What do 19-year-old Ava Knihinick and 82-year-old David Gill have in common? They are both dedicated PCYC Queensland volunteers, showing age is no barrier when it comes to assisting the charity with its mission.
This National Volunteer Week, PCYC is celebrating the diversity of our wonderful volunteers: whatever their age, skills, or background, they contribute every day by helping the organisation build safer, healthier communities through youth development.
Across Queensland, more than 1700 volunteers give their time, knowledge, and energy to help PCYC Queensland deliver training, support and recreational programs targeting young people, and building some incredible relationships and community connections while they do it.
PCYC Queensland CEO, Phil Schultz said National Volunteer Week is an important time for PCYC Queensland to celebrate and highlight the diversity of the volunteering experience at PCYC Queensland.
“Our volunteers come to PCYC from all walks of life, do a huge range of jobs, and really are the backbone of our organisation,” he said.
“From retirees seeking to give back and connect with young people in their communities, to teenagers and young adults seeking the support and experience to forge a pathway in their careers – the stories of each of our volunteers are unique and inspiring.”
Ava Knihinick, 19, an Adult Leader in PCYC Queensland’s Emergency Services Cadets (ESC) program is one such inspiring volunteer. Ava has been involved in the ESC program since 2019.
Ava juggles her commitment to ESC with studying to become paramedic and working as a tennis coach. Ava believes her time as a PCYC volunteer has helped her gain the support and experience to pursue her career path.
Ava advocates for other young people (especially women) to enter the emergency services.
“I think it’s important for women to have mentors. It goes back to the concept of ‘if you can see it, you can be it’,” she said.
“Having role models is essential to show young women that it can be done. It gives young women confidence in themselves to achieve their goals and strive for success.
“The opportunities within PCYC Queensland are amazing and so are the people you meet along the way. It’s such a rewarding opportunity – I think it’s such a privilege to be part of the ESC program.”
At 82, David Gill is proud to be one of PCYC Queensland’s oldest volunteers. As a driver-mentor for the Braking the Cycle program for more than four years, David provides safe driving mentorship to young drivers seeking to gain their licence.
David said he gets great satisfaction from seeing the direct, practical outcomes of his volunteering in his community.
“The main reward for me is to see the young people I mentor get their licence – and go on to get the job they were seeking – it changes their lives and you can see them grow in confidence,” he said.
“It’s not often you can see the direct outcome of the organisation’s mission manifest itself. Volunteering with the Braking the Cycle program and seeing the community outcomes, really is at the essence of what PCYC Queensland is all about.”
About National Volunteer Week 2025: Connecting Communities
National Volunteer Week 2025 is celebrating the power of volunteering to bring people together with the theme ‘Connecting Communities’.
Volunteering creates lasting relationships that enrich lives and strengthen communities. Join us as we explore how giving to others fosters community engagement, connection and belonging.
Let’s acknowledge the spirit of connection and the incredible impact volunteers have in building thriving and inclusive communities.
