We recently announced the release of our first ever children’s book, designed specifically for use in our Outside School Hours Fun centers across Queensland. This innovative resource aims to challenge harmful gender stereotypes and attitudes associated with domestic and family violence, fostering a safe and supportive environment for all children.
Developed in collaboration with experts in youth services, domestic violence prevention, and education, our book is more than just a story — it’s a powerful tool for change. It encourages children to explore and understand their identities, while promoting self-worth and respect for others.
By integrating this book into our Fun Squad curriculum, PCYC Queensland aims to equip children with the knowledge and confidence they need to foster healthy relationships and reject harmful attitudes.
Together, we can cultivate a generation that values respect, empathy, and understanding.
The storybook and facilitation guide are now available for purchase. The storybook is available in print and digital (Kindle), and the facilitation guide is available in digital. We recommend purchasing both assets for use in an educational environment.
In a time when young people are increasingly glued to screens, outdoor adventures and challenges are vital tools for building resilience, confidence, and connection.
“Many young people struggle to engage with anything that’s not right in front of them,” said Dylan Smith, PCYC Queensland’s Outdoor Recreation Centre Regional Manager who oversees operations at the PCYC Bornhoffen and PCYC Capricorn Coast – both popular sites for school and leadership camps.
“They’re smart, but when you take them out of their normal environment, it’s daunting at first because it’s not something they are used to – but thatt’s where growth happens and when they are guided through it, the benefits are huge.”
Outdoor camps and programs offer children and teens a rare chance to unplug, challenge themselves, and develop critical life skills. From bushwalks to team-building activities, these experiences are carefully designed to stretch comfort zones and build self-awareness.
Dylan draws inspiration from the philosophy of Kurt Hahn, who warned of the “Seven Declines of Modern Youth,” including reduced fitness, initiative, imagination, and self-discipline.
“Those declines still ring true today,” Dylan said.
“We’re trying to counter that by creating spaces where young people can move, think, collaborate, and grow. I would say that at least 90% of our young people – likely more – walk away from our camps knowing more about themselves, and, importantly, each other, able to work together through their school lives.”
The benefits go far beyond the physical.
Camps foster social connection and emotional development. Group dynamics are an important part of the process, with students who arrive shy or uncertain forming bonds, facing challenges, and learning from both success and failure.
“We take them through a natural evolution: forming, storming, and eventually performing,” said Dylan.
“It’s about learning to work together, solve problems, and realising that it’s okay to make mistakes.”
Importantly, these programs are inclusive.
“Out here, it’s a level playing field. We’ve seen students who struggle in the classroom become leaders on camp,” said Dylan.
“This is where kids find out what they’re made of. They discover that there’s more in them than they know—and once they realise that, they won’t settle for less.”
For schools seeking camp experiences that provide adventure, personal growth and lasting memories, PCYC Queensland’s outdoor recreation centres Bornhoffen, in the Gold Coast hinterland, and Capricorn Coast in Yeppoon offer tailored programs for all school aged young people.
There’s just something about pickleball.
The fast-paced, easy-to-learn game has swept the world in recent years, attracting players who might find traditional court sports less accessible or challenging to get into.
That’s probably why it’s the perfect sport for Fun Squad, PCYC’s outside school hours programs with services right across Queensland, all of whom are – or soon will be – embracing pickleball.
“Over the past year, pickleball has spread across all our services and it’s easy to see why. Seriously Fun is our motto – and pickleball certainly ticks that box,” said Fun Squad General Manager, Bev Book.
“We find that children of all ages just love it, it appeals to all of them and it’s a great way for them to keep active.
“Our teams love it too – and play it frequently which is resulting in stronger teams working together to achieve our mission of safe and healthy communities.”
Kylie Morris, Fun Squad Gilston Service Manager, says the sport combines fun, fitness and lots of interpersonal skills, too.
“It’s a game that children of all ages have been able to play and understand, and it supports their development, leadership skills, cooperation and encourages positive sportsmanship,” she said.
“We have a strong focus on happy and healthy children that come to us to have fun, and this is all evident when they play pickleball.”
At Mother Teresa Fun Squad, pickleball is a relatively new addition, being introduced in December. It’s clear it is there to stay!
“Our children are really enjoying pickleball and all the fun that it brings,” said Service Manager Kayla McGee.
“We have seen a boost in morale amongst our children and team members, and things like sportsmanship, social skills and confidence are increasing.”
So successful has the rollout of pickleball at Fun Squad services been that more and more PCYC Queensland clubs are also offering pickleball to their members.
Pickleball has found a home at PCYC Queensland – and it’s only set to get bigger from here!
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.”
