Spring is heating up, and PCYC Queensland is ready to take on management of the Allora swimming pool when it reopens on 1 October – just in time for the summer season.
This marks a major milestone for PCYC Queensland, one of the state’s largest providers of sport and recreation programs.
PCYC Queensland CEO Phil Schultz said the move into aquatics was a natural next step for the organisation.
“All Queensland children need to learn to swim, and as an organisation with such a long history of providing high quality sport and recreation activities, we are well placed for this. It’s an exciting time,” he said.
“We are especially excited to commence our first season at the Allora pool, and we look forward to working with the local community to make it a vibrant hub for health and connection.”
PCYC will introduce a range of engaging aquatic programs, including learn-to-swim classes, squad training, aquatic fitness sessions and more. The pool will also open up employment opportunities for locals interested in aquatics and youth development.
Sport and Recreation Manager – Aquatics Ilka Lebbink said she was keen to get things started.
“We’re planning lessons and activities for the opening, and can’t wait to welcome families to the pool,” she said.
“We are excited to really become a part of this great community.”
PCYC Queensland will also offer a monthly Drop In session at the neighbouring basketball court. Drop In is one of the organisation’s youth programs, focused on peer connection, positive mentorship and ensuring young people have a safe space to connect, enjoy themselves and seek guidance if needed.
PCYC Queensland has a significant presence in regional Queensland, with busy and popular clubs in nearby Toowoomba and Dalby delivering youth programs and activities.
“We’re delighted to welcome PCYC Queensland to Allora,” said Cr Russell Wantling, Southern Downs Regional Council’s portfolio Councillor for Active Communities.
“Their proven track record in youth development and recreation aligns perfectly with our vision for a healthier, more connected future for our region.
“The introduction of PCYC’s Drop In program is a fantastic initiative that will give our young people a safe and supportive space to grow, connect and thrive, and we’re excited to see the positive impact this will have on the Allora community.”
“I’m looking forward to a long and successful partnership with Council and with the Allora community,” said Phil.
Child Protection Week is a chance to say loud and clear: child safety is everyone’s business. At PCYC Queensland, we’re shining an extra spotlight on the things we’re doing to make sure every child and young person feels safe, respected and heard.
Our new Code of Conduct posters will soon be up around our services. You can see a sneak peek of them below. They’re a clear reminder to everyone – including children and families – of the standards we expect and the values we hold. It’s about being upfront with our commitment to safety, inclusion and respect.
Real Conversations, All Ages
We’ve been having age-appropriate chats with children and young people about what safety means to them. That includes talking about consent, recognising when something doesn’t feel right and knowing who they can talk to. From curious primary school children to thoughtful young people, these conversations are helping build a culture where asking questions and speaking up is encouraged.
Hearing From Our Community
We have also launched a short survey to get feedback from families, children and staff about how we’re doing on safeguarding. What’s working? What else is needed? It’s all part of making sure our policies and practices aren’t just words on paper but really reflect what our community needs.
Child safety is never a one-off conversation. It’s something we keep coming back to, because children and young people deserve nothing less.
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.”
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.
PCYC Queensland hosted the flagship event for cadets in Queensland, the 2025 Cadet Games in June.
The Games, in their 11th year, saw 180 cadets from PCYC Queensland Emergency Services Cadets, Surf Life Saving Queensland, Australian Army Cadets, Royal Australian Air Force Cadets and Australian Navy Cadets compete in games of skill, problem solving and teamwork.
They vied for the title of Ultimate Cadet Crew and were judged by emergency services and defence personnel who volunteered their time on the day. Judging was based on communication, ability and teamwork and events are chosen based on skills and drills taught to the cadets throughout the year.
PCYC Queensland Emergency Services Cadets Program Manager Sue Bernard said the day was action-packed, busy and fun – and is made possible thanks to the support of many.
“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 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. We have many cadets who return year after year to reconnect with cadets from other areas and seeing them enjoy the events and keep coming back, making these lasting connections and feeling such pride, is so rewarding for us to see.”
PCYC Queensland CEO Phil Schulz 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.
“It really shows what we are all about here at PCYC Queensland. It’s also great to get such firm support for the event from the emergency services, our volunteers and PCYC team members.”
PCYC’s Emergency Services Cadets provides young people with practical life skills and leadership opportunities.
The Cadet Games are supported by Queensland Police Service, Queensland Fire Department, Queensland Ambulance Service, Australian Red Cross, Surf Life Saving Queensland, Australian Volunteer Coast Guard Association and Volunteer Marine Rescue Association Queensland.
