Construction of a brand-new PCYC for Caloundra South is officially underway, with a sod-turning ceremony held this week to mark the milestone.
The new club is being built with $15 million of funding from the Queensland Government, and will provide a hub for youth programs, sport and connection.
The club is set in Caloundra’s Aura development, on land leased by Sunshine Coast Council to PCYC Queensland.
Currently, the closest PCYC to Caloundra is in Nambour.
PCYC Queensland CEO Phil Schultz said the new club will play a vital role in supporting young people in the community, as well as offering sport and recreation opportunities via Gymnastics and a 24/7 gym.
“This club will bring all of PCYC Queensland’s important youth programs to this community, and it’s heartening to see such strong backing from the local community and the government,” he said.
“We are so pleased that we will soon be able to deliver programs like Braking the Cycle, Youth Leadership Team, After Dark and Drop In to local young people, as well as our high-quality sport and recreation offerings.
“I look forward to seeing this club come to life, and thank everyone involved for their support. It underscores the immense value a PCYC brings to a community, and its positive impact on young lives.”
Kendall Hatcher MP, Member for Caloundra said the Queensland Government is proud to deliver a valuable new asset for the Caloundra community.
“Our PCYCs are wonderful community hubs that encourage people of all ages to stay active and healthy,” Ms Hatcher said.
“Importantly, they play a key role in supporting at-risk young people, offering positive pathways and a safe, welcoming place to connect with peers and the broader community.
“The Queensland Government is committed to helping more Queenslanders access these vital programs, with $74.1 million being invested in new and upgraded PCYCs across the state.”
Sunshine Coast Council Mayor Rosanna Natoli said breaking ground on the new PCYC marked an important milestone for Aura and the wider Sunshine Coast community.
“This is a significant achievement, it reflects the real benefits of different organisations working together towards a shared community outcome,” Mayor Natoli said.
“It’s a fantastic step forward for young people and families in our community – it will become a real hub for connection, support and opportunity,” Mayor Natoli said.
“PCYC facilities have a proven track record of delivering positive outcomes for youth, and this new centre will play a vital role in building a thriving, connected community as Caloundra South continues to grow.”
Youth Week 2026 saw a colourful array of activities across the state, celebrating our young people and the impact they have on their communities.
“Amped Up Youth Music Initiative absolutely rocked PCYC Bowen, wrapping up Youth Week with heart, talent, and a whole lot of noise.”
PCYC Bowen Club Manager Paul Ellis
“The young people at PCYC Crestmead really showed their true colours at our Colour Run held in the last week of the school holidays.”
Chris Davey, Youth Club Program Manager PCYC Crestmead
“Our PCYC ColourXplosion Fun Run was an outstanding success, and it was fantastic to see so many young people come together, get involved, and enjoy the energy, colour and fun!”
Leigh Nancarrow, PCYC Hervey Bay Youth Club Program Manager
“Yarry Youth Week Touch Tournament was a great success for the second year running. Yarrabah should be so proud of the amazing sportsmen and women this community is producing.”
Bridget Hughes, Youth Club Program Manager PCYC Yarrabah
“The young people of Aurukun were united in their quest for victory and there was plenty of action as they competed in their favourite sports and teamwork games”.
Steve Armstrong-Ravula, Youth Club Program Manager PCYC Aurukun
In a seriously fun move for children’s safety, Fun Squad launched Rights Around the World, which has been developed with Children’s Rights Queensland to support children’s understanding of their rights in everyday, real-life moments.
PCYC Queensland’s Fun Squad is one of the largest Outside School Hours Service providers in Queensland and is committed to teaching children positive behaviour, respectful relationships and a culture of inclusion with these new resources.
The Rights Around the World Big Activity Book introduces important rights such as safety, belonging, being heard, cultural identity, play and participation. The accompanying Rights Passport is a special passport that each child will use throughout 2026, and includes activities, personal reflection pages and opportunities to show learning and thinking.
PCYC’s Acting General Manager Fun Squad Karly Sheppard said these resources are already helping children learn about their rights in fun and meaningful ways.
“The Rights Around the World resources inspire children to explore, create, and take action, helping every child feel safe, respected, included, and heard,” Karly said.
“It’s a great way for children to start conversations about what rights are, why they are important, and what responsibilities come with those rights. We are already seeing some wonderful discussions happening.”
The resources support shared language about children’s rights across OSHC and school settings, enhance children’s emotional literacy and social skills, support positive behaviour, respectful relationships and a culture of inclusion and provide opportunities for children to express their ideas and participate in decision-making.
Rights Around the World Big Activity Book and Rights Passport are rolling out now in Fun Squads across the state.
Find out more here https://childrensrights.org.au/oshc-resources
Emergency Services Cadet Unit Leader Izabella Tyrell is an inspiration, taking her team to the Cadet Games two years in a row despite some challenging personal circumstances.
The 16-year-old from Emerald also took part in the Queensland Family and Child Commission’s Youth Summit in Brisbane on 10 April.
Izabella gave a speech at the Youth Summit about her family’s experience of the rural health care system.
Izabella’s mother Kristy is very unwell and being treated as an outpatient of Hervey Bay Hospital, separated from her four children and husband by a seven-hour drive.
Izabella is trying to improve rural healthcare, so that it can better serve families like hers.
“I want to see greater investment in rural healthcare, improved access to specialists, and greater recognition of the impact that health inequity has on young people,” Izabella said.
As well as advocating for better healthcare, Izabella has been active in PCYC’s Emergency Services Cadets since 2022, mentored by Sgt Julia Palmer.
She was one of the first cadets in Emerald and has worked her way up to Unit Leader.
Activities Izabella has participated in at Emergency Services Cadets include first aid, casualty management, search and rescue, swift water theory, road safety, forensics, highway patrol, K9 units, navigation, radio communications, team building and problem solving, as well as attending the Cadet Games for the past two years.
“I have taken my team to the Cadet Games in Townsville twice, placing second both times,” Izabella said.
“I love leading others and all the experiences I have had at Cadets.”
Izabella would like to take what she has learned at Emergency Services Cadets to become a police officer in the future.
Izabella currently goes above and beyond the call of duty to attend school, Emergency Services Cadets, her part time job, and to help her Dad look after the family, all whilst missing her much loved Mum!
Izabella’s father Ben is so proud of his daughter.
“Kristy and I are super proud of Izabella and everything she has achieved and we can’t wait to see what she achieves in the future,” Ben said.
In the early hours of Thursday 19 March, PCYC Toowoomba was destroyed by fire. The club team quickly moved from crisis mode into action mode and have shown resilience and commitment in working together to create connection and opportunity.
Within a few short weeks the Toowoomba team focused on getting back into the community. They worked quickly to get programs and activities back up and running:
Our building burned down, but PCYC is not a building, we are a community and we will rebuild.
The support from our community since the fire at PCYC Toowoomba has been overwhelming, and we are incredibly grateful for all of the messages, offers of help and donations, and shared memories. PCYC Toowoomba has always been at the heart of the community, and never has that been more evident than the past few days.
We also understand that many of you have questions about what’s next, how rebuilding works, what’s required and what happens in the meantime.
We’ve pulled together the information we have at the moment and have answered some of the most common questions below. We’ll keep this updated as things change and add questions as we come across them so keep an eye on our Facebook page and website for updates.
Markets update
We’ve been working hard behind the scenes to bring our markets back as soon as possible. Our first markets back were held on Sunday, 12 April.
Will PCYC Toowoomba be rebuilt?
We are committed to rebuilding a PCYC Toowoomba club. PCYC Toowoomba was used by approximately 1000 people each week, without accounting for outreach work. We understand that the Toowoomba community is a growing one and demand for services will increase. We would like the new club to be purpose-built to serve the current and future needs of the Toowoomba community. For this reason we are working towards gaining support to build a fit-for-purpose facility the Toowoomba community really deserves.
Insurance received by PCYC for PCYC Toowoomba will contribute to current club demolition, new equipment and towards a new facility.
How long will rebuilding take?
Creating a future-proofed, fit-for-purpose club that meets the community needs is not a quick process.
Gaining funding, building approvals, planning and construction take time.
Where will donated funds go?
Every dollar we raise through the generous support of the community will go towards establishing temporary facilities and replacing equipment so that we can run our programs and activities. These funds will also contribute to the building of a new and improved facility.
Community support will play a key role in helping us bridge the gap between insurance coverage and the true cost of continuing to serve the community and rebuilding.
How can I help?
If you would like to help, there are many ways you can support us:
What is happening with programs and activities?
Gymnastics and Little n Active are back for Term 2! Starting Monday 20 April, we will be balancing, flipping and having fun at our new venue: Clive Berghofer Recreation Centre at the University of Southern Queensland.
BTC is up and running again from the Toowoomba library and celebrated a drivers licence being achieved just days after the fire.
Our Youth Programs team is now based at UniSQ and we are already running programs at local schools and parks. We are continuing our outreach programs working in local schools as a part of our crucial work to support young people in the area.
What is the latest update on the car park?
The PCYC car park will be available for use as usual from Wednesday, 25 March.
This International Women’s Day the theme is Balance the Scales. Balancing the scales means ensuring every woman and girl is safe, heard, and free to shape their own lives.
Across the globe, this means we need to battle discriminatory laws, policies, and practices and structural barriers that stand in the way of justice and the gender-based violence that prevent women and girls from feeling safe in communities.
When women and girls stand equal, families are stronger, workplaces are fairer, communities thrive, and society becomes safer for everyone.
We asked some of our Youth Cub Program Managers what Balancing the Scales means to them:
“Balancing the scales means striving for fairness, dignity and opportunity. As a Police Officer I have the privilege and responsibility to protect, advocate and lead. For me, IWD is about empowering young women to step forward, not questioning if they belong, but knowing they do. It’s about mentorship, representation and courage. Every time we support another woman, challenge outdated expectations or lead with integrity, we help balance the scales for the next generation.”
Sgt Chantal Kelly
Youth Club Program Manager, PCYC Toowoomba
“For me, Balance the Scales is about freedom of choice — recognising that every woman should have the opportunity to define what matters most to her, whether that’s career, family, community, leadership, creativity, or something entirely different.
True balance comes when women feel supported to pursue their own priorities without judgement or limitation. It’s about creating social structures, workplaces, and communities that remove barriers and provide genuine support, so women aren’t forced to choose between roles but are empowered to shape their own path.
Balancing the scales isn’t about everyone being the same — it’s about acceptance, respect, and making sure every woman has the opportunity, support, and voice to live in a way that is meaningful to her.
My advice to choose to look for the good in your life and practise gratitude — not because everything is always perfect, but because choosing to focus on what you do have can help shape your mindset and create happiness from within.
Say yes to positive and productive opportunities, even when they feel uncomfortable or outside your comfort zone, because that’s where growth and confidence are built.
Let your morals guide you and stay true to your values, especially when faced with difficult choices. And remember the importance of healthy boundaries — respecting yourself, your time, and your wellbeing is a strength, not a weakness.
Be kind to yourself, stay curious, and don’t be afraid to grow into who you are meant to become.”
Sgt Storm Kolera
Youth Club Program Manager, PCYC South Burnett
PCYC South Burnett’s Gymnastics program is celebrating an outstanding start to the year, with membership numbers soaring past 100 gymnasts.
The remarkable increase in numbers follows a hugely successful school holiday program, which saw the gym buzzing with activity and laughter (and plenty of cartwheels), as children from across the region came together to try new skills and stay active.
The fun-filled sessions gave many local families their first taste of gymnastics and it didn’t take long for the excitement to carry into the new term with the club now home to more than 100 gymnasts.
Club Manager Stacey Perrett said the growth reflects the strong sense of community and the positive, inclusive environment being created inside the gym.
“We focus on making Gymnastics fun and confidence-building for every child,” Stacey said.
“Seeing so many families choose to be part of our program this term has been incredibly rewarding.”
The program caters to children of varying ages and abilities, with a strong emphasis on fundamental movement skills, coordination, balance and teamwork.
With demand continuing to grow, PCYC South Burnett Gymnastics has limited spaces available. Children are invited to come along for a free trial session and experience the fun firsthand.
For families looking to keep their children moving, tumbling, building confidence and having fun, PCYC South Burnett Gymnastics program is proving to be a thriving addition to the local community.
The all-new PCYC Caboolture was officially opened on Thursday, 26 February 2026, ushering in a new era of sport, recreation and youth development for the city.
The opening was attended by representatives from PCYC Queensland, Queensland Police Service, and all levels of government who contributed funding to the project, including the Australian Government ($10 million), Queensland Government ($5 million) and City of Moreton Bay ($2.5 million).
Dignitaries including Senator Corrine Mullholland, Federal Member for Longman Terry Young MP, State Member for Morayfield Mark Ryan MP, and City of Moreton Bay Mayor Peter Flannery joined the celebration, taking part in a formal opening ceremony and touring the new facility.
The event marked the launch of a significant new community asset that is already making a positive impact since opening its doors.
“We are incredibly proud to officially open the new PCYC Caboolture and share this outstanding facility with the community,” said PCYC Queensland CEO Phil Schultz.
“Since opening our doors to the community in late January, the response has been overwhelmingly positive, with locals embracing the space and the opportunities it provides.
“This new PCYC will allow us to expand the delivery of life-changing programs and continue building strong relationships with young people and families, right at the heart of the Caboolture community.”
The new club features a dedicated youth space and community hub, high-quality multi-purpose sport and recreation areas, a modern gymnastics facility, a state-of-the-art 24/7 Gym+Fitness centre, as well as an outdoor basketball court and open space areas.”
Senator Corinne Mulholland said it was important to have a safe space for young people, and that’s what PCYC offered.
“A PCYC isn’t just bricks and mortar, it’s a safe space where kids build confidence, where families connect, and where some of the most vulnerable members of our community find support,” she said.
“So as a mum who lives in the suburbs of Moreton Bay, I think this fantastic new $17.5 million facility is one of the greatest investments in local lifestyle and infrastructure that Caboolture has seen in recent times.
“And today’s milestone isn’t the end of the story, it’s just the beginning! With PCYC moving out of 2 Toovey Street, that old site is now getting the upgrade it has long deserved.
“I’m proud to say the Albanese Government has committed $3 million to transform the old PCYC into a brand new facility to house Spiders Boxing Club, the local Men’s Shed, and Lions Recycle for Sight.”
Minister for Sport and Racing and Minister for Olympic and Paralympic Games Tim Mander said the Queensland Government was proud to support the development of a new sport and community hub for the region.
“Queensland is the home of Australian sport and PCYCs offer a central place for Queenslanders to be active and healthy,” Minister Mander said.
“Importantly, this facility will provide youth programs that help to keep young people active, engaged with their communities and on the right track.
“As we build toward the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the Queensland Government continues to invest in new and upgraded community sporting infrastructure to help more Queenslanders participate in sport.”
City of Moreton Bay Mayor Peter Flannery said the new PCYC Caboolture will provide immense benefit to the local community.
“City of Moreton Bay is proud to have contributed $2.5 million towards the newly upgraded PCYC Caboolture, delivered in partnership with the Australian Government and Queensland Government. This is a strong example of all levels of government working together to positively benefit the community.
“The new PCYC provides a safe and welcoming space to all members of the community. The new building’s inclusive and accessible design will ensure community members with access needs can participate fully in the club’s offerings.”
PCYC Caboolture will expand access to a range of youth and community initiatives, including youth programs like After Dark, Drop In and the Youth Leadership Team, as well as learner driver mentoring program Braking the Cycle, as well as Gymnastics, under-five physical literacy program Little n Active, and 24/7 Gym+Fitness.
PCYC Queensland’s Oakey Connect, recently recognised in the 2026 Toowoomba Australia Day Awards, has delivered programs to Oakey young people for nearly five years, and has changed many lives in that time.
Nominated for Community Group of the Year, the team headed by Dale Smith and Nicole Fagan with the support of Sergeant Chantal Kelly and Senior Constable Fraser McLauchlan, deliver youth and community programs via outreach, heading to local schools, hosting barbecues and providing fun, opportunities and support to young people in the area.
The Oakey Connect team spends the majority of time running in-school programs encouraging teamwork and resilience building across the region. They are also active in the community with weekly Drop In basketball sessions and weekly barbeques in Oakey.
Program Coordinator Dale Smith said some of the schools are an hour out of Toowoomba and don’t have access to many events or programs.
“We provide something they can look forward to each week. Something fresh and fun,” Dale said.
Program Coordinator Nicole Fagan said the Oakey Connect team all love working with young people and in some cases, helping change their lives.
“We spent a lot of time and effort with one girl who was having trouble with a teacher. We worked on building resilience and communication skills. With our help and guidance this young lady improved her relationship with the teacher and had no negative behaviour reports! It’s cases like this that reinforce the value of what we do,” Nicole said.
Oakey Connect is funded by New Acland Coal to provide services and support to young people in Oakey and surrounds including Goombungee, Kulpi, Jondaryan, and Quinalow.
