Chairperson's Message

It is my privilege to be able to present the annual report for the 2022―2023 financial year, summarising a year marked with significant milestones for our organisation.

First and foremost, in May 2023 we celebrated the 75th anniversary of PCYC Queensland, with opportunities for the Queensland community to celebrate with us planned for later in 2023. It is a striking achievement in the longevity of the organisation. It is also an opportunity to reflect on the history of PCYC and what we have been able to achieve in the past 75 years.

From the original club opening in 1948, to what are now 56 clubs from the Torres Strait to the Gold Coast as well as more than 100 Outside of School Hours Care locations, we have exponentially expanded our footprint over the years. While the anniversary is a good time to take stock of our achievements, it also prompts us to look forward to the future, and further expansion of our clubs and services.

Along those lines, we completed our 2021―2023 Strategic Plan. This is an important indicator of the work that is undertaken every day by those in the organisation. However, achieving this has not been without challenges, including those posed by COVID-19 and the many weather events we were subject to. Yet, it has been a collective effort that has seen everyone adapt as necessary in our operations.

We also sit at the beginning of a new chapter for PCYC Queensland and our organisational structure. We are about to transition to a new way of working, which will see our serving Queensland Police Service (QPS) officers entirely focused on front line program delivery to support young people in their communities. This will enable us to increase both the range and quantity of programs involving young people and comes at a time when the support and engagement of our youth is paramount.

I am incredibly thankful to those who have worked with us over the years to get us to this point, and excited to welcome new members to PCYC Queensland who will help us to move forward with the next stage of our organisation’s history. This is an exciting part of our journey and one that will bring many benefits and opportunities. PCYC Queensland is built upon the passion, commitment, and support of our staff, QPS members, volunteers, and community partners. Without your ongoing contributions, we could not deliver the much-needed services and programs to young people, their families, and communities across the state.

Lastly, on behalf of my fellow Board members, I would like to offer my sincerest gratitude and appreciation to our CEO Phil Schultz for his ongoing leadership and vision for PCYC Queensland. Along with the tremendous efforts of his executive team, we are well equipped to see PCYC Queensland flourish for another 75 years and beyond.

Professor Cassandra Cross Board Chair