For 15-year-old Nate Durand, the PCYC Emergency Services Cadets program is a place where he feels supported, valued and empowered to grow into the person he wants to be.
A proud member of the Redlands City Emergency Services Cadets Unit, Nate joined the program in 2022 after seeing it featured on Totally Wild. Four years later, he has become one of the Unit’s most dedicated cadets, known for his reliability, leadership and willingness to help others.
Today, Nate regularly assists with calling parade, supports younger cadets, participates in Cadet Games and community events, and has attended ESCape Week. His commitment extends beyond Cadets, with active involvement in school leadership, ANZAC commemorations and his local church community.
Finding belonging through cadets
For Nate and his family, one of the most valuable aspects of Cadets has been the sense of belonging it provides.
As a young person with Autism, Nate appreciates the structure, clear expectations and practical learning environment offered through the program. Just as importantly, it has provided a space where he feels accepted for who he is.
“At Cadets I can be myself,” Nate said.
When reflecting on what has been most meaningful about his experience, he shared that it is simply “being in a space I feel myself and accepted.”
His mother agrees.
“Cadets has shown Nate that there is life and people like him outside the school environment, where he can belong,” she said.
Growing into leadership
Through consistent participation and strong relationships with peers and leaders, Nate has developed confidence, communication skills and a growing sense of purpose.
What started as an interest in emergency services has evolved into opportunities to lead, guide others and contribute to his community.
Nate says he now feels “more confident about myself and confident to lead,” whether that’s communicating with others, working as part of a team or stepping forward in leadership opportunities.
During Nate’s time with Redlands City Emergency Services Cadets, the Unit’s Deputy Local Cadet Coordinator at the time observed his development firsthand.
“Nate is one of our most regular cadets,” the Unit Leader said.
“He’s always willing to participate, wears his uniform with pride and regularly steps into leadership roles by instructing and supporting other cadets.”
Building skills for life
The confidence Nate has developed through Cadets is showing up in other aspects of his life too.
At school, he has served as a student representative in Years 9 and 10 and has played a leadership role in ANZAC commemorations. Teachers and family members have also noticed his growing ability to remain calm, communicate effectively and support others during challenging situations.
One example involved Nate helping another student who was struggling emotionally. Remaining calm and focused, he supported the student and encouraged them to access the school’s wellbeing services.
It’s a powerful reflection of the communication, situational awareness and care for others that Cadets helps young people develop.
Inspired by service
The Emergency Services Cadets program has also helped Nate explore future career pathways.
Through hands-on activities, community events, Cadet Games, ESCape Week and interactions with emergency services personnel, he has gained valuable insight into what a life of service could look like.
These experiences have strengthened his interest in careers including paramedicine, nursing, the SES, Marine Rescue Queensland and the Australian Defence Force Reserves.
Along the way, he has also discovered the importance of fitness and wellbeing. Running, hiking and spending time outdoors have become valuable tools for managing stress and building resilience.
Creating positive change
Nate’s story demonstrates the lasting impact of providing young people with a safe, structured and inclusive environment where they can thrive.
Within his Unit, his reliability and willingness to help others set a positive example for younger cadets. Beyond Cadets, he is using the confidence, self-awareness and leadership skills he has developed to make a meaningful contribution at school and in his community.
Most importantly, Cadets has helped Nate discover a place where he belongs.
And in finding that sense of belonging, he has found the confidence to lead, serve and pursue a future dedicated to helping others.
As Youth Volunteer Week shines a spotlight on the invaluable contributions of young volunteers, PCYC Queensland was proud to host its flagship cadet event, the 2026 PCYC Queensland Emergency Services Cadet Games, on 1 August, celebrating the commitment, leadership and community spirit of young people across the state.
A total of 150 cadets from a wide range of organisations participated in the Games at its new location in Redcliffe, with the opportunity to be recognised as the Ultimate Cadet Crew. Emergency Services and Defence personnel volunteered their time to assess teams on their communication, teamwork and practical skills through activities that reflected the training and experiences cadets have undertaken throughout the year.
The honours were as follows:
1st – Wolffdene Emergency Services Cadets
2nd – Toowoomba Emergency Services Cadets
3rd – Childers Emergency Services Cadets
PCYC Queensland Emergency Services Cadets Program Manager Tina Adams said the day was action-packed, busy and fun – and is made possible thanks to the support of many.
“The day was all about the young people getting together with cadets from other organisations, and making connections in a fun way – and, of course, plenty of competitive spirit,” she said.
“It is a real celebration of our remarkable young people, giving them the chance to use skills they have learned and be seen by some leading figures in the emergency service and defence community.”
Volunteering is at the heart of what we do at PCYC, and Adult ESC leaders as well as volunteers from a range of emergency services helped Tina and her ESC team on the day.
PCYC Queensland Acting CEO Mitch Ryder said the games were a highlight of the PCYC calendar each year.
“Seeing these young people excel in what they are doing, work together, make new friendships and, importantly, have fun while doing so is terrific to watch,” he said.
PCYC’s Emergency Services Cadets provides young people with practical life skills and leadership opportunities.
The Cadet Games were supported by Queensland Police Service, Queensland Fire Department, Queensland Ambulance Service, Australian Red Cross, Surf Life Saving Queensland, Australian Army Cadets, Royal Australian Air Force Cadets, Australian Navy Cadets, Australian Volunteer Coast Guard Association and Volunteer Marine Rescue Association Queensland.
The brand-new PCYC Pimpama is officially ready to move ahead in one of Australia’s fastest-growing corridors.
Scheduled for delivery before the end of 2028, this state-of-the-art hub will feature a massive Gymnastics and Little n Active space, a Gym+Fitness centre, outdoor courts, and purpose-built youth spaces.
The project is funded by Queensland Government and City of Gold Coast. This milestone also belongs to the local Pimpama community, who have strongly advocated for this facility for over a decade. Together with our government partners, we are proud to deliver a world-class space where local young people can thrive.
Great progress is being made on site, and we’re excited to see the new club coming together.
Although the building is still under construction, we’re already active in the community, with Drop In continuing in a local park each week with Sergeant Mark Haestier.
The countdown is on, with the club expected to open late this year. We can’t wait to welcome the community through the doors. Thank you to the Queensland Government Delivering for Queensland, and to Kendall Hatcher MP, Tim Mander MP and Stockland Aura for helping make this important community project possible.
Congratulations to our amazing PCYC Bundaberg Competition Team!
What an incredible weekend at the Yeppoon Invitational! We couldn’t be prouder of the hard work, determination, grace and sportsmanship shown by all our gymnasts. Well done to everyone who competed, including:
🏅 Asher – 4th on Vault and 6th All Around (Level 3 Under 9)
🏅 Lilly – 2nd on Vault, 1st on Beam, and 4th All Around (Level 3 Under 10)
🏅 Charlotte – 1st on Bars, 4th on Beam, and 5th All Around (Level 3 Open)
🏅 Clara – 4th on Vault and 2nd on Floor (Level 3 Open)
🏅 Ellah – 5th on Vault and 2nd on Beam (Level 3 Open)
🏅 Elouise – 5th on Bars (Level 4 Under 9)
🏅 Bonnie – 4th on Bars (Level 4 Under 11)
Congratulations girls! You make us incredibly proud and we can’t wait to see what you achieve next!
A conversation at a PCYC Crestmead Colour Run has helped turn one young person’s dream into reality, highlighting the far-reaching impact of community partnerships and the power of investing in young people.
PCYC Crestmead hosts two Colour Runs each year, popular events which rely heavily on volunteer support to help deliver a safe and memorable experience for local families.
Ahead of the club’s last Colour Run, PCYC Fleet and Procurement Manager Lyndelle Hutchinson, a regular visitor to PCYC Crestmead, rallied support from fleet management provider Summit Leasing, with five staff members from the company assisting.
PCYC Crestmead Youth Leadership Team member Jack joined staff and volunteers to help set up the course and activities. Jack also welcomed and briefed the Summit Fleet Leasing and Management staff, sharing his positive experiences with PCYC Crestmead and speaking openly about his ambition to become a motor mechanic.
Impressed by Jack’s enthusiasm and maturity, Summit staff encouraged Lyndelle to contact Motorama Springwood to explore potential apprenticeship opportunities on his behalf. An interview was organised, with PCYC Crestmead supporting Jack through interview preparation and logistics.
Jack successfully secured an apprenticeship and is now balancing his training with completing years 11 and 12 through The BUSY School Kingston.
His dream of becoming a motor mechanic is now well within reach.
PCYC Procurement Officer Lyndelle Hutchinson said the outcome demonstrates the strength of community partnerships and the lasting impact they can have on young people.
“We’re super excited to be able to help young Jack get closer to that goal. Motorama and PCYC have a great working partnership and it has been wonderful to watch them take one of ‘ours’ under their wing,” Lyndelle said.
“They are waiting for us to find them their next superstar to join Jack hopefully in the near future as part of the Motorama family. Jack has left quite an impression on the Summit Leasing team’s hearts and minds.”
PCYC Regional Manager Mike Coker said Jack’s journey reflects the value of collaboration between PCYC, industry partners and the broader community.
“This is an amazing example of collaboration and support of Jack’s ongoing development and journey with PCYC,” Mike said.
“I can’t wait to hear how he progresses in his apprenticeship and involvement with Crestmead.”
PCYC Crestmead Youth Club Program Manager Sergeant Chris Davey said the story highlights how meaningful opportunities can arise when community organisations and businesses come together to support young people.
“What began as a volunteer opportunity at one of our Colour Runs has become a pathway to employment for Jack,” Sergeant Davey said.
“We’re incredibly proud of everything he has achieved and grateful to Summit Leasing, Motorama and Lyndelle for seeing his potential and helping him take the next step towards his future.”
The outcome serves as a powerful reminder that every volunteer, every partnership and every conversation can make a difference in enriching young lives. For Jack, one day spent helping at a Colour Run has become the first step in building a successful career.
It’s official – the new PCYC Beaudesert at Dick Westerman Park is forging ahead!
With funding from the Queensland Government and Scenic Rim Regional Council confirmed, we’re ready to start building this exciting new club, which will bring our youth programs, Gym+Fitness facilities and sport and recreation opportunities to the region.
We so appreciate the support from both levels of government, and also from the Beaudesert community including Beaudesert Youth and Community Centre, who have been incredibly engaged with this process and such advocates for a local club.
Stay tuned for more updates as PCYC Beaudesert comes to life!
PCYC Queensland hosted the flagship event for cadets in Queensland, the 2026 Cadet Games, on 26 June.
A total of 66 cadets participated in the Townsville Cadet Games, with the opportunity to be recognised as the Ultimate Cadet Crew. Emergency Services and Defence personnel volunteered their time to assess teams on their communication, teamwork and practical skills through activities that reflected the training and experiences cadets have undertaken throughout the year.
The honours were as follows:
PCYC Queensland Emergency Services Cadets Program Manager Tina Adams said the day was action-packed, busy and fun – and is made possible thanks to the support of many.
“The day was all about the young people getting together with cadets from other organisations, and making connections in a fun way – and, of course, plenty of competitive spirit,” she said.
“It is a real celebration of our remarkable young people, giving them the chance to use skills they have learned and be seen by some leading figures in the emergency service and defence community.”
Volunteering is at the heart of what we do at PCYC, and 20 Adult ESC leaders as well as 25 volunteers from a range of emergency services helped Tina and her ESC team on the day.
PCYC Queensland Acting CEO Mitch Ryder said the games were a highlight of the PCYC calendar each year.
“Seeing these young people excel in what they are doing, work together, make new friendships and, importantly, have fun while doing so is terrific to watch,” he said.
PCYC’s Emergency Services Cadets provides young people with practical life skills and leadership opportunities.
The Cadet Games were supported by Queensland Police Service, Queensland Fire Department, Queensland Ambulance Service, Australian Red Cross, Surf Life Saving Queensland, Australian Army Cadets, Royal Australian Air Force Cadets, Australian Navy Cadets, Australian Volunteer Coast Guard Association and Volunteer Marine Rescue Association Queensland.
Over 600 young gymnasts have shown their skills over the weekend at a series of PCYC Gymnastics Winter Carnivals across the state.
A big congratulations to all the gymnasts, staff, volunteers and supporters who made this day special.
These are some of the highlights from the PCYC staff members and parents.
Gold Coast, Ashmore and Nerang
Nicole Tansley, Club Manager PCYC Gold Coast, said that the gymnasts were so excited to receive medals and certificates.
“Their little faces when showing their parents and siblings was priceless,” she said.
“The team sprit when gymnasts cheered each other on was beautiful.”
Ipswich and Fernvale
Taneysha Joice, Club Manager PCYC Ipswich, said that the best part of the day was the excitement from the gymnasts, especially those who knew they had improved and received higher ribbons than at their last showcase.
“We had two amazing 14-year-old volunteers who led the warm-up for all the gymnasts, and geared them up for an exciting day,” she said.
Bayside, Redlands and Carindale
Layne Clarke, Club Manager PCYC Bayside, said her highlights were happy, smiling faces trying their very best and enthusiastic participation with warm up.
“Our Member Services Officer was there to watch her daughter compete and still managed to jump in and help us with canteen. The showcase was a wonderful, warm way to show families what the spirit of PCYC Gymnastics is all about,” she said.
Pine Rivers, Deception Bay, Sandgate and South Burnett
Paula Sargeant, Club Manager PCYC Sandgate. Said she enjoyed seeing the smiles on the athletes’ faces as they celebrated their achievements, the incredible support from the crowd, cheering on every participant and the gymnastics hall coming alive with a Mexican wave.
“Our Youth Leadership Team (YLT) members from both Pine Rivers and Deception Bay played an important role throughout the day, assisting with the canteen and helping ensure the event ran smoothly. Their willingness to volunteer and support the event was greatly appreciated,” she said.
A parent commented: “Thanks so much for hosting the showcase on Saturday. It was my child’s first ever showcase and she had a blast thanks to how well it was organised, and the great atmosphere you created.”
Caboolture and Redcliffe
Tabith Burns, Club Manager PCYC Redcliffe said her staff were great at taking initiative and helping out.
“The athletes couldn’t wipe the smiles off their faces!” she said.
When Ryan Murray’s mum Pat was undergoing cancer treatment, he joined PCYC Gold Coast’s Braking The Cycle so he could build up his logbook hours, and his efforts have been rewarded: he’s recently just gained his licence.
While Ryan (20) was a learner driver, his parents were unable to supervise his driving as his mum, Pat, was so unwell – but Ryan was determined.
With the dedication and support of our amazing mentors at PCYC Gold Coast, Ryan is now behind the wheel on his own, with a host of employment and educational opportunities now more accessible to him.
Ryan said that without Braking The Cycle, he wouldn’t have his licence right now.
“I would like to humbly thank PCYC for helping me drive and get my Ps,” he said.
“Without you guys, I don’t think I would have my licence right now.”
Ryan’s parents are so grateful to the Braking The Cycle program that they intend to pay it forward by helping to mentor other young drivers in the future: a full circle moment for Ryan, his family, and the Braking The Cycle team.
“Once my husband retires soon, he’s keen to become a BTC driving mentor. And I myself hope to do the same after completing my recovery,” Pat said.
Braking The Cycle at PCYC Gold Coast and PCYC Ashmore are funded by MAIC (Motor Accident Insurance Commission) and support over 100 learner drivers per year across the two clubs.
If you can spare some time to help young learner drivers, please contact PCYC Gold Coast about becoming a volunteer driver mentor.
