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Team Connect
Team Newsletter April 2020 Special COVID-19 Edition
Message from CEO Well, it has certainly been a tumultuous couple of months. This ever-changing pandemic has changed our social conventions and temporarily disrupted the way we live, enforcing a strange time of social dislocation. Due to this COVID-19 crisis however, many things have become apparent. Firstly, I could not be prouder to be associated with this organisation and the people I work alongside. Your resilience, professionalism and dedication are what makes this organisation a great company to lead. I also wanted to acknowledge that I understand the addition of another challenge that many staff are dealing with, in juggling the support for home schooling. I know this is something that is presenting some issues for a number of our staff and I would encourage you to discuss this along with any issues directly with your line manager in the first instance. Secondly, without doubt the valuable and essential services PCYC Queensland delivers across the state are paramount. Without our clubs, activities and programs, the wide-ranging consequences for Queensland communities would be devastating. And lastly, I am confident that despite the considerable challenges we have faced in the last couple of months, it has given us the opportunity to consolidate, review and refine our operations and will allow us to emerge stronger and more streamlined than before.
Phil Schultz Chief Executive Officer
PCYC Queensland Activ8 @ home Hopefully by now you’ll have seen Activ8 @home, our new free workout and fitness program designed to support people’s health and wellbeing, allowing members to stay connected, fit and healthy at home during this COVID-19 pandemic. Developed by our own PCYC Queensland fitness professionals, Activ8 @ home includes high intensity interval training (HIIT) workouts, nutritional advice, exercise tips, healthy recipes and more, delivered online via weekly emails and through the PCYC Queensland Activ8 @home Facebook group. Supported by our youth ambassador Jeff Horn, Activ8 @home is receiving plenty of media coverage and local council support, and we encourage you to all join the group today and invite all your family and friends to sign up too!
Event Update Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, dozens of club and community events have been cancelled or postponed. For more detailed information on specific events, please contact your local club. RESCHEDULED Events rescheduled in 2020
CANCELLED Events back in 2021
Key Dates
Dukes Games – Gold Coast 18 September
PCYC embRACE
1 - 31 May
| DV Prevention Month
PCYC Nerang Family Funanza
18 - 24 May
| National Volunteer Week
Bunburra – Gold Coast 17 October
29 May
| Fatality Free Friday
1 - 30 June
| Workplace Giving Month
Relief BM training – Police Academy Oxley 26 October – 6 November
PCYC Emergency Services Cadets Games
PCYC Inala Multicultural Festival PCYC Emerging Leaders Kokoda Trek
Building safer, healthier communities through youth development
pcyc.org.au
It all starts here...
Team Connect
Team Newsletter April 2020 Special COVID-19 Edition
Far North Queensland PCYC Mt Isa Indigenous Programs team provide support to Meals on Wheels Our Indigenous Programs team at PCYC Mount Isa have had to get creative on different ways to support and assist the Mount Isa community. Indigenous Sport and Recreation Officer Daniel, along with Youth Support Officer Jaz have found a fantastic way to support those in need, helping Meals on Wheels. Both staff members have been assisting with meal preparation, cleaning and food delivery, and have both said it’s been a fantastic way to support their community at this time and develop some additional skills.
North Queensland
PCYC Bowen celebrate official launch of the Ann McQueen Skating Rink Prior to COVID-19, PCYC Bowen celebrated the official launch of the Ann McQueen Skating Rink. The historic skate rink was renovated in July last year and after a successful re-opening, the official launch in February welcomed community members as well as Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Andrew Willcox. PCYC Bowen branch manager Sergeant Michelle O’Regan is thrilled with the new facility and the growing number of people showing their support each week. “It is incredibly uplifting to see how many young people and families come every Friday night to enjoy the atmosphere and interaction,” she said. “It’s wonderful to see the community connecting with our local police officers and one another through a fun and healthy activity.”
Building safer, healthier communities through youth development
pcyc.org.au
It all starts here...
Team Connect
Team Newsletter April 2020 Special COVID-19 Edition
Central Queensland
PCYC Bundaberg says goodbye to Safer Communities Coordinator PCYC Bundaberg recently said a sad goodbye to Darlene McBride, the Safer Communities Coordinator. Darlene has been a great support for the Bundaberg youth over the past year and the leadership programs she has run for local youth has been second to none. Darlene’s passion and love for young people and their welfare has been her strength and she will be very much missed, but we wish her well as she heads back to the land of the Queensland Police Service for future career endeavours. Thanks Darlene and we wish you all the best for the future!
North Brisbane
PCYC Deception Bay Braking the Cycle road safety workshop Last month PCYC Deception Bay Braking the Cycle program held its first learner road safety workshop for the year, with the support of Senior Sergeant Garth Peake. Senior Sergeant Peake educated participants on the dangers of the Fatal 5 and the impact of road trauma on communities. Participants got to experience the impact of alcohol-induced impairment with the help of Fatal Vision Glasses that simulate being over the blood alcohol content (BAC) limit and participants were committed to playing their part to improve road safety.
Building safer, healthier communities through youth development
pcyc.org.au
It all starts here...
Team Connect
Team Newsletter April 2020 Special COVID-19 Edition
South West Queensland PCYC Fortitude Valley demolition begins! Approval has been granted to construct a new four-storey facility and a 12-storey commercial tower on the current PCYC Fortitude Valley site, and demolition has begun! Construction will commence in the next couple of weeks, and it is anticipated the project will be complete by November 2020.
South East Queensland PCYC Beenleigh boxing facility opens After six years in the making, PCYC Beenleigh celebrated the official launch of the brand-new boxing facility with community members back in February. PCYC Beenleigh branch manager Sergeant Mark Haestier, who coaches the junior boxing classes, was delighted with the number of young people attending the gym prior to COVID-19 and looks forward to welcoming everyone back when the facility re-opens.
Building safer, healthier communities through youth development
pcyc.org.au
It all starts here...
Team Connect
Team Newsletter April 2020 Special COVID-19 Edition
Other News PCYC Woorabinda deliver Easter cheer! PCYC Woorabinda helped the Easter Bunny deliver Easter eggs to the community before Easter Sunday. The team along with QPS transformed the PCYC bus into the ‘bunny mobile’ to spread some Easter cheer. Well done to Sergeant Gerry Doyle and the PCYC Woorabinda team for the continued support provided to the Woorabinda community.
OSHC Update One of our lovely parents from the PCYC Gaven Outside School Hours Care (OSHC) service made this amazing piece of art from recycled bottle tops. It’s these little gestures that remind us that we are all in this together!
Kokoda Trek 2020 postponed till 2021 In February 2020, PCYC Queensland and The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award were pleased to select 12 inspiring young people to walk the Kokoda Track. These young people aged from 16 to 20 were selected for their exceptional drive to better themselves across a variety of lifestyle aspects. It is this drive and motivation that will give them the tools to prepare for such a journey and execute it with respect and strength. Whilst it’s no surprise that the trek has been postponed till September 2021, the selected team members will retain their spots and are encouraged to continue their Award throughout 2020. Introducing the selected participants: Hannah Ford PCYC Mt Gravatt Lauren Robson PCYC Ashmore Domenica Fox PCYC Carindale Daniel Otway PCYC Gold Coast Alisha Jewry PCYC Nerang Byron Blackman PCYC Sunshine Coast Kelsey Knill PCYC Cairns Sophie Kenway PCYC Queensland Eleanor Barker PCYC Townsville Lewis Brown PCYC Gold Coast Lucas McAskill PCYC Emergency Services Cadets Biggenden Calob Little PCYC Ipswich
During this time we remind everyone that all our PCYC outside school hours care services are still open and operating. Please visit the website to see the full list of our services open and operating.
Building safer, healthier communities through youth development
pcyc.org.au
It all starts here...
Team Connect
Team Newsletter April 2020 Special COVID-19 Edition
Health & Wellbeing Corner Tips for working from home during the pandemic While spending more time at home, whether it be you are at home in self-quarantine waiting to return to work or you are working from home, keeping healthy mentally and physically is important particularly whilst many homes are also juggling separate family responsibilities. To support your mental health while protecting you and your family’s physical health during this pandemic, take initiative in maintaining wellbeing within your home and home workspace. Here’s 10 tips to help you improve your overall wellbeing at home and maintain a feeling of normalcy: 1. Get showered and dressed each day, ditch the pjs. 2. Set a schedule and stick to it. It may be tempting to sleep in and stay up late, but you will benefit if you keeping to your usual schedule. Write it down and stick to it. 3. Set up a separate office space if possible. 4. Maintain a healthy work-life balance by logging your time and setting limits. 5. Get up every hour and get out at least once a day. Stretch and go for a walk around the block. Set a timer to help remind you when it’s time to get moving. 6. Keep the kitchen stocked with healthy snacks and meals.
7. Get some relaxation to switch off and reduce anxiety and stress. Smiling Mind has a free app for meditation and Black Dog Institute has mindfulness factsheets. 8. Schedule your workouts and include your friends or colleagues. Try some of our Activ8 @home workout routines to get your heart pumping, or for something more zen try free yoga classes on YouTube. 9. Create a soothing environment. Put yourself where you enjoy the view, that could be in front of a window, some artwork, or near your scented candles or plants. 10. Get involved in social connections. Call instead of a text or email. Schedule regular video catch ups via Teams or Zoom. This will improve your well-being and help you stay motivated.
If you are struggling please contact our EAP Lifeworks on 1300 361 008 who are available 24/7 for counselling services.
Building safer, healthier communities through youth development
pcyc.org.au
It all starts here...
Team Connect
Team Newsletter April 2020 Special COVID-19 Edition
Profiles
Staff
Volunteer
Leigh Kable PCYC Lang Park Fitness Professional
Paul Wright PCYC Braking the Cycle Mentor
When did you join the PCYC team? I joined PCYC Lang Park in 2012.
Why did you join the PCYC team? Because I was sick and I didn’t have anything else to do. I felt that there wasn’t anything else that I could do and this PCYC Braking the Cycle Program was something that I could do, so that’s why I put my name in the ring.
Why did you become a trainer? I love the wellbeing that a healthy lifestyle brings and want to share that with others. I remember the difference I felt in myself when I started exercising seriously 33 years ago and I never want to give that up! What’s your favourite moment in fitness or sport? When I press ‘play’ on the Spin workout playlist. Even if I don’t quite feel like it, I know that by track two I will be swept up into another great workout, and be taking everyone else with me. Groundhog Day with a difference! What are you training for personally at the moment? My next endeavour in fitness will be the Three Capes Track in Tasmania. Thanks to my intro to hiking from being at PCYC Queensland, I have had some of the hardest and most awesome moments of my life out in the Australian bush. I want to be able to hike for as long as I possibly can. I put no age limit on that. Exciting! What’s one word that describes you? Curious. I am curious about life, ideas, people. I love the interaction that being a trainer affords me. Glimpses into people’s depths and having the opportunity to help them progress in life is a real privilege.
What do you enjoy about volunteering with PCYC Queensland? I enjoy working with the kids and seeing them succeed. What opportunities have you gained from being connected to PCYC Queensland? Well, since I have become a Braking the Cycle mentor, I’ve actually got my health back. I’ve also discovered a lot about myself through this program and I’ve learnt a lot of other things about a lot of people. What advice would you give a young person thinking of engaging with their local PCYC Queensland club? You should just go for it, it’s one of the best opportunities you’ll ever have in your life! What is your favourite PCYC Queensland moment? Gee, there’s many of them! (laughs)… I suppose seeing the kids get their P-Plates! What does the future hold for you? Once this coronavirus is on the wind-down, I can get back on my feet and get back to work and get back in behind the wheel of a car again with the kids.
Building safer, healthier communities through youth development
pcyc.org.au
It all starts here...
Team Connect
Team Newsletter April 2020 Special COVID-19 Edition
Profiles continued... What do you like most about working at PCYC Queensland? When I came back to PCYC Queensland a couple of years ago it felt like I’d come home to a role that matched my values. I love that people working here want to make a difference. Some might say that’s cliché but I truly joined Queensland Police Service (QPS) because I wanted that! Going job to job in general duties you don’t have capacity to spend time with people. Within PCYC Queensland you have an opportunity to do that either one on one or through programs, and it’s such a great feeling seeing people build confidence and change their lives. Now I get to work with an awesome bunch of people and work strategically to allow that to happen. What has been the highlight over your length of service? That’s tricky to answer because there’s been so many over my 28 years of service! The 2019 Leadership Conference was an inspiring and friendly atmosphere and great to see everyone swimming in the same direction. Just the other day I was reminiscing about my first time as a Relieving Youth Club Manager…we took a large bunch of Vacation Care kids to Fraser Island. The five children I was personally responsible for had bright green zinc across their foreheads so I spent the whole time looking for green and counting to five, especially when they were swimming. I quickly learnt to ‘accidentally’ wipe some green zinc across their hairline so it couldn’t rub off!
QPS Senior Sergeant Julie Ferguson PCYC Youth Club Coordinator Zone 4 When did you start at PCYC Queensland? March 2018 on this occasion, however I have been in and around PCYC Queensland my whole career either as a volunteer, relieving Youth Club Manager or collaborating on crime prevention and community engagement projects. My first relieving stint as a Youth Club Manager was at PCYC Hervey Bay in 2000!
What are you most excited about for the future of PCYC Queensland? Rebuilding from COVID-19 to be better than ever! We can do this together. Anything else you might want to add? I’d like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has welcomed me back to PCYC Queensland and supported me in whatever task I had on hand. It’s the people who make an organisation great and we have that in spades here!
Building safer, healthier communities through youth development
pcyc.org.au
It all starts here...
Team Connect
Team Newsletter April 2020 Special COVID-19 Edition
PCYC Queensland in the community PCYC Whitsundays Youth Management Team (YMT) still having their weekly catch ups via zoom
In the news! PCYC Emerald branch manager Julia Henderson shares her inspirational story of living with MS.
Some of our branch managers from around the state were fortunate to attend the 2020 Public Safety and Associated Agencies International Women’s Day Event (back in March) with our A/Inspector Barber, PCYC Queensland’s State Coordinator, to hear some incredible stories of resilience and recovery.
Our wonderful General Manager Risk & Safety Kim Pelly, getting her Easter Bunny on!
Building safer, healthier communities through youth development
pcyc.org.au