Land secured for $15 million PCYC at Caloundra

A 6500 square metre block of land has been secured for a new Police-Citizens Youth Club (PCYC) at Caloundra South, leased by Sunshine Coast Council.

The Queensland Government has invested $15 million in funding towards building the new PCYC, as part of Queensland’s Community Safety Plan.

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%, with the number of young people engaged through the program up 493%.

Queensland Police Minister Mark Ryan noted “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.”

PCYC Queensland Chief Executive  Phil Schultz added “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.”