The support from our community since the fire at PCYC Toowoomba has been overwhelming, and we are incredibly grateful for all of the messages, offers of help and donations, and shared memories. PCYC Toowoomba has always been at the heart of the community, and never has that been more evident than the past few days.
We also understand that many of you have questions about what’s next, how rebuilding works, what’s required and what happens in the meantime.
We’ve pulled together the information we have at the moment and have answered some of the most common questions below. We’ll keep this updated as things change and add questions as we come across them so keep an eye on our Facebook page and website for updates.
Will PCYC Toowoomba be rebuilt?
We are committed to rebuilding a PCYC Toowoomba club. PCYC Toowoomba was used by approximately 1000 people each week, without accounting for outreach work. We understand that the Toowoomba community is a growing one and demand for services will increase. We would like the new club to be purpose-built to serve the current and future needs of the Toowoomba community. For this reason we are working towards gaining support to build a fit-for-purpose facility the Toowoomba community really deserves.
Insurance received by PCYC for PCYC Toowoomba will contribute to current club demolition, new equipment and towards a new facility.
How long will rebuilding take?
Creating a future-proofed, fit-for-purpose club that meets the community needs is not a quick process.
Gaining funding, building approvals, planning and construction take time. While we don’t have a timeline confirmed at the moment, we need to focus on where we can offer our programs, activities and services for the Toowoomba community in the meantime.
Our priority is establishing temporary facilities while we plan the rebuild so that our programs and activities can continue as soon as possible and all our participants can remain connected.
Where will donated funds go?
Every dollar we raise through the generous support of the community will go towards establishing temporary facilities and replacing equipment so that we can run our programs and activities. These funds will also contribute to the building of a new and improved facility.
Community support will play a key role in helping us bridge the gap between insurance coverage and the true cost of continuing to serve the community and rebuilding.
How can I help?
If you would like to help, there are many ways you can support us:
- Show your support by writing to your local MP or councillor to express the importance of a new club and tell them what PCYC Toowoomba means to you.
State Treasurer David Janetzki treasurer@ministerial.qld.gov.au
State Member for Toowoomba North Trevor Watts – Toowomba.North@parliament.qld.gov.au
Toowoomba Mayor Geoff McDonald – Geoff.McDonald@tr.qld.gov.au
Councillor Gary Gardner – Gary.Gardner@tr.qld.gov.au
Federal Member for Groom Garth Hamilton – Garth.Hamilton.MP@aph.gov.au
What happens next?
Our most immediate priority is support for temporary facilities so that our community can come back together for our youth programs as well as Gymnastics, Little n Active and community sports. We need spaces that we can operate from for up to three years, while we rebuild.
What is happening with programs and activities?
Gymnastics and Little n Active are currently paused, while we secure alternative arrangements. All payments are on hold, and no one is being charged.
BTC is up and running again from the Toowoomba library and celebrated a drivers licence being achieved yesterday!
Our Youth Programs team is now based at the Youth Connect offices and we are already running programs at community locations and in schools.
We are continuing our outreach programs working in local schools as a part of our crucial work to support young people in the area.
As many of you will know, we had made big plans for Youth Week – we are still intending to go ahead with those! We just need to find an alternative venue, and we will keep you informed.
When will the markets restart?
We are working hard to get the markets up and running again and we are hoping to have them back up and running by Easter Sunday. We know how important this community event is, so please keep an eye on our Facebook page as we will announce confirmed plans as soon as we have any news for you
Is the PCYC Toowoomba fire connected to the fire at PCYC Wollongong?
No, there is no connection. The other PCYCs around the country operate under or alongside their state or territory police force; we are all separate entities. The two fires happening on the same night is a coincidence, and the incidents are unrelated.
What is the latest update on the car park?
The PCYC car park will be available for use as usual from Wednesday, 25 March.
What is happening with the PCYC Toowoomba staff?
All of our team members remain with PCYC and supporting their wellbeing is one of our top priorities.
We are working very hard to find temporary locations so that our team can resume delivering programs and activities as soon as possible.
