Sandy is an absolute superstar whose infectious energy, love of life and passion for sharing her workouts, inspires joy and motivation in everyone around her.
I have been a Gym+Fitness member for around two years now. I joined because no matter which PCYC club I went to, I also found there to be a great, lovely community and I have made friends and been well looked after at every club I have been to.
I really enjoy how holistic PCYC Maranoa is, with Activ8 Fundamentals and Activ8 Group Training included in my membership, which I have used to really maximise my progress. All the staff members are really kind and the trainers are very helpful and professional! But mainly, I cannot stress enough just how wonderful the PCYC community is!
I aim to not be using any form of assisting device when I am 90. I want to be able to get up and down without any help and remain fiercely independent. I’d rather be the oldest person in the gym that the youngest in a nursing home!
I love the Activ8 Strength class. I really enjoy getting stronger, staying focused, and seeing real progress. I also find that it helps me get my heart rate up as well as my muscles working!
My favourite piece of equipment is definitely the Lat Pull Down Machine. It is great for ladies wanting to get rid of their back fat!
“It doesn’t matter how fast you go as long as you don’t stop”. Some days you might be lifting more while the others less but as long as you keep going you will get there.
“Celebrate the non-scale wins”. Losing weight isn’t everything. When I first started, I was only doing 20kgs on the Lat Pulldown, now I am doing 35kgs. Every day you go to the gym and improve, and keeping going should be celebrated just as much as losing weight.
Discover PCYC Maranoa or view the gym timetable.
Elizabeth describes herself as a big kid at heart who loves life’s adventures and is always up for a challenge. She always has a smile on her face and isn’t afraid to laugh at herself, so there’s never a dull moment!
I joined the team at PCYC Bundaberg nearly two years ago!
I’m passionate about fitness and mental health. Being able to help someone transform and gain a better quality of life is something that always puts a smile on my face.
I love to give myself challenges and goals! I’m currently aiming to run 10km in 1 hour.
My favourite Activ8 Group Training classes to teach are Activ8 Fusion and Activ8 Strength, as I love seeing my clients being uplifted.
My favourite moments are always the ones that involve helping those around me grow and learn with my knowledge, especially for my children. It is important to me to be the best role model for them and to have a healthy lifestyle with self love.
No self-doubt. Never tell yourself you can’t do it. Your mind is more powerful than you think! Mind over matter.
Discover PCYC Bundaberg or view the gym timetable.
Congratulations to our amazing PCYC Bundaberg Competition Team!
What an incredible weekend at the Yeppoon Invitational! We couldn’t be prouder of the hard work, determination, grace and sportsmanship shown by all our gymnasts. Well done to everyone who competed, including:
🏅 Asher – 4th on Vault and 6th All Around (Level 3 Under 9)
🏅 Lilly – 2nd on Vault, 1st on Beam, and 4th All Around (Level 3 Under 10)
🏅 Charlotte – 1st on Bars, 4th on Beam, and 5th All Around (Level 3 Open)
🏅 Clara – 4th on Vault and 2nd on Floor (Level 3 Open)
🏅 Ellah – 5th on Vault and 2nd on Beam (Level 3 Open)
🏅 Elouise – 5th on Bars (Level 4 Under 9)
🏅 Bonnie – 4th on Bars (Level 4 Under 11)
Congratulations girls! You make us incredibly proud and we can’t wait to see what you achieve next!
A conversation at a PCYC Crestmead Colour Run has helped turn one young person’s dream into reality, highlighting the far-reaching impact of community partnerships and the power of investing in young people.
PCYC Crestmead hosts two Colour Runs each year, popular events which rely heavily on volunteer support to help deliver a safe and memorable experience for local families.
Ahead of the club’s last Colour Run, PCYC Fleet and Procurement Manager Lyndelle Hutchinson, a regular visitor to PCYC Crestmead, rallied support from fleet management provider Summit Leasing, with five staff members from the company assisting.
PCYC Crestmead Youth Leadership Team member Jack joined staff and volunteers to help set up the course and activities. Jack also welcomed and briefed the Summit Fleet Leasing and Management staff, sharing his positive experiences with PCYC Crestmead and speaking openly about his ambition to become a motor mechanic.
Impressed by Jack’s enthusiasm and maturity, Summit staff encouraged Lyndelle to contact Motorama Springwood to explore potential apprenticeship opportunities on his behalf. An interview was organised, with PCYC Crestmead supporting Jack through interview preparation and logistics.
Jack successfully secured an apprenticeship and is now balancing his training with completing years 11 and 12 through The BUSY School Kingston.
His dream of becoming a motor mechanic is now well within reach.
PCYC Procurement Officer Lyndelle Hutchinson said the outcome demonstrates the strength of community partnerships and the lasting impact they can have on young people.
“We’re super excited to be able to help young Jack get closer to that goal. Motorama and PCYC have a great working partnership and it has been wonderful to watch them take one of ‘ours’ under their wing,” Lyndelle said.
“They are waiting for us to find them their next superstar to join Jack hopefully in the near future as part of the Motorama family. Jack has left quite an impression on the Summit Leasing team’s hearts and minds.”
PCYC Regional Manager Mike Coker said Jack’s journey reflects the value of collaboration between PCYC, industry partners and the broader community.
“This is an amazing example of collaboration and support of Jack’s ongoing development and journey with PCYC,” Mike said.
“I can’t wait to hear how he progresses in his apprenticeship and involvement with Crestmead.”
PCYC Crestmead Youth Club Program Manager Sergeant Chris Davey said the story highlights how meaningful opportunities can arise when community organisations and businesses come together to support young people.
“What began as a volunteer opportunity at one of our Colour Runs has become a pathway to employment for Jack,” Sergeant Davey said.
“We’re incredibly proud of everything he has achieved and grateful to Summit Leasing, Motorama and Lyndelle for seeing his potential and helping him take the next step towards his future.”
The outcome serves as a powerful reminder that every volunteer, every partnership and every conversation can make a difference in enriching young lives. For Jack, one day spent helping at a Colour Run has become the first step in building a successful career.
PCYC Queensland hosted the flagship event for cadets in Queensland, the 2026 Cadet Games, on 26 June.
A total of 66 cadets participated in the Townsville Cadet Games, with the opportunity to be recognised as the Ultimate Cadet Crew. Emergency Services and Defence personnel volunteered their time to assess teams on their communication, teamwork and practical skills through activities that reflected the training and experiences cadets have undertaken throughout the year.
The honours were as follows:
PCYC Queensland Emergency Services Cadets Program Manager Tina Adams said the day was action-packed, busy and fun – and is made possible thanks to the support of many.
“The day was 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.”
Volunteering is at the heart of what we do at PCYC, and 20 Adult ESC leaders as well as 25 volunteers from a range of emergency services helped Tina and her ESC team on the day.
PCYC Queensland Acting CEO Mitch Ryder 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.
PCYC’s Emergency Services Cadets provides young people with practical life skills and leadership opportunities.
The Cadet Games were supported by Queensland Police Service, Queensland Fire Department, Queensland Ambulance Service, Australian Red Cross, Surf Life Saving Queensland, Australian Army Cadets, Royal Australian Air Force Cadets, Australian Navy Cadets, Australian Volunteer Coast Guard Association and Volunteer Marine Rescue Association Queensland.
When Ryan Murray’s mum Pat was undergoing cancer treatment, he joined PCYC Gold Coast’s Braking The Cycle so he could build up his logbook hours, and his efforts have been rewarded: he’s recently just gained his licence.
While Ryan (20) was a learner driver, his parents were unable to supervise his driving as his mum, Pat, was so unwell – but Ryan was determined.
With the dedication and support of our amazing mentors at PCYC Gold Coast, Ryan is now behind the wheel on his own, with a host of employment and educational opportunities now more accessible to him.
Ryan said that without Braking The Cycle, he wouldn’t have his licence right now.
“I would like to humbly thank PCYC for helping me drive and get my Ps,” he said.
“Without you guys, I don’t think I would have my licence right now.”
Ryan’s parents are so grateful to the Braking The Cycle program that they intend to pay it forward by helping to mentor other young drivers in the future: a full circle moment for Ryan, his family, and the Braking The Cycle team.
“Once my husband retires soon, he’s keen to become a BTC driving mentor. And I myself hope to do the same after completing my recovery,” Pat said.
Braking The Cycle at PCYC Gold Coast and PCYC Ashmore are funded by MAIC (Motor Accident Insurance Commission) and support over 100 learner drivers per year across the two clubs.
If you can spare some time to help young learner drivers, please contact PCYC Gold Coast about becoming a volunteer driver mentor.
Brad is a strength focused trainer who loves helping people feel confident, capable, and unstoppable in the gym.
I joined PCYC Dalby just a few months ago and have really enjoyed becoming part of a community driven gym. Even in a short time, it’s been great getting to know our members and supporting their fitness journeys
I became a trainer because I love seeing people realise their potential. Strength training and conditioning can completely change someone’s confidence, and being able to guide that transformation is something I’m passionate about. The fitness industry gives me the chance to help people move better, train smarter, and build resilience.
I just completed my first HYROX Solo Men’s Pro! I went in with no expectations and just wanted to experience it and see where I was at. I ended up having an unreal time, pushed myself more than I thought, and learnt a lot along the way (with a lot of smiling for photos). It definitely lit a fire in me and I can’t wait for the next one!
My favourite Activ8 Group Training class to teach is Activ8 Fusion as I like helping people push themselves and build confidence in a positive environment. I find it rewarding seeing participants improve their fitness, energy, and mindset over time. I also enjoy creating a motivating atmosphere where people can challenge themselves while still having fun.
Some of my favourite moments in my personal fitness journey have been completing events like HYROX and a half marathon. Training for and achieving those goals pushed me both physically and mentally, and showed me the value of consistency, discipline, and resilience. It was rewarding to see not only physical progress, but also how much my confidence, mindset, and overall wellbeing improved through fitness.
Focus on consistency over perfection. Small improvements add up, and the strongest results come from showing up, learning good technique, and trusting the process.
Discover PCYC Dalby or view the gym timetable.
You’ll spot Jeremy in the PCYC Fernvale gym most mornings. He was known for misplacing his 24/7 access fob more than sock through the washing machine, but thankfully he now has it all under control.
I joined in 2023 but due to injury I wasn’t training. However, I was happy to keep donating to PCYC Queensland. At the start of this year, I started training daily.
I love the people. PCYC Fernvale is a community full of fun, supportive staff and people. I’m always up for a chat while I’m here.
I had 4 years off training due to injury. I’ve been able to restart my training journey this year and I just love lifting heavy again.
My favourite exercise is a bench squat and my favourite piece of equipment is the squat rack.
Don’t rely on motivation. Discipline is the most important factor when training. Find a time that works for you and stick to it, even if you don’t feel like training.
Discover PCYC Fernvale or view the gym timetable.
Well done to all the young people who submitted their artwork for our Youth Week Art Competition.
PCYC Queensland’s Youth Week Art Competition celebrates the creativity and unique perspectives of young artists across the state.
The competition invited young people to respond to the theme “One World, Many Stories,” and showcased a diverse range of artworks exploring identity, culture, connection and community.
After reviewing a strong field of entries from across Queensland, judges have recognised two standout young artists:
Both artists impressed judges with their creativity, originality and thoughtful interpretation of the theme, capturing powerful stories that reflect the richness and diversity of communities across Queensland.
PCYC Queensland General Manager of Youth and Community Programs Andy Cassidy said the quality of submissions made the judging process both inspiring and challenging.
“The artworks we received this year were absolutely amazing,” Andy said.
“From deeply personal reflections to vibrant cultural storytelling, young people across Queensland demonstrated incredible talent and insight.”
Amelia and Joanna will each receive an Apple iPad, as well as have their artwork featured in future PCYC Youth and Community Programs marketing materials.
Well done to all the young people who submitted their artwork.
Name: Amelia
Artwork title: Australian Stories Under the Rainbow
Artist Statement: Under the rainbow, I see the Australia I know—full of different families, cultures, and stories that make home more colourful.
Name: Joanna
Artwork title: Authors of the Future
Artist Statement: We all come from different backgrounds, places, and cultures, but together we write our own stories and pave a path to the future we will someday lead.
Through policing and mentorship, Sgt Chris Davey has made a positive impact on the young people all over Logan.
PCYC Crestmead’s Youth Club Program Manager, Sgt Chris runs youth programs After Dark, Drop In, Cadet Club, Team Up, Youth Leadership Team and CHAMP.
One of the most popular programs is Boxing After Dark, which attracts dozens of young people from across Logan each week.
Chris also leads PCYC Crestmead’s Youth Leadership Team (YLT) who are prolific in the Logan community as they work on developing the three pillars of club, community and self.
Chris said the YLT has formal debates about issues that affect them like e-scooters and the new social media laws, and they also visited state parliament, where they discussed Indigenous representation in Parliament as well as the social media ban.
“They have cleaned graffiti off club walls, helped the homeless, they play dodgeball and cook meals, they play ping pong and pool. We keep activities wide and varied to keep the young people interested,” Chris said.
At the recent ColourXplosion run fun, Jack from the YLT was chatting to some corporate partners in attendance who were so impressed with him they arranged for him to start an apprenticeship.
“It’s great to see a good kid getting an opportunity,” said Chris.
“Hopefully he’ll be a trailblazer who could open up doors for other young people.
“I hope this is the first step into a fulfilling and enriching career for Jack.”
Jack is a great example of YLT’s young people getting exposed to community and the great outcomes which can come from that.
Chris said there are so many reasons he loves his job.
“The kids keep me young! I’m 57, but still 27 at heart. I love watching them grow,” he said.
“Some of the kids spend more time here than at home, and some are here seven days a week so I embrace the opportunity to influence those young people positively.”
