- A 6500 square metre block of land has been secured for a PCYC at Caloundra South, leased by Sunshine Coast Council.
- The first artist impressions of the facility have been released.
- The Miles Labor Government has committed $15 million in funding to establish the facility.
- There are currently 54 PCYCs across Queensland which deliver youth engagement programs to more than 50,000 young people each year.
A new Police-Citizens Youth Club (PCYC) for the Sunshine Coast is a step closer, with 6500sqm of land secured at Caloundra South.
The Miles Government has invested $15 million in funding towards building the new PCYC, as part of Queensland's Community Safety Plan, to give young Queenslanders the best start in life and help deliver a safer community.
PCYC Queensland is an award-winning charity providing local programs and services to meet youth development, early intervention, crime prevention and local community needs.
The Sunshine Coast Council recently agreed to lease the land to PCYC, with the first artist impressions released, as planning for construction commences.
The facility will be built near the new Caloundra South police station within the emergency services precinct off Bells Creek Arterial Road, further strengthening the relationships between the Queensland Police Service, PCYC and the Sunshine Coast community.
There are 54 PCYCs operating across the state, with the closest club to Caloundra currently Nambour.
PCYCs deliver a range of community and youth focused activities and programs, which engage more than 50,000 young people each year.
This includes the 'After Dark' programs which involve young people aged 12 to 18 years who may be disengaged from school or community, or at-risk of offending, being engaged through positive social sports.
The aim is to improve self-esteem, physical wellbeing and emotional resilience and establish positive rapport with police and youth workers.
Between January and March 2024 compared to the same time last year, PCYCs increased the number of After Dark program sessions delivered statewide by 506 per cent, with the number of young people engaged through the program up 493 per cent.
As stated by Premier Steven Miles:
"My government is committed to supporting a safer Queensland, which starts with supporting the programs which we know are serving the needs of our communities.
"PCYC's play such an important role in the lives of many of our young people, and now we'll have one more on the growing Sunshine Coast.
"This announcement is a testament to local member Jason Hunt for advocating and now delivering for his community."
As stated by Police Minister Mark Ryan:
"50,000 young lives are impacted for the better each year by the work of PCYCs, their QPS staff and volunteers.
"Tackling youth crime starts in our communities with programs like After Dark, Drop In, Braking the Cycle and more.
"That's why we have committed $15 million to establish our 55th PCYC in Caloundra, and continue the positive impacts we're seeing across the state."
As stated by Caloundra MP Jason Hunt:
"I am proud to be part of a government that delivers for the Sunshine Coast.
"I have made it my priority to always advocate for new and improved infrastructure and facilities for the people of Caloundra and the new PCYC will bring immense benefits to all members of the community.
"The centrally located site for the new PCYC club is ideal and I look forward to watching the project take shape as the construction phase begins."
As stated by QPS Community Safety Group Acting Superintendent Jacqui Honeywood:
"A new PCYC for the Sunshine Coast will help QPS support the community and enhance safety.
"Our PCYCs play a vital role in engaging at-risk and disengaged young people with programs which improve their futures and help break the cycle of youth crime.
"We are excited to see PCYC Caloundra take its first steps towards becoming a reality, and further supporting the Sunshine Coast communities we serve."
As stated by PCYC Queensland CEO Phil Schultz:
"This club will bring all of PCYC Queensland's important youth programs to this community, and it's heartening to see such strong backing from the local community and State Government.
"We are so pleased that we will soon be able to deliver programs like Braking The Cycle, Youth Leadership Program, After Dark and Drop In to local young people, as well as offering our high-quality gym and fitness, gymnastics, and sports and recreation facilities to the Caloundra community.
"I look forward to watching the development of this project and thank everyone involved for their support. It underscores the immense value a PCYC brings to a community, and its positive impact on young lives."
Further Information:
Please find images for the planned PCYC here.
