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 Every time we support another woman, challenge outdated expectations or lead with integrity, we help balance the scales for the next generation.”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.
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).
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.
The young people in PCYC Queensland’s Emergency Services Cadets (ESC) program are nothing short of inspiring.
They’re stepping up in big ways, and proof that the future is in good hands: in the past year, they’ve rolled up their sleeves and lent a hand during natural disasters, learned life-saving skills, and taken on leadership roles within their communities.
When ex Cyclone Alfred swept across Southeast Queensland in March, communities prepared for flooding and long nights of hard work.
Among those stepping forward to help were three ESC units, activated to support their local SES teams by filling sandbags and helping prepare their towns for severe weather. The cadets took on tasks usually handled by trained volunteers, freeing SES crews to deal with urgent jobs such as tarping roofs and responding to emergency calls.
The spirit that drove those cadets into action is the same spirit shown by Jack Daw, ESC participant who, with his father, rescued a man from a burning vehicle near Gin Gin, pulling him to safety moments before the car was fully engulfed.
His courage, leadership and calm response reflect the values that sit at the heart of the ESC philosophy.
The ESC program provides young people with a safe, fun and inclusive environment that offers them practical life skills and leadership opportunities. It is delivered in partnership with QPS and QFES and is usually based out of local emergency service facilities. Cadets try everything from first aid and search and rescue to radio comms, K9 demos and team challenges. Led by volunteer Adult Leaders and supported by real emergency services crews, the program helps young people build confidence, make friends and discover what it’s like to be part of the emergency services community, whether as a volunteer or in a future career.
One of the highlights each year is ESCape Week, a hands-on adventure where cadets try marine rescue, water safety challenges, search scenarios, fire equipment training and even sessions with Polair and the bomb squad.
Program Coordinator Kerrieann Ruatoka said her favourite part was watching the students stretch themselves.
“There is such a great sense of connection, energy and growth. It is really rewarding to hear the positive feedback from both students and staff about the impact the program is having,” she said.
That same sense of teamwork is carried into the annual Cadet Games, held in Brisbane and Townsville. Cadets from PCYC Queensland, Surf Life Saving Queensland, Australian Army Cadets, Royal Australian Air Force Cadets and Australian Navy Cadets participate in activities that tested communication, skill and problem solving.
ESC Program Manager Sue Bernard described the event as busy, exciting and full of connection.
“The day is 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’s International Volunteer Manager’s Day today and we thought we’d find what makes our volunteer managers do what they do.
What is your favourite thing about working with volunteers? Our volunteers come from all walks of life: retirees, social workers, teachers, health-care professionals or busy parents. It’s always been a pleasure to sit down with them during the induction process or over a coffee and hear about the experiences that led them to volunteer with us. Whether it’s a desire to give back to the community that supported them, or a personal understanding of the barriers young people face, their diverse histories enrich our program immensely. Hearing their personal journeys is a constant inspiration, and I learn something new from them every day.
How have volunteers made a difference to your job? They’ve made it possible! It’s as simple as that. As the Coordinator for Braking the Cycle, my role is to manage the program, but the volunteers are the engine that drives it (BTC pun intended). Their ability to quickly build rapport with participants and make them feel comfortable and safe in the car is invaluable. This trust allows me to focus on the administrative, planning, recruitment, and stakeholder engagement tasks required to run the program successfully. Because I know they will deliver high-quality, supportive mentorship, I can focus on sustaining the program.
Why are volunteers an important part of PCYC? Volunteers are the community. For a program like Braking the Cycle, our mentors bring that vital community connection directly into the car. Volunteers also give us something we can’t buy….their time. Their decision to dedicate their precious time back to the community, using PCYC as a means to offer that support, is an incredible gift. PCYC’s commitment to youth development and crime prevention relies heavily on their hands-on support, and I cannot emphasise enough how thankful I am for their commitment.
How do you keep your volunteers motivated? Motivation for me comes down to communication, recognition, and seeing the long-term impact of their incredible effort. I try my best to keep our mentors in the know. This means consistently communicating the overall success of the program and, most importantly, sharing every licence they’ve helped achieved. I work hard to show the volunteers that their time has made a lasting difference. Hearing where the participants are a year later (in a job, pursuing further education, or just driving independently) is the ultimate reward that shows the true value of their commitment.
Drew Wicks
Program Coordinator ‑ Braking the Cycle, PCYC Cairns
What is your favourite thing about working with volunteers? The volunteers’ passion and commitment to help others, selflessly and without payment. Our volunteers love giving their time and energy to help our community. They also offer our young people insight to different opportunities, life experiences, and support. I love it when volunteers offer fresh ideas and their perspective on things as everyone sees things differently.
How have volunteers made a difference to your job? The Braking the Cycle program would never have got off the ground back in 2018 if it wasn’t for volunteers. We had no funding for BTC initially, two Rotary clubs funded and donated a brand-new vehicle and volunteers jumped on board to get the program going. Volunteers lighten the load, not just physically but mentally, with their ideas, words and in most cases wisdom.
Why are volunteers an important part of PCYC? Volunteers help clubs, especially smaller clubs like Mareeba, that lack funding by being the ‘people’ helping to deliver programs. They are rich with knowledge and skills that we might be lacking, for example a volunteer that loves to cook is able to cook meals for the numerous young people that drop into our programs. Our volunteers also help at programs after hours with young people, at events, community days and whenever we need them.
How do you keep your volunteers motivated? By genuinely talking to them. Say g’day, ask what they’ve been up to, ask about family, ask if they’re enjoying what they’re doing, ask for better ideas and ways to do things. We arrange morning teas for catch ups, training, and recognising milestones in their years of service. And also, by thanking them every time I see them when they volunteer. Actually saying and meaning the words “thank you” means something to volunteers.
Sgt Mary-Anne West
Youth Club Program Manger
PCYC Mareeba
What is your favourite thing about working with volunteers? Most of all, I like to see the joyous reactions of our volunteers when one of our learner drivers achieves their P plates. It is a privilege to work with folk who believe in, and truly value the positive potential of our young drivers.
How have volunteers made a difference to your job? Every volunteer brings something unique to our program. Getting to know them and share their experiences is always interesting.
Why are volunteers an important part of PCYC? Volunteers are the lifeblood of BTC, without them we do not have a program. Apart from that important fact, our volunteers embody the aspirations of PCYC to build safer, healthier communities through youth development.
How do you keep your volunteers motivated? I always like to take the time to say “thank you” and to find out what they want to achieve in their volunteering, since most volunteers are intrinsically motivated. We always like to share the good news about our collective “wins” and to help them to understand how their efforts make a difference in the lives of our young drivers.
Russell Savage
Program Coordinator ‑ Braking the Cycle, PCYC Townsville
What is your favourite thing about working with volunteers? Their passion and commitment; our volunteers bring such good energy. They’re patient, kind, and always up for a chat. They’ve usually got the best stories.
How have volunteers made a difference to your job? They make all the difference. Without our volunteer mentors, there’s no program. Their commitment means we get to focus on supporting them, celebrating their wins, and making sure everything runs smoothly. Volunteers have made my job feel so rewarding with how they connect with participants, and the impact they make.
Why are volunteers an important part of PCYC? Volunteers are the heart of our program. Without them, our learners wouldn’t have the chance to get the hours they need or the encouragement they deserve. They give their time, their patience, their kindness and their support. Volunteers make things possible that wouldn’t happen otherwise.
How do you keep your volunteers motivated? Sometimes the biggest motivator is just knowing they’re appreciated and by sharing the wins, when a learner passes their test, gets a job, or tells us how much their mentor means to them. Those little stories remind volunteers why they do it. We trust our volunteers and give them room to bring their own style to mentoring.
Tim Darr
Program Coordinator ‑ Braking the Cycle, PCYC Toowoomba
What is your favourite thing about working with volunteers? Their enthusiasm and support to youth.
How have volunteers made a difference to your job? I rely heavily on volunteers for their support to programs and their skills they bring.
Why are volunteers an important part of PCYC? Just another gateway for youth to experience mentors from all background engaging with them.
How do you keep your volunteers motivated? Probably lucky that our volunteers enjoy the Programs (Boxing After Dark / After Dark Sport / Youth Leadership Team).
Sgt Marc Schneider
Youth Club Program Manager
PCYC Upper Ross
What is your favourite thing about working with volunteers? My favourite thing about working with volunteers is the incredible people I get to work alongside every day. They’re generous, dependable, and genuinely care about making the world a better place. I’m so lucky that I get to spend my days with these amazing people.
How have volunteers made a difference to your job? Volunteers make my job so much easier. I’m lucky to have such a supportive and passionate team—each one of them truly cares about the role they play in young people’s lives. Their commitment and energy are a big part of why the program is so successful.
Why are volunteers an important part of PCYC? We are a community, and volunteers are at the heart of it. Having volunteers on board brings a depth of experience, and genuine care that strengthens everything we do. Volunteers bring warmth, energy, and a shared sense of purpose—without them, PCYC simply wouldn’t be the same
How do you keep your volunteers motivated? We keep things fun, and always make sure our volunteers feel appreciated. A big part of motivation comes from feeling valued, so we take every opportunity to acknowledge their efforts—whether that’s a simple thank you, a shout-out during a team meeting, or celebrating milestones together. We also try to create a positive, supportive environment where everyone feels part of the team.
Sarah Pitt
Program Coordinator ‑ Braking the Cycle, PCYC Beenleigh
What is your favourite thing about working with volunteers? Working together with volunteers from external agencies allows ideas and strategies to be shared and I love brainstorming and getting them thinking about the potentials. It’s a great way to network as well especially in small communities.
How have volunteers made a difference to your job? Having volunteers turn up to the club assisting with different jobs and activities allows me to concentrate on club operations. They really do take pressure off my shoulders of a night time when they offer to prepare the food or run activities. I would honestly be lost without them on Mornington Island.
Why are volunteers an important part of PCYC? I feel volunteers are an essential role in PCYC as they often engage with the community day to day and it allows them to go hands on with the community and engage with the kids. Often in smaller centres, the volunteers are FIFO workers who attend meetings daily with councils etc and coming down after work allows them to unwind and have some fun with the kids and the kids see them as a friendly face rather than just another FIFO worker.
How do you keep your volunteers motivated? I always ask what they would prefer to assist in. Many types of activities occur at the club and rather than allocate them tasks I ask them to choose what they are comfortable in doing. No matter what they choose, it alleviates the pressure. I also reward them with cold drinks especially during the afternoons as the heat can become overbearing.
Sgt Mick King
Youth Club Program Manager
PCYC Mornington Island
PCYC had the pleasure of hosting our annual Charity Golf Day, and what a success it was!
We were sold out with 32 teams hitting the green this year. We had fantastic engagement from golfers of all abilities and the competition was fierce!
Thanks to the support from sponsors, teams and challenge participants, we’re thrilled to share that the event raised over $51k to support PCYC Queensland and our youth programs that build safer, stronger communities.
PCYC’s first pool is officially open and we couldn’t be more excited!
We recently celebrated our grand opening event with a fantastic turnout from the Allora community. We couldn’t have asked for a better turnout – the sun was shining, the water was sparkling, and the community spirit was in full swing.
It was fantastic to see so many locals cooling off with a dip, trying out our free classes, meeting our friendly pool and PCYC team, and enjoying the free BBQ sizzling away all morning.
This is a grand milestone as we expand into the aquatics space, creating more opportunities for fun, fitness, and community connection.
