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.
Markets update
We’ve been working hard behind the scenes to bring our markets back as soon as possible. Our first markets back were held on Sunday, 12 April.
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.
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 is happening with programs and activities?
Gymnastics and Little n Active are back for Term 2! Starting Monday 20 April, we will be balancing, flipping and having fun at our new venue: Clive Berghofer Recreation Centre at the University of Southern Queensland.
BTC is up and running again from the Toowoomba library and celebrated a drivers licence being achieved just days after the fire.
Our Youth Programs team is now based at UniSQ and we are already running programs at local schools and parks. We are continuing our outreach programs working in local schools as a part of our crucial work to support young people in the area.
What is the latest update on the car park?
The PCYC car park will be available for use as usual from Wednesday, 25 March.
