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.
