We’re proud to share the latest exciting development in our youth pathways at PCYC Queensland!
After a successful pilot, we’re officially rolling out our new Coaches of Tomorrow program for young gymnasts aged 12 to14.
This age group is where we often see a drop-off in participation, and we wanted to find a way to keep our young people connected with the sport, and with PCYC more broadly.
We came up with a coaching program that introduces young people to the world of coaching, from foundational skills and planning sessions, to understanding responsibility, leadership, and even getting started with things like Blue Card applications.
The feedback from our pilot group was amazing and we’re now rolling it out across all clubs that offer Gymnastics.
With this program we are building confidence, creating pathways to paid work, and helping young people see a future in the sport they’ve grown up loving.
This initiative is a brilliant example of how we can support young people to stay active and involved, both in sport and beyond. And while they stay connected to PCYC, as gymnasts and then as coaches, these terrific young people will also have access to our other youth programs which offer even more leadership and development opportunities.
We can’t wait to see more young leaders come through this program and grow with us!
One of PCYC Innisfail’s shining lights is Shaz, a determined teenager whose inspirational journey has transformed adversity into opportunity.
Shaz is always brimming with boundless energy and an infectious smile, finding solace and purpose in PCYC’s Boxing After Dark and Drop In programs during challenging times in her personal life. She’s become a beloved and active participant and is now giving back to the community and becoming a leader herself.
Nervous on her first day of boxing, Shaz said Sgt Mick Maguire’s booming voice kept her in line, but over time Sgt Mick has become a big supporter and mentor to Shaz.
Shaz’s connection with PCYC began early, in Year 5, through PCYC’s Team Up program at Innisfail State School. Her engagement deepened in Year 6 with the Bluelights Blue Edge program, as well as her regular attendance at Boxing After Dark and Drop In sessions. It was during these Drop Ins that her talent and passion for gymnastics truly emerged.
This year marks another significant milestone for Shaz as she proudly joined PCYC’s Youth Leadership Team (YLT). Shaz has chosen to dedicate her volunteer hours towards achieving her Gymnastics Coach qualification. This will no doubt unlock a wealth of future possibilities, promising greater engagement, further education, and employment prospects within PCYC’s gymnastics programs.
Shaz is enjoying training to become a gymnastics coach and extending her abilities.
“My favourite part is teaching the younger kids and truly getting to know their individual personalities,” she said.
Shaz’s story is a powerful reminder that with resilience, the right support, and a place to nurture one’s talents, young people can not only overcome obstacles but also achieve their dreams.
The PCYC Innisfail community couldn’t be prouder of this remarkable young woman and eagerly anticipates all the incredible things she will accomplish.
Shaz recommends other young people Drop In to PCYC.
“Take the leap! You’re guaranteed to meet a lot of new faces and leave with unforgettable memories,” she said.
This Queensland Road Safety Week, longterm supporter of PCYC Queensland’s driver mentor program Braking the Cycle, the Motor Accident Insurance Commission (MAIC), announced they will commit $13.6 million over three years in a continuation of funding which has already had a huge impact on young Queenslanders – and been proven to produce safer drivers.
A recent evaluation undertaken by MAIC and Queensland University of Technology found that drivers who had participated in Braking the Cycle had incurred significantly fewer traffic offences of any type and were involved in fewer crashes when compared to a matched control group.
The MAIC funding will help ensure PCYC Queensland can continue providing free driving lessons to people without access to a vehicle or supervising adult, ensuring they gain the required 100 hours of experience prior to obtaining their licence.
PCYC Queensland CEO Phil Schultz said support from MAIC was extremely important.
“The funding from MAIC ensures we can give these young people a positive introduction to the world of driving, with safety top of mind, and a supportive, positive experience with one of our incredible mentors,” he said.
“Every week we hear stories from clubs about people gaining their licence, overcoming challenges, and proving they have the determination to succeed, with help from our volunteers.
“All of us at PCYC Queensland are incredibly grateful to MAIC for continuing to recognise the profound importance of this program, and for supporting us in delivering it.”
Insurance Commissioner Neil Singleton said he was pleased to continue a partnership which had such a positive impact on young Queenslanders.
“Our partnership with this incredible initiative began in 2017, and with this new funding term, I’m proud to say that our collaboration with PCYC will soon mark a decade of positive impact,” he said.
“MAIC’s support has enabled PCYC to address previously unmet needs across Queensland by enabling delivery of the program in some of our most remote and vulnerable communities.
“Under the newly confirmed agreement, our funding will support operations across 37 PCYC sites, including the First Peoples’ specific program ‘Changing Gears,’ which will continue to operate in Napranum, Palm Island, and Yarrabah.”
In National Student Volunteer Week, we are sharing the stories of some of our amazing volunteers:
JOHANNA SINNAMON
Johanna joined PCYC Emergency Services Cadets in January 2024 and has been an integral part of her unit, accumulating the following volunteer hours with ESC:
This Year – 59.25 hours
Lifetime – 104.75hours
Johanna is passionate and dedicated to her community. She has volunteered her time and energy to the following:
Johanna, thank you for you dedication to your community. Your commitment, energy and care inspire others.
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CAPRICE GORRING
Caprice joined Emergency Service Cadets in October 2024 and has accumulated the following volunteer hours with ESC:
This Year – 45.00 hours
Lifetime – 74.50 hours
She attends SES every Tuesday night and undertakes volunteer work and training. She will be going to Roma in September to undertake training in search and rescue and emergency response.
Caprice completed the Kokoda challenge in July this year, hiking 96km and raising funds for the Kokoda Youth Project.
Thank you, Caprice, for your dedication and commitment. We admire the effort you put in and wish you the best of luck in achieving your dream job in fire and rescue.
Celebrating our student volunteers!
This week is National Student Volunteer Week!
Volunteers power so much of what happens at PCYC Queensland – and student volunteers are no exception.
Our amazing young people are making a big difference in their communities across the state.
Our Youth Leadership Teams (YLTs) are shining examples. At PCYC Crestmead, this diverse group rolls up their sleeves to help wherever it’s needed, from packing emergency hampers for people experiencing homelessness in Logan, to washing PCYC vehicles, to supporting the annual CAOS community event.
PCYC Crestmead’s Community Development Officer Tarinabo Dambo answered a few questions about the group:
How long have this group of volunteers been involved?
At least four members of the YLT have been involved for several years, with most participants joining for the first time this year. Nevertheless, all YLT members work effectively as a team regardless of when they joined. Existing members always go out of their way to ensure that new additions feel welcome and included.
What have been some standout achievements from this group while volunteering?
The YLT recently raised around $500 while volunteering to sell raffle tickets at CAOS and recently did a fantastic job of washing the Braking the Cycle cars. PCYC Crestmead YLT also represented the club at the Traditional Indigenous Games (TIGS) tournament at the People First stadium on the Gold Coast where their team the ‘Blue Steelers’ placed first.
How have the group members benefitted from volunteering with PCYC?
All our YLT members reported feeling a sense of purpose and achievement after volunteering with the PCYC. In recent weeks, two of our YLT members, who are aspiring basketball players, had the opportunity to meet and speak to current professional basketball player Tyrell Harrison, who plays in both the NBA in the United States and the NBL here in Australia. The two girls represented YLT well in asking sensible questions to Tyrell alongside the Youth Club Manager Sergent Chris Davey. In late June, Tyrell was a special guest at Crestmead PCYC’s Basketball Afterdark program.
What’s next for members of the volunteer group? (what are their future plans)
The plan for PCYC Crestmead YLT is planning to safely distribute the emergency hampers they packed to people experiencing homelessness in Logan.
Here’s what some of PCYC Crestmead’s YLT said about their time volunteering with PCYC:
Nala: “Volunteering through YLT allows me to help people and the community.”
Raela: “Volunteering with PCYC Crestmead helps me to improve my people skills.”
Ryan: “I enjoy being a part of YLT and volunteering at PCYC Crestmead because I get to do fun activities and make friends.”
Braking The Cycle graduates are safer drivers!
During Road Safety Month in Queensland, we are celebrating the graduates of PCYC Queensland’s Braking The Cycle (BTC) program.
Recent research from Queensland University of Technology (QUT) and major BTC funder, Motor Accident Insurance Commission (MAIC) has shown that drivers taught through Braking the Cycle are safer than your average driver.
Key findings from the report were:
Read the report from QUT and MAIC here.
Braking The Cycle supports young people in Queensland who don’t have access to a registered vehicle to complete their required supervised driving hours.
Road Safety Cadet Club
Braking the Cycle and Wheely Wise are partnering with Fun Squad to deliver newly created Road Safety Cadet Club sessions during Road Safety Month.
The Road Safety Cadet Club sessions cover topics such as the meaning of red, orange and green traffic lights; safely crossing roads; and recognising common road safety signs and what they mean.
These sessions will help our teams spread the message of road safety in all its forms with our very youngest program participants.
Road Safety Cadet Club is aiming to visit all 92 Fun Squads this August.
It’s great to see steady progress at our new PCYC Caboolture site, with construction now more than 60% complete. We’re on track for an opening by the end of the year.
PCYC Caboolture will move to the facility on King Street after 30 years in its current location.
The new club will feature 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.
The new building will be fully insulated, and have solar panels and batteries installed for more sustainable operations.
It will also feature a sealed car park including at least two all-access designated spaces and overflow parking, external building security and carpark lighting, as well as landscaping and irrigation for all developed areas.
PCYC Queensland CEO Phil Schultz said the new building will be a real heart of the community – accessible to all, welcoming to everyone and addressing a range of community needs.
“This new club will allow PCYC Queensland to continue delivering important youth development programs to the Caboolture community,” he said.
“These programs, After Dark, Drop In, our Youth Leadership Team, and our driver mentoring program Braking the Cycle, are at the heart of what PCYC Queensland is all about.
“The new club will also have brand-new high-quality facilities for Gym+Fitness, sports, gymnastics, martial arts – everything you would expect from a PCYC.”
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).
Minister for Sport and Racing and Minister for the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tim Mander said the new PCYC will help more people get active across Caboolture and the Moreton Bay area.
“We know how important sport is in the lives of our young people and this new PCYC will create more opportunities for them engage in sporting programs and after school activities,” he said.
“Our PCYCs offer quality facilities and programs which provide transformative opportunities for people of all ages.”
State Member for Morayfield, Hon Mark Ryan MP, is also a supporter of the project and said it was great for the local community.
“I have been a strong advocate for this project,” he said.
“It’s so exciting for our local community to now see the walls of their new PCYC now standing tall.”
City of Moreton Bay Mayor Peter Flannery said PCYC Queensland played a key role in the local community.
“We’re proud to have advocated strongly for this new facility. Council has contributed $2.5 million through our Regional Community Grant to help bring the new PCYC Caboolture to life so it is exciting to see the build in full swing,” Mayor Flannery said.
Cr Adam Hain (Division 3) said the new PCYC will give locals a safe and welcoming space they can call their own.
“The new PCYC Caboolture will support generations of young people, helping them grow into confident, connected members of our community.”
PCYC Queensland celebrated 16 inspiring young people from Bundaberg, Cairns, and the Gold Coast on 18 July, as they received the prestigious The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Gold Award, the highest honour in the globally recognised youth program.
The recipients were honoured at a ceremony held at Brisbane City Hall, where the PCYC Queensland cohort represented the largest group of Gold Award achievers at this year’s event.
It was a proud moment for both the young achievers and the organisation that helped them reach their goals.
PCYC Queensland CEO and Chair of The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Queensland State Award Committee Phil Schultz said the milestone speaks volumes about the character of the young people involved.
“The Duke of Ed program is a life-changing journey. We are incredibly proud of these 16 young people, who have shown perseverance, determination and spirit,” Phil said.
“To have the largest number of Gold Award recipients in the state this year is also a testament to the support and encouragement provided by our team on the ground.”
PCYC’s State Operations Manager Youth and Community Programs Alex Weber added that the Gold Award represents more than just personal achievement — it reflects growth, contribution, and lasting impact.
“These young people have committed their own time to completing challenges of physical activity, volunteering, skill development, and adventurous journeys,” said Alex.
“Their achievements inspire others and raise awareness of just how valuable The Duke of Ed program is in helping build confidence, independence and community connection.”
The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award is a non-competitive program that empowers young people to explore their full potential, regardless of their background, location or circumstance.
The Gold Award is the highest level, requiring a significant commitment to service, skill development, physical recreation, and personal growth.
If you’re seeking an affordable way to dive into swimming lessons, the Queensland Government’s SwimStart Vouchers are a great solution. The vouchers provide families with $150 to help pay for swimming lessons.
The earlier children start swimming, the more confident they become in the water, which is why SwimStart vouchers are available for children aged four and under.
Starting young means your child can master skills such as floating and basic strokes in our Little n Active H2O class. Once they have gained these skills they will move into a Swim Ready class and be ready to take their swimming to the next level.
Swimming is an excellent way to stay active, healthy, and build lifelong skills. Whether it’s mastering new strokes or enjoying pool parties, swimming helps children stay fit and enjoy the water safely.
Ready to dive in? Visit the Queensland Government website to find out if you’re eligible.
PCYC Queensland’s Fun Squad celebrated Children’s Rights Day last week – a Fun Squad initiative designed to spark conversation, empower children and inspire thought about rights, responsibilities, and what it all means.
Across Queensland, Fun Squads from Cairns to Goondiwindi held activities and conversations where children were encouraged to share what rights they have and what responsibility comes with them.
The initiative began as an idea from Children’s Rights Queensland ambassador and Fun Squad State Operations Manager Karly Sheppard and was an instant hit, inspiring some fashion with a message, kindness walls, and lots of insights. Rights discussed covered friendships, freedom, healthy food, rest, fun, happiness, love, safety and more.
Fun Squad General Manager Bev Book said it’s important that children feel heard and respected.
“This day was about more than just awareness. It was about empowerment too,” she said.
“When children are invited to give deep thought and consideration to their rights and responsibilities, they are better equipped to be confident and caring, great friends, keen learners and conscious of what feels right and what doesn’t. It sets them up for success.
“It was so wonderful to see all of our Fun Squad services embrace this so enthusiastically. Our teams create spaces where children feel safe and heard every day – and this just took it a step further.”
Fun Squad’s Children’s Rights Day is set to become an annual tradition after great feedback from Educators, children and families alike.
