In a seriously fun move for children’s safety, Fun Squad launched Rights Around the World, which has been developed with Children’s Rights Queensland to support children’s understanding of their rights in everyday, real-life moments.
PCYC Queensland’s Fun Squad is one of the largest Outside School Hours Service providers in Queensland and is committed to teaching children positive behaviour, respectful relationships and a culture of inclusion with these new resources.
The Rights Around the World Big Activity Book introduces important rights such as safety, belonging, being heard, cultural identity, play and participation. The accompanying Rights Passport is a special passport that each child will use throughout 2026, and includes activities, personal reflection pages and opportunities to show learning and thinking.
PCYC’s Acting General Manager Fun Squad Karly Sheppard said these resources are already helping children learn about their rights in fun and meaningful ways.
“The Rights Around the World resources inspire children to explore, create, and take action, helping every child feel safe, respected, included, and heard,” Karly said.
“It’s a great way for children to start conversations about what rights are, why they are important, and what responsibilities come with those rights. We are already seeing some wonderful discussions happening.”
The resources support shared language about children’s rights across OSHC and school settings, enhance children’s emotional literacy and social skills, support positive behaviour, respectful relationships and a culture of inclusion and provide opportunities for children to express their ideas and participate in decision-making.
Rights Around the World Big Activity Book and Rights Passport are rolling out now in Fun Squads across the state.
Find out more here https://childrensrights.org.au/oshc-resources
Emergency Services Cadet Unit Leader Izabella Tyrell is an inspiration, taking her team to the Cadet Games two years in a row despite some challenging personal circumstances.
The 16-year-old from Emerald also took part in the Queensland Family and Child Commission’s Youth Summit in Brisbane on 10 April.
Izabella gave a speech at the Youth Summit about her family’s experience of the rural health care system.
Izabella’s mother Kristy is very unwell and being treated as an outpatient of Hervey Bay Hospital, separated from her four children and husband by a seven-hour drive.
Izabella is trying to improve rural healthcare, so that it can better serve families like hers.
“I want to see greater investment in rural healthcare, improved access to specialists, and greater recognition of the impact that health inequity has on young people,” Izabella said.
As well as advocating for better healthcare, Izabella has been active in PCYC’s Emergency Services Cadets since 2022, mentored by Sgt Julia Palmer.
She was one of the first cadets in Emerald and has worked her way up to Unit Leader.
Activities Izabella has participated in at Emergency Services Cadets include first aid, casualty management, search and rescue, swift water theory, road safety, forensics, highway patrol, K9 units, navigation, radio communications, team building and problem solving, as well as attending the Cadet Games for the past two years.
“I have taken my team to the Cadet Games in Townsville twice, placing second both times,” Izabella said.
“I love leading others and all the experiences I have had at Cadets.”
Izabella would like to take what she has learned at Emergency Services Cadets to become a police officer in the future.
Izabella currently goes above and beyond the call of duty to attend school, Emergency Services Cadets, her part time job, and to help her Dad look after the family, all whilst missing her much loved Mum!
Izabella’s father Ben is so proud of his daughter.
“Kristy and I are super proud of Izabella and everything she has achieved and we can’t wait to see what she achieves in the future,” Ben said.
In the early hours of Thursday 19 March, PCYC Toowoomba was destroyed by fire. The club team quickly moved from crisis mode into action mode and have shown resilience and commitment in working together to create connection and opportunity.
Within a few short weeks the Toowoomba team focused on getting back into the community. They worked quickly to get programs and activities back up and running:
Our building burned down, but PCYC is not a building, we are a community and we will rebuild.
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.
