Australian Government commits $10 million towards new PCYC Caboolture

The Federal Government has announced it will deliver $10 million towards the construction of a new Queensland Police-Citizens Youth Club (PCYC) in Caboolture, located in south east Queensland - which is officially now underway.

It will replace the existing PCYC Caboolture facility as a safe space to connect youth who are at-risk or disadvantaged with local police in a positive environment.

The space will cater for a range of community activities, events, group fitness and gym classes, gymnastic events, basketball and boxing - with accessibility and inclusivity at the forefront of its design.

The facility will increase access to programs designed to strengthen individual and group problem solving, community cohesion and social connection - bringing the Moreton Bay community together like never before.

The new PCYC Caboolture facility is expected to be completed in mid-2025, and is supported by $10 million from the Federal Government, $5 million from the Queensland Government, along with $2.5 million from the City of Moreton Bay.

Federal Regional Development and Local Government Minister Kristy McBain noted "PCYC Caboolture has more than 1,000 members and local families that participate in its activities such as gymnastics, boxing, martial arts and youth development programs - and this new space will help them to connect the community like never before."

Queensland Police and Community Safety Minister, and State Member for Morayfield, Mark Ryan added "I have been a strong advocate for this project, and am pleased that the state government played an important role in making it come to fruition with a contribution of $5 million to the project and also providing the land for the new centre.

"We are supporting Queenslanders through community-centric projects like these to help improve civic engagement and prevent youth crime before it happens.

"This project will help QPCYC deliver more youth development and crime prevention programs, in-turn building agency and engagement in our young people.

"Once completed, this new youth hub will include multi-purpose spaces for sport, recreation and community activities, a purpose-built gymnastics facility, 24/7 community gym, outdoor basketball court and lots of car parking."

Moreton Bay Mayor Peter Flannery added "the hub, with the help of a $2.5 million Regional Community Project Grant from City of Moreton Bay and additional funding from both state and Australian governments, will be built to replace the existing but no longer fit-for-purpose PCYC site.

"PCYC plays a vital role in building strong community connections for youth in the Caboolture area, providing a linkage to sport and recreation, and a place to engage and build relationships.”

Queensland PCYC Chief Executive Phil Schultz elaborated "this new facility will give PCYC Queensland the opportunity to deliver more programs that build safer, healthier communities through youth development in the City of Moreton Bay.

"For over 75 years, PCYC Queensland has been providing young people across the state with an environment that supports individual development, encourages community connection, and celebrates diversity.

"Working in partnership with the Queensland Police Service, we provide a place where young people won't be judged and aim to empower them by improving their physical health and wellbeing, emotional resilience, self-esteem, and confidence, using sports, peer activities and mentoring to achieve this. The ripple effect is we can inspire them to make positive life choices and change lives.

"We encourage young people to thrive with purpose, focus, skills and opportunity through our prevention, intervention and diversionary programs.

"These programs not only provide practical pathways to employment and re-engagement they promote respect and leadership in everyday life."

Image. Credit: PCYC Queensland