We recently announced the release of our first ever children’s book, designed specifically for use in our Outside School Hours Fun centers across Queensland. This innovative resource aims to challenge harmful gender stereotypes and attitudes associated with domestic and family violence, fostering a safe and supportive environment for all children.
Developed in collaboration with experts in youth services, domestic violence prevention, and education, our book is more than just a story — it’s a powerful tool for change. It encourages children to explore and understand their identities, while promoting self-worth and respect for others.
By integrating this book into our Fun Squad curriculum, PCYC Queensland aims to equip children with the knowledge and confidence they need to foster healthy relationships and reject harmful attitudes.
Together, we can cultivate a generation that values respect, empathy, and understanding.
The storybook and facilitation guide are now available for purchase. The storybook is available in print and digital (Kindle), and the facilitation guide is available in digital. We recommend purchasing both assets for use in an educational environment.
National Road Safety Week is here!
PCYC Queensland is on ‘The Road to Zero’ for National Road Safety Week, this week. Thanks to Braking the Cycle – our volunteer-led program helping young people become safe drivers.
DId you know? Since its inception in 2012, Braking the Cycle has delivered 317,730 hours of supervised driving and has assisted almost 6,000 participants to achieve their licence.
Paul, Braking the Cycle Mentor-Driver has been volunteering with PCYC Queensland for more than four years.
“My main motivation for becoming a Braking the Cycle mentor volunteer was two-fold: number one – road safety, and helping young people to learn how to drive, and learn how to drive safe,” he said.
“Unfortunately, as everybody knows, if you get it wrong as a young driver, you don’t necessarily get a second chance and that’s what inspires me.
“I wanted to do my little bit in educating, coaching and helping young people to develop good driving habits, so that not only do they obtain their licence, but when they graduate from the program, they are going to be safe drivers and have a long, happy driver career.”
Shout out this week to Paul and all of our amazing Braking the Cycle Driver Mentor volunteers and program coordinators – We APPRECIATE YOU!
PCYC Queensland’s range of Jibbitz are available – and very popular!
Not only are they a bright, bold style statement, they are also a way for Fun Squad families to help support PCYC Queensland’s youth programs that are at the heart of our charitable mission.
Every Jibbitz sold will help fund programs that raise the gaze of young people through free diversion, development and leadership programs, making Fun Squad Jibbitz a simple, affordable way to help children take an active part in making their community a great place to live.
Small purchase. Seriously Fun style statement. BIG impact.
If you’re interested, head to your nearest Fun Squad to find out more!
My name is Chris Martin & I’ve been a mentor with the PCYC Braking the Cycle driving programme in Toowoomba for more than six years. During that period, I have accumulated around 2,800 hours of student training, and have been involved in many of the 400 plus successful licences achieved, by students here, learning in the programme.
“Why do I do it, I hear you ask?” There are quite a few facets to answer this question. For a start, many of our students come from different cultural backgrounds, such as Sudan, Nepal, Yazidi – from Iraq & Iran (to name but a few), as well, of course, as our local Aussie teenagers.
Although I have more than 60 years of driving experience, to impart to them, I also learn a lot from these students about their own cultures & it gives me an opportunity to impart more of our own. They also teach me a lot about the world my own grandchildren are growing up in and help me understand the very different, and sometimes complicated issues they face in these modern times. So it’s not just a one way thing there is multi varied learning on both sides.
Some of the students come from quite challenging backgrounds & it a pleasure to see their level of positivity change as they succeed, in various steps along the 100 hour road to gaining their P licence.
The programme also has very valuable benefits for the community at large, as some of the students are on un-employment benefits, and most of them, once they gain their licences are able to venture into employment or study pathways, which has very positive outcome for both themselves and the community. For instance, quite a few of the Yazidi female students want to go into nursing, a much needed vocation, in an aging population.
I only volunteer for a couple of sessions each day of the week, but find it tremendously enjoyable and full of positive outcomes. Would I do it again, certainly! Would I recommended the programme to other potential mentors, definitely – so get involved.
Learn more about becoming a PCYC volunteer below.
Kids in the Kitchen is Fun Squad’s new program helping children learn about food, nutrition and cooking.
This program has been specially developed by a nutritionist to help Fun Squad children. Throughout the program, children explore a variety of fun and engaging activities that will teach them important life skills and help them make healthy food choices. Each week, Fun Squad children dive into different aspects of food and nutrition with both practical and theory-based activities. From learning about the food groups to exploring kitchen safety, and from creating delicious recipes to understanding the importance of balanced meals, this program is designed to be both educational and enjoyable.
Fun Squad’s goal is to make learning about food and nutrition exciting and accessible for everyone.
Get ready to have fun, try new things, and become a Menu Master!
Kids in the Kitchen is being run in Fun Squads across the state now. To learn more, simply speak to our friendly Educators at your local Fun Squad.
My name is Victoria and like many others, I have a PCYC story. As I entered my final year of university, I was ready to extend my knowledge of marketing beyond the lecture hall or tutorial room. I applied for an internship and was lucky enough to be offered a place within the Marketing, Media, Communication & Fundraising Team. I was excited about the opportunity and ready to start working!
The collaborative nature of the team allowed me to work with a range of managers, assisting with social media, fundraising, blogs and even getting involved in our events. I was thrown in the deep end, introduced to new platforms and developing my knowledge in a way I couldn’t just sitting in my university classes. I always felt supported and knew there was a team member with words of wisdom to help solve any issue I came across. I got to show my creative side by coming up with content ideas and was excited to work at our 70th anniversary Gala Ball, where we saw months of hard work come into action.
After several months, my time as a PCYC Queensland intern came to an end, but this was by no means the end of my journey. After developing strong bonds with my team, I stayed on as a volunteer, helping with events such as the Ekka. In October, I returned to the MMCF team in a paid position. I was excited to re-join the team and begin working on our new website. As I begin 2019, I reflect on the many opportunities PCYC Queensland has given me and am looking forward to continuing my work this year.
Learn more about becoming a PCYC Volunteer below.
Hi, I’m Lexi, and I’ve been volunteering for the PCYC gymnastics team since nearly the start of this year, and it’s been the best!
I’ve been so lucky to have been included in training courses where I have been learning leadership skills and guided by some really talented and caring coaches. One of the best parts about working for the team, is how encouraging and supportive everyone is. I help two afternoons a week after school coaching young gymnasts. It’s such a lovely environment to be in, surrounded by happy and motivated people who are all enjoying what they do. I also really love having the chance to use the awesome equipment myself when classes have finished, and the coaches have a few spare minutes to have a laugh and chat amongst each other.
If it’s something you’re interested in doing, I highly recommend joining the team. It’s awesome!
Learn more about becoming a PCYC Volunteer below.
