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!
Thousands of young drivers across Queensland are on the road this National Road Safety Week thanks to PCYC’s Braking the Cycle – a volunteer-led program helping young people become safe drivers.
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.
PCYC Queensland CEO Phil Schultz said Braking the Cycle provides young people with the freedom and independence to help them connect with their community.
“We have more than 700 BTC volunteers across the state who provide their time, skills and experience to help young people who may not be able to access or afford driving lessons the chance to gain their driving skills – and become safe drivers for the future,” Phil said.
“Having a licence doesn’t just give them the key to drive, it gives them the key to finding and maintaining employment, pursue study opportunities or the ability to support their families and the wider community.
“Our driver mentors also encourage participants to consider the community around them, helping to foster that sense of responsibility while on the road.”
Program Coordinator Mandy Cotterill said Braking the Cycle places a strong emphasis on road safety education when working with learner drivers.
“It is a well-structured program that guides participants through lessons on road safety, combined with technical driving skills,” Mandy said.
“We see our mentor drivers create amazing relationships with their learner drivers – our team of Braking the Cycle volunteer driver-mentors plays a vital role in our community to make our roads safer.
“A lot of our participants have only one car or no cars in the family, and both parents work, or there’s limited access to a driver-mentor. Others may have financial barriers to getting professional lessons, and that’s where PCYC Queensland can help.”
Paul Shanley, 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.”
Delivered thanks to support from the Department of Transport and Main Roads and the Motor Accident Insurance Commission, Braking the Cycle supports National Road Safety Week’s message that road safety is everyone’s responsibility – and its aim to have zero road deaths in Australia. Calling volunteers!
PCYC Queensland is always looking for dedicated volunteers who can spare a few hours each week. PCYC provides full training and support to help mentors guide participants in becoming safe and confident drivers.
PCYCs Beenleigh, Logan and Crestmead have all installed new red benches at their clubs this Domestic and Family Violence (DFV) Awareness Month.
Why? PCYC Queensland is partnering with the Red Rose Foundation’s Red Bench project, which invites organisations to install red benches to show support for those affected by domestic violence. These benches symbolise safe spaces and our stand against domestic and family violence.
So far, 34 PCYC clubs have installed benches, provided free of charge by their nearest Bunnings stores. PCYC Queensland CEO Phil Schulz said PCYC Queensland promotes healthy and positive relationships throughout all its youth programs, and the red benches provided a visual reminder of a core value for the organisation.
“Our clubs, programs and services offer safe spaces, where violence and disrespect are not tolerated – working to promote safe and healthy relationships is embedded in everything we do,” he said.
“We promote this in all of our youth programs, as well as through our RUBY program for women who have experienced domestic and family violence, and our children’s book, I Expect Respect, which was released last year and for which we have received incredible feedback from our Fun Squad educators and youth club managers who read and discuss the book with children.
“Having these red benches at our clubs provides a visible symbol of an ongoing commitment to this – and are a reminder that PCYC Queensland is a place where you can find friendly faces, support and resources.
“We are really proud to work with the Red Rose Foundation to get these benches installed and provide a visible representation of a deeply important value.”
Red Rose Foundation CEO, Lucy Lord, said the Red Rose Foundation was proud to partner with PCYC Queensland.
“We are proud to partner with PCYC Queensland, whose dedication to promoting safe and healthy relationships for young people is truly inspiring,” Ms Lord said.
“Young people play a uniquely powerful role in challenging the drivers of violence, disrespect and unhealthy relationships in our communities. Every red bench is a call to action for all of us: let’s talk, let’s listen, and let’s change the ending for victims of domestic and family violence.
“Together, we are building communities where respect and safety are visible. We encourage other communities to adopt a Red Bench to signify their part in the movement to end domestic and family violence.”
Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence Amanda Camm said the Red Bench project is an important initiative to raise awareness for domestic and family violence.
“Each bench reminds us that it is a whole of community responsibility to stop domestic violence and that domestic and family violence has no place in our society,” Minister Camm said.
“I applaud the work of the Red Rose Foundation and thank PCYC Queensland for supporting this important campaign.
“The Crisafulli Government is committed to putting the safety of victims first and increasing prevention efforts across our State.”
Easter in the Country celebrations was brighter than ever this year when PCYC Maranoa’s annual ColourXplosion Fun Run, supported by Senex, burst into action.
Held on 20 April – Easter Sunday – the event saw entrants in the PCYC ColourXplosion being showered in a vibrant kaleidoscope of colours when they took to Bassett Park in droves for the 5km fun run and walk.
All profits from the event support PCYC Maranoa’s youth programs.
Entrants were encouraged to wear fancy dress to run, walk, jog or even dance their way to the finish line. With every person who registered issued a free packet of paint powder to shower family and friends during the run, it was an event set to live up to its name.
PCYC Maranoa Club Manager Trish Brider, said this annual fundraiser is a huge help in facilitating the club’s local free programs and activities for young people.
“We love hosting this annual event for our community,” she said.
“It’s great to see our PCYC club members, our staff and volunteers, as well as young people who are new to PCYC, all having fun and supporting each other.
“We want our PCYC to continue to be a hub of activity for the community – we’ve got a lot of exciting programs on the cards to help create a safe, healthy Maranoa community through youth development.
She encouraged young people across the region to come along, have some fun and to find out more about the activities and programs PCYC has on offer – from basketball, to boxing, to learning to drive, and Emergency Services Cadets – PCYC has programs to support young people no matter where they are in life.
Senex Energy Community Relations Manager, Trevor Robertson said Senex was proud of its ongoing partnership with PCYC Maranoa and was excited to be again supporting the ColourXplosion Fun Run in 2025.
“Run, walk, jog, skip or dance to the finish line,” Trevor said.
“PCYC Maranoa delivers important services to the community, and young people seeking positive connections and support from great mentors.
“As a big part of the Roma community, we are delighted to sponsor what is one of the most popular family events in the region.”
Budding gymnasts from across the region showcased their skills earlier this month, with PCYC Dalby hosting its Regional Gymnastics Carnival that saw 80 gymnasts from PCYCs Dalby, Fernvale and South Burnett participating in an inclusive competition for all levels.
Foundation and Beginner gymnasts all walked away with a participation certificate and medal, and Intermediate and Advanced gymnasts were awarded Gold, Silver or Bronze on each apparatus and then received an overall medal depending on their scores.
This carnival was an example of how PCYC Queensland’s Gymnastics program is changing the face of a sport renowned as tough and high-stakes. It’s doing this simply by focusing on joy, health, and personal growth – with a little competitive spirit sprinkled in.
PCYC Dalby’s Club Coordinator Claire Gordon said the Dalby Regional Gymnastic Carnival allows recreational gymnasts the opportunity to have a competition experience without the same stress as an official competition.
“We want people to feel welcome and included, regardless of their skill level,” she said.
“It was absolutely fantastic to see our gymnasts of all levels trying their best and having fun while being able to have a go at a competitive event.
“We want everyone to feel that they belong at a PCYC gymnastics class whether or not they are interested in competing. It is an incredible way for young people to explore the amazing things their body can do, move it in a healthy, fun way, and connect with each other and our awesome coaches.”
By age 12, Leah was facing over 100 criminal charges and trapped in a cycle of battling addiction and destructive choices. For her, boxing has been more than a sport – it’s been a much-needed lifeline.
The physicality of boxing —a PCYC foundation sport since 1948—has instilled discipline and resilience in people for decades, transforming lives like Leah’s. Nowadays, many young Queenslanders first experience boxing by attending our free After Dark youth development program for 12-18s experiencing disengagement.
Last year, we ran 1,217 After Dark sessions across the State, with 20,559 engagements.
Unfortunately, the need is still great, and many other young Queenslanders are on a similar path right now. Leah believes having access to these free programs is crucial for at-risk young people to change their course.
Leah says, “It’s good to do this sort of exercise then, you get a better sleep, it takes you away from other things – you get a feed and are in a place you know you are wanted.”
As a PCYC Gym+Fitness Member, you’re already an important part of a community that helps young Queenslanders make good choices by providing opportunities to be healthier and physically active.
Will you please consider increasing your impact by making a small tax-deductible donation? You’ll help change the stories of more young Queenslanders like Leah.
2025 is the year of the Fun Squad, the bright, bold new look for PCYC Queensland’s outside school hours services.
As the largest provider of outside school hours services in the state, PCYC Queensland knows what schoolchildren need to bookend their school days and fill their holidays.
Fun fuels minds, friendships, and when activities are fun and engaging, they can increase wellbeing, confidence, and boost curiosity.
“We have experience and research behind us, and children and young people are at the centre of what we do at PCYC Queensland,” said Fun Squad General Manager Bev Book.
“We know what matters to parents is that their children are happy and thriving in a positive, nurturing and inclusive space – and what matter to children is, are we having fun?
“The Fun Squad provides both. We focus on sustainability, friendship, leadership, inclusivity, wellbeing and community spirit.”
PCYC Queensland’s Fun Squad offers activities including pickleball, mindfulness, crafting, cooking, gardening and more, as well as the organisation’s leadership program for 5 to 11-year-olds, Cadet Club.
“Cadet Club is an incredibly popular leadership program which involves children learning about leadership, relationships, and emotional awareness. It also has guest teachers like community members, local Elders, and of course QPS officers – PCYC and QQPS share DNA,” said Bev.
“Our 750-person strong Fun Squad teams are backed by more than1,500 PCYC Queensland support staff, 2,700 volunteers and the Queensland Police Service. We are strong and well-supported.”
Fun Squad branding is bright and bold, to match the ethos of the program, and will be rolled out in all services across the state over the coming weeks.
Principal of Waterford State School Danielle Young said Fun Squad was like a home away from home for many of the school’s students.
“Having Waterford Fun Squad as part of our school community is amazing,” she said.
“Our students love heading to Fun Squad after school and I know our staff and parents are relieved of some of their stresses knowing that our Waterford Warriors are safe and sound and having an awesome time.”
For many children and families, the thought of starting Prep or ‘big school’ can be an equally exciting and daunting prospect. And for some, this also involves starting outside school hours care (OSHC) – meaning before school care, after school care, or both.
Whilst some children may be familiar with attending an early learning service already, we know that the progression from home to school is a huge step. At PCYC Queensland we recognise this is an important milestone for both children and parents alike, and we’re here to help you get ready for the transition.
Although most commonly known as a leading charity providing youth and community services, PCYC Queensland is also one of the state’s largest approved OSHC providers.
With over 100 services across Queensland supporting more than 25,000 children each year, our dedicated and experienced OSHC teams are with you every step of the way to help ensure your family’s transition to school and outside school hours care is a positive and successful one.
And the great part is, our OSHC families become part of the PCYC Queensland community, where you can access your local PCYC Queensland club and all the benefits it offers!
PCYC Queensland OSHC services value the importance of play in childhood, and we are committed to providing a safe and fun service for your child. All our OSHC services are tailored to each local community, and we develop programs that meet the needs of children, families and their schools. We know that each child, class and school is different, however we tailor our procedures to ensure a smooth and supportive transition from the classroom into our PCYC OSHC environment.
Each PCYC Queensland OSHC program is developed to include a balance of play, learning, respect, awareness, safety and leadership. We provide a safe and fair environment to allow all children to further develop school readiness skills including self-care, attention and concentration, physical skills, emotional regulation, and language, play and social skills. Our experienced and innovative Educators also support your children’s efforts to enhance their self-esteem and independence.
Mum of three Juliet Grigg loves PCYC OSHC, and all three children have attended the same service over the years.
“Our three children have all attended PCYC OSHC for before and after school care, and even during vacations. Our kids love it. It’s a great opportunity for them to spend more time with their classmates in a safe environment, and there are so many different activities for them to do and the carers are all dedicated and look after the kids so well,” said Ms Grigg.
“PCYC OSHC is so important for us as it allows my husband and I to work, knowing that our kids are being well cared for, and more importantly, that they’re having fun.”
In helping parents and children get ready for Prep and starting school aged care, at PCYC Queensland we believe there are several key elements involved in a successful transition, including:
Orientation
Become familiar with your PCYC OSHC service! We encourage you to visit the service, observe the spaces and meet the Educators who will be engaging with your child.
Preparing for the transition
New locations can be overwhelming! Where possible, we welcome and encourage new Prep children to attend vacation care during January to meet the Educators, make new friends and become familiar with a multi-age environment before school starts.
Parental engagement
We actively seek and encourage families to get involved in the service! Parents’ ideas, experiences and skills are greatly valued and enable us to extend each child’s interests, abilities and knowledge.
School partnership
PCYC OSHC works alongside your school to ensure a smooth and supportive transition, and Prep children are escorted to and from their classrooms in Before and After School Care to ensure they are supervised and supported to and from school.
Our experienced and supportive PCYC Queensland OSHC teams are here to support you and your child’s safe and happy transition to Prep and outside school hours care.
We look forward to welcoming you and your family into the PCYC Queensland OSHC community!
To find out more and how you can enroll your Prep child, please contact us today.
If the future of our communities rests with these young people, it is in good hands.
During the intensity of ex-Cyclone Alfred across South East Queensland over the past week, three of PCYC Queensland’s Emergency Services Cadet Units were activated to volunteer alongside their local SES Units and assist with filling sandbags for the community.
PCYC’s amazing Adult Leaders mobilised a workforce of Cadets to do the jobs that would usually be done by skilled SES volunteers, leaving the SES to tackle the big jobs of tarping roofs and dealing with emergencies in the lead up to this major weather event.
Our Somerset Unit was activated with the Local Cadet Coordinator at the helm, as well as Sergeant TJ Baker lending a hand.
What a wonderful contribution our young people are making to their communities – to say that we are proud of them, and of the Adult Leaders who are making this happen, is a huge understatement!
About PCYC’s Emergency Services Cadets
The Emergency Services Cadets (ESC) program is delivered in partnership with PCYC Queensland and Queensland’s Emergency Services, thanks to the support of Queensland Police Services (QPS) and Queensland Fire Department (QFD).
The ESC program is offered to young people aged 12 to 17 and usually operates out of an Emergency Service facility (such as a local SES headquarters or Rural Fire Service station). The Cadet ‘Unit’ is managed under the leadership and guidance of volunteer Adult Leaders with mentoring and activities from Emergency Services personnel.
The aim of the program is to provide young people with a safe, fun and inclusive environment that offers them practical life skills and leadership opportunities. Cadets are provided with a uniform and participation is free, we just ask Cadets to supply their own black boots. The program runs concurrently with the school year and a Cadet Unit will usually meet once a week during the school term. There are 25 ESC Unit locations across Queensland where Cadets are encouraged to explore a career in the Emergency Services, either as a volunteer or in a paid role.
For more information about your local Emergency Services Cadets program contact PCYC Somerset.
This week was unforgettable for many of the remarkable young people who participate in PCYC programs.
From Sunday through to Thursday, the NRL HOGs tour roared into five PCYCs – South Burnett, Goondiwindi, Rockhampton, Bundaberg and Toowoomba. Each morning, NRL stars including Brad “Freddy” Fittler and Greg Inglis joined our young people for team-building activities and program sessions— and what a fantastic experience it was for everyone.
The engagement was outstanding and the young footy fans were given an experience they’ll always treasure. The success of the tour is a direct result of the hard work and dedication put in by our program staff, QPS partners and the youth participation teams. Coordinating such a huge effort takes a lot of behind-the-scenes work, and I’m very proud of the efforts of everyone at the clubs who made it all come together. I’m also appreciative of the time and effort the NRL put into these visits, and the genuine connection and engagement with young people which was visible to all who were there.
This week highlighted the strength of our partnerships and the impact we can have when we work together. I look forward to seeing this collaboration continue to grow in the future.
Thank you again to all involved for making this week a huge success!
The young people, who are engaged with PCYC Queensland’s youth programs, participated in team-building activities with NRL representatives including founder Brad Fittler along with mentors from PCYC and Queensland Police Service (QPS).
The HOGs Tour, now in its 14th year, is touring Queensland for only the second time, stopping at regional areas and championing the importance of rugby league and sport as a positive force in regional communities.
PCYC Queensland CEO Phil Schultz said the NRL HOGs team spending the morning at PCYC Toowoomba was a fantastic opportunity for the young people in the area.
“We are really excited for the team at PCYC Queensland to be working with our QPS partners and the NRL on this HOGs Tour, which really celebrates young leaders in Queensland communities,” he said.
“The young leaders involved are integral parts of their communities, they are very involved with PCYC and they truly embody the best of Queensland’s young people.”
Brad said the HOGS tour was a great experience for all involved.
“The NRL HOGS National Tour is all about connecting with and celebrating regional communities who are the fabric of our great game,” Fittler said.
“They register to play, watch our NRL & NRLW stars, and contribute so much to Rugby League. This tour is our opportunity to give back to them.
“We ride into town, invite all the juniors out on the field for a community clinic and provide them dinner.
“We visit local businesses in each town, including PCYC Clubs and Westpac branches, connecting with the entire community. I can’t thank our amazing partner Westpac for making this happen again in 2025.”
