help run events and come up with new ideas for
activities and the young men that participate in the indigenous youth program
Which Way? This Way!.
Mackay also have young people volunteering at the centre as a result of a Youth
Justice Conference. It is simply an agreement between a victim of crime and a
young offender that the young offender volunteers to repay their dept to the
community by doing volunteer work. Tim does has to deal with the occasional
young person that is not ready to change their behaviour however the majority
are very remorseful for their mistakes and enthusiastic about making amends.
The Mackay PCYC is happy to have
provided employment for some very good workers through this system. She feels
very rewarded when she can help a child to achieve their best.
“As a not for profit association we are able to deliver low cost activities to
achieve the nine objectives of PCYC*. Our activities are low cost and we aim to
have something for everyone. If you have a suggestion on something new please
contact us so we can compare ideas.”
*To afford the young people of Queensland the opportunity to participate in
clean and healthy recreation; to improve the standard of physical fitness; to
encourage and foster music, literature, art and culture; to encourage an
interest in Australian flora and fauna; to encourage the principles of good
citizenship; to awaken citizens to their responsibilities towards adolescents;
to assist boys and girls to select their future vocations; to do anything
conducive to the welfare of youth and citizens generally; to promote the
physical, mental and social welfare of youth, who, by physical or other
handicaps or because of the indigent circumstances of their parents, may be
regarded as disadvantaged.