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. We currently have no power and are still sourcing equipment, and our first markets back will now be Sunday, 12 April.
It’s important that everything is properly in place so we can open safely and bring back the market experience we know and love.
We have also explored seeking an alternative temporary location. However, permits, power and other essential requirements made this unworkable at short notice.
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. While we don’t have a timeline confirmed at the moment, we need to focus on where we can offer our programs, activities and services for the Toowoomba community in the meantime.
Our priority is establishing temporary facilities while we plan the rebuild so that our programs and activities can continue as soon as possible and all our participants can remain connected.
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 happens next?
Our most immediate priority is support for temporary facilities so that our community can come back together for our youth programs as well as Gymnastics, Little n Active and community sports. We need spaces that we can operate from for up to three years, while we rebuild.
What is happening with programs and activities?
Gymnastics and Little n Active are currently paused, while we secure alternative arrangements. All payments are on hold, and no one is being charged.
BTC is up and running again from the Toowoomba library and celebrated a drivers licence being achieved yesterday!
Our Youth Programs team is now based at the Youth Connect offices and we are already running programs at community locations and in schools.
We are continuing our outreach programs working in local schools as a part of our crucial work to support young people in the area.
As many of you will know, we had made big plans for Youth Week – we are still intending to go ahead with those! We just need to find an alternative venue, and we will keep you informed.
When will the markets restart?
We are working hard to get the markets up and running again and we are hoping to have them back up and running by Easter Sunday. We know how important this community event is, so please keep an eye on our Facebook page as we will announce confirmed plans as soon as we have any news for you
Is the PCYC Toowoomba fire connected to the fire at PCYC Wollongong?
No, there is no connection. The other PCYCs around the country operate under or alongside their state or territory police force; we are all separate entities. The two fires happening on the same night is a coincidence, and the incidents are unrelated.
What is the latest update on the car park?
The PCYC car park will be available for use as usual from Wednesday, 25 March.
What is happening with the PCYC Toowoomba staff?
All of our team members remain with PCYC and supporting their wellbeing is one of our top priorities.
We are working very hard to find temporary locations so that our team can resume delivering programs and activities as soon as possible.
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.
The wait is over for the Caboolture community, with the all-new PCYC Caboolture officially open.
The hotly anticipated new club has reopened in a modern, fit-for-purpose new space conveniently located at 152 King Street after 30 years in its previous location.
The new club has a dedicated youth space, multipurpose sport, recreation and community areas, an upgraded gymnastics facility, a state-of-the-art 24/7 Gym+Fitness centre, and an outdoor basketball court. This will allow PCYC to build on its strong community connections and welcome even more locals to enjoy everything it has to offer.
PCYC Queensland CEO Phil Schultz said the response from the community had been incredibly positive.
“We have had so much interest and excitement from the local community which is really encouraging,” he said.
“I know this club will cement itself at the heart of the community here in Caboolture.
“Even more young people can access programs like After Dark, Drop In, our Youth Leadership Team, and our driver mentoring program Braking the Cycle, families can enjoy Gymnastics and Little n Active, and we’ve already had lots of interest in our Gym+Fitness Centre.”
The new, $17.5 million PCYC Caboolture is being delivered in partnership with the Australian Government ($10 million funding), the Queensland Government ($5 million funding) and Moreton Bay Regional Council ($2.5 million funding).
2026 started with some wild weather across Queensland, with Winton being just one of the places heavily affected by rain and flooding. Winton has just one SES member so the community relies on extra support in times of disaster. This time PCYC Emergency Services Cadet Sally was there to help!
Sally worked alongside SES personnel, door-knocking and advising residents to evacuate as flood waters rose. Sally found the experience incredibly meaningful, feeling a strong sense of purpose in supporting a community in need and helping ensure residents’ safety.
Sally says her time in Emergency Services Cadets has helped her feel more knowledgeable and confident when approaching situations like this, particularly in communicating with others and delivering important safety warnings to the community.
Well done Sally!
As Term 1 approaches, 2026 is shaping up to be an exciting year for PCYC Aquatics, with PCYC Queensland set to take over management of the much-loved learn-to-swim school at The Gap in late January.
This marks the organisation’s second PCYC Aquatics service, following the recent opening of its first facility in Allora, and signals PCYC Queensland’s growing presence in the sport and recreation space.
PCYC Queensland CEO Phil Schultz said the move into aquatics was a natural next step for the organisation and welcomed the opportunity to establish a presence in The Gap just months after the Allora opening.
“All Queensland children need to learn to swim, and as an organisation with such a long history of providing high quality sport and recreation activities, we are well placed for this,” he said.
“We look forward to working with the local community to make it a vibrant hub for health and connection.”
PCYC offers a range of engaging aquatic programs, including learn-to-swim classes. The pool will also open up employment opportunities for locals interested in aquatics and youth development.
Sport and Recreation Manager – Aquatics Ilka Lebbink said the response from The Gap community had already been enthusiastic.
“We have had so much interest in our learn-to-swim programs already, and we just can’t wait to welcome the community to the pool to enjoy all PCYC Aquatics has to offer,” she said.
“We are pleased to become a part of this great community.”
Our Emergency Services Cadets Youth Psychological First Aid (PFA) pilot has now wrapped up across all participating Units in the Wide Bay-Burnett region, and what a powerful journey it has been.
Across Gin Gin, Biggenden, Hervey Bay and Childers, Cadets and Volunteer Leaders embraced the training with a strong sense of responsibility to their communities. Our young people showed us that they are more than ready to engage in conversations about wellbeing, support, leadership and resilience.
Dilo Alazeez, 17, has passed his driving test, and that’s not the only milestone he’s marked – he is the 550th graduate of Braking The Cycle at PCYC Toowoomba.
Braking The Cycle supports learner drivers without access to a supervisor or registered vehicle to complete their 100 logbook hours. Volunteer mentor drivers guide learners on their way to passing their driving test.
Braking The Cycle Program Coordinator Tim Darr is proud of Dilo’s hard work and determination, noting that Dilo is not the first in his family to come through the program.
“Dilo is keeping it in the family, after his older brother Sameer gained his license via Braking The Cycle in 2022,” Tim said.
PCYC Queensland CEO Phil Schultz said Braking The Cycle provides young people with the freedom and independence to help them connect with their community.
“Having a licence doesn’t just give these young people the key to drive, it gives them the key to finding and maintaining employment, pursuing study opportunities or the ability to support their families and the wider community,” Phil said.
PCYC is looking for more volunteer mentor drivers. PCYC provides full training and support to help mentors guide participants in becoming safe and confident drivers.
