Team Connect
Team Newsletter November/December 2020
Message from CEO As we reach the end of a very turbulent and difficult year, I would just like to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of you for your efforts, your resilience, and your ability to adapt to the challenges that have come your way. The year has been tough, and I appreciate the sense of weariness and change fatigue, however I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved this year in the face of adversity.
Changing stories this festive season Angel was bullied all through school, and eventually she gave up and dropped out of both mainstream and flexi-schooling. Disengaged, suffering from low self-esteem and mental health issues, and struggling to interact socially even with her peers, Angel’s future was extremely uncertain.
Perhaps due to the year that was and the changes that have been implemented, we are emerging in a stronger, more streamlined, and more focused way and I look towards 2021 with optimism and a renewed sense of purpose of who we are and what we do to support young people and our communities across Queensland.
“The schools I was going to I was getting bullied most of the time and they did nothing about it. So, I kind of just gave up with school. And I wanted to get into TAFE but I didn’t know how to. I didn’t know where I needed to go or what I needed to do,” said Angel.
Please allow me again to congratulate and welcome Associate Professor Cassandra Cross as our new Board Chair, who has officially commenced in the position following our Annual General Meeting last month. As the organisation’s first female Board Chair with an accomplished academic background in crime prevention, we welcome her leadership as we strengthen our program delivery and enter the next phase of our growth.
Angel, like thousands of young Queenslanders at risk and vulnerable, had nowhere to turn. If it hadn’t been for a PCYC Queensland staff member, who saw her at a local skate park and encouraged her to attend the local PCYC club, Angel’s story could have been very different.
Phil Schultz Chief Executive Officer
Angel grew up in a low-socioeconomic area and with limited opportunities, little support and no way out, the pressures of life post COVID-19 meant that Angel was destined for a path of destruction and uncertain outcomes.
“I thought my life was not going anywhere. I just sat there in dark and just wasn’t going anywhere in life, and PCYC helped me get out of that zone.” PCYC Queensland provided a safe environment for Angel to develop trust and relationships and build confidence in herself. The staff empowered her to strive for her dream of one day becoming an early education teacher, and provided a safe place to study and learn, without fear of being bullied. With the support of the staff, Angel enrolled in a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education at TAFE.
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Team Newsletter November/December 2020
“I am studying early childhood care and my dream job since I was very little has been to work in a childcare centre.” PCYC Queensland continues to support Angel and her dream, and she has recently completed work experience for her certificate in one of PCYC Queensland’s 100 Outside School Hours Care services. “Now I’m just doing something I really like, and I feel so much better about myself.”
Far North Queensland
PCYC Cloncurry boxers travel to Townsville Our PCYC Cloncurry boxers travelled to Townsville recently for a training camp and were fortunate to receive tips and training advice from Harry Garside (Commonwealth Gold Medallist, Caitlin Parker (Commonwealth Silver Medallist and Antonia Kay (Australian Champ and World Champ Quarter Finalist. We cannot thank our boxing coach Brad Smith enough for the time and dedication he puts in with Cloncurry youth. Now at 10 years and counting, we don’t take for granted the sacrifice that he makes to give these young fighters opportunities! A special mention to Mel and the rest of the Smiths who miss out on valuable family time due to Brad’s commitments.
PCYC Napranum NAIDOC Totem Recognition Project
PCYC Cairns Duke of Ed participant completing her Gold Award
In partnership with Napranum Aboriginal Shire Council and the Elders of each of Napranum’s traditional owner clan groups, PCYC Queensland has again engaged talented professional aerosol artist Daniel “Wally” Wallwork; this time to recreate the five clan groups totems on the side of the PCYC Napranum building.
Congratulations to former PCYC Cairns member Olivia Taifalos, who completed her Silver Award in 2017 through the club, then moved to Canberra to study Medicine. She is now working towards achieving her Gold Award and only has her Adventurous Journey to complete!
Completed during NAIDOC Week 2020, the artwork represents community pride and is visible to the whole community. Thanks to everyone involved and to NIAA NAIDOC 2020 local grants funding for making this special project possible!
Olivia played cello in both her school orchestras to contribute to her Silver Award Skills and went on to play piano and cello with the Queensland Philharmonic Orchestra for her Gold Award Skills!
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Team Newsletter November/December 2020
North Queensland PCYC Bowen helps launch Pick of the Crop pilot program PCYC Bowen was invited to the launch of the Health & Wellbeing Queensland ‘Pick of the Crop’ pilot program held at Bowen State School. PCYC Bowen works closely with all state primary schools in the region to support students and families through various programs and initiatives. Encouraging young people and their families to eat well and focus on health, wellbeing, and active lifestyles will have long term benefits for the young person and community as a whole. We congratulate Health and Wellbeing Queensland on this initiative and thank them for selecting the Bowen community to be the first pilot program area to be rolled out!
PCYC Burdekin’s first round of Blue Edge hailed a success PCYC Burdekin’s first round of Blue Edge involving 14 teenage students has been hailed a success. The program included 15 guest speakers who visited the students to share how they overcame life’s challenges. PCYC Burdekin club manager Sergeant Andrew Sherrington said the students’ level of growth in attitude and respect for each other was beyond his imagination. “They all beat their personal goals and even their car push,” he said. “It’s not just about having fun. This program aims to foster life skills such as goal setting, and highlights the connection between physical activity and mental health.”
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Team Newsletter November/December 2020
Central Queensland PCYC Hervey Bay host Catch Me If You Can PCYC Hervey Bay recently ran the third session of the Catch Me If You Can Program culminating in the Grand Final of a Basketball Competition between the mentors and youth. After two weeks of preliminary games the mentors won 2-1 with a score of 37-32! Congratulations!!
PCYC Rockhampton builds a ‘Green Escape’ During the pandemic, to increase face to face engagement and encourage young members to enjoy the benefits of nature, staff and members at PCYC Rockhampton worked hard to successfully develop a new Green Escape space. The Green Escape project involved revitalising an area in the club backyard where young people and staff planted a combined edible European Garden (vegetables, fruits, and flowers), a Zen Garden, and a sustainable worm farm. Congratulations to everyone involved who have transformed this area into a wonderful multipurpose space where all members can enjoy down time.
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Team Newsletter November/December 2020
North Brisbane PCYC Bayside working with QPS to support young people PCYC Bayside is proud to be working together with the QPS to support local youth within our community. School based police officer Senior Constable Sharyn McAnulty has been supporting young people from Brisbane Bayside State College in a QPS program with assistance from Jack Bowen of The Boxing Shop. The aim of the program is to create a positive environment for young people, allowing them to socialise and connect with police; and provides the opportunity to experience a new activity and sport through participating in PCYC boxing programs.
PCYC Caboolture delivers successful Blue Edge program
PCYC Deception Bay successful at first competition in 2020
PCYC Caboolture Acting Sergeant Bob McDonald thanks Caboolture State High School for partnering with the club to deliver a successful Blue Edge program with a great bunch of their students. Well done to all involved!
Congratulations to several PCYC Deception Bay gymnasts who recently competed at the YMCA Caloundra Halloween Invitationals in Level 3 to 5. Not only was this the first competition of 2020, it was also the first time competing in a new level for members Emma and Xoannah outside their own club! All the girls did an amazing job during the competition, achieved some great results, and are now preparing for the Queensland Extravaganza!
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Team Newsletter November/December 2020
Brisbane / South West Queensland Brand new PCYC Fortitude Valley club opens! Congratulations to our team at PCYC Fortitude Valley on the opening of the brand-new multi-storey club featuring a premier 24/7 gym, boxing studio and ring, basketball half-court and multi-purpose rooms to host activities, events and more. PCYC Fortitude Valley club manager Sergeant Rob Duffner who has been running the club for almost 17 years, is excited to see the facility transformed. “The club caters for all ages and has a diverse membership culture. Our foundation sport of boxing will continue to play a big part in the club, our new gym features state of the art equipment, and we’ll soon offer group fitness and functional fitness classes,” he said.
PCYC Lang Park Bike Program helping young refugees What on the surface seems to be a simple bike program, gives far more than the ability to safely ride a bike, for many of these young people who come from refugee camps around the world. Supported by Brisbane City Council, Education Queensland, Spoke Sixteen, Bikes for Life Nundah and volunteers, our PCYC Lang Park staff work with these resilient young men and women to build personal confidence, establish positive relationships with their local police, and offer independence through the gift of a bike. Next year we will take it one step further by introducing them to our Braking the Cycle program and will move towards helping them obtain their driver’s licence!
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Team Newsletter November/December 2020
Gold Coast / South East Queensland PCYC Carindale supports National White Ribbon Day PCYC Carindale proudly supported National White Ribbon Day as part of their commitment to Domestic Violence Awareness Week. Many thanks to RUBY Coordinator Anna Hodge and her RUBY participants, who all pitched in to place white ribbons around the club. It was a simple way to promote the importance of stopping domestic violence, and a great way to get the RUBY participants involved. PCYC Carindale staff also participated in the Walk to HALT Domestic Violence, a great initiative that reminded us of the beautiful lives of Hannah Clarke and her three adoring children, Aaliyah, Laianah and Trey.
PCYC Beenleigh runs another successful Team Up program
PCYC Redlands club manager wins Community Policing Award
After being postponed due to COVID, PCYC Beenleigh’s Senior Constable Bob Caunt recently engaged with grade 7s from Beenleigh State High School for another session of the Team Up program.
Congratulations to PCYC Redlands club manager Sergeant Graham Pearse who recently won the Community Policing Award for his service to the Capalaba community, at Rotary Capalaba’s Police Officer of the Year Awards.
Team Up helps kids to stay engaged or excel at school by focusing on leadership, emotional intelligence, resilience and communication skills. In one task they had to untangle knots from a rope and form a circle whilst blindfolded. S/C Bob used the concept of a major incident with multiple crews attending from all over the district whilst trying to obtain airtime on the radio.
PCYC Redlands was a two-time winner on the night, as Rotary Capalaba President Rakesh Gupta also presented a $1,000 cheque to help support the club’s youth programs.
Patience in speaking and attentive listening to others, was the key to successfully completing this task as a group. Using lifelike policing scenarios enabled their attention span to quadruple and added an element of excitement to the task!
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Team Newsletter November/December 2020
Other News PCYC Queensland holds successful Youth Club Managers course Recently PCYC Queensland and the Queensland Police Service (QPS held the annual Youth Club Managers course for newly appointed Youth Club Managers and potential relief officers. Delivered by PCYC Sunshine Coast Youth Club Manager Sergeant Michael Hughes and PCYC Queensland Training Manager Duncan Lloyd, the course was held at the QPS Academy in Oxley. Over two weeks, 15 police officers participated in role plays, practical and group activities, assignments, and presentations to gain an awareness and understanding of the: ■ Structure and framework of PCYC Queensland and the partnership with the QPS ■ Youth Club Manager’s role and responsibilities and how to obtain business support ■ Crime prevention, community engagement initiatives, and QPS expectations ■ Human resource processes such as staff recruitment, onboarding, and performance management
■ Managing staff conflict and effective communication, building and leading teams and volunteers ■ Function and processes of youth programs, finance, maintenance, grants, risk management, club reporting, marketing, events, media, and fundraising ■ Indigenous PCYC Queensland clubs and Indigenous Programs ■ Roles and responsibilities of clubs and state office staff ■ Maintaining self-care and time management Sergeant Hughes believes it is vital to continue welcoming motivated police into the combined PCYC Queensland / QPS family. “I believe, by continuing to deliver on our organisational goals, we illustrate the benefits of pursuing a meaningful and rewarding career choice within the QPS, and one that police officers can see value in and aspire to.” “The main take-away for many was their newfound appreciation of the ‘global’ picture of PCYC Queensland and particularly the Youth Club Manager’s role.”
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Team Newsletter November/December 2020
Other News continues... PCYC Gaven OSHC celebrate Indigenous culture At PCYC Gaven Outside School Hours Care (OSHC, Indigenous culture is not only celebrated, but also embedded in the service culture. Every morning the OSHC children begin the day with an acknowledgement of country, while incorporating different words from the Yugambeh language such as Gumera (love, Jingeri (hello, Baugull Bujera (good morning and Yallburu (happy is a regular occurrence for staff and students alike. OSHC Coordinator and proud Aboriginal woman Logan Marks, is teaching the children about Indigenous knowledge, culture, and beliefs, and combining Aboriginal knowledge and westernised knowledge through displays, activities, and crafts. “As a proud Australian Aboriginal it is important to me that this generation of children we are educating at our service learn about the traditional owners of our land, and the history of the first Nations people who have occupied and cared for our country for 65,000 years,” said Ms Marks. “Some examples of topics we teach regularly include our seasons, space and galaxy, nature, celebrating and learning about successful Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, animal tracking activities, and Dadirri meditation.”
2019/2020 Annual Report now available!
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Team Newsletter November/December 2020
Health & Wellbeing Corner It’s the Holiday Season Already!
The best gift you can give yourself and everyone you love over the holidays is taking care of yourself. Many of us are looking back at 2020 reflecting on our pandemic year as we approach the holiday season and start to do more socialising, more spending, more eating, just doing more, whilst sleeping less. The following tips can help you create a sense of joy and calm at this time of the year. Try one or two at a time, they might help make what is left of 2020 your best, most stress-free time. Respect your budget Once you figure out what you can spend on extras like holiday gifts, events, and other holiday things, honour it. If you splurge now, you pay even more later. And later comes sooner than you think. Opt Out If you are buying gifts, decline to leave your email address with the shop. If shopping online, check out as a guest so you don’t subscribe to email lists. They make it really easy for you to opt-in, but you’ll save the stress of future sales and shopping promos arriving daily in your inbox by opting out. Eat well and drink responsibly Indulge in your favourite holiday treats but eat really well during 85-90% of the time. Don’t eat the junk you don’t really care about just because it’s there but savour the first few bites of your all-time favourites. You don’t have to clear your plate, try everything, or eat as if you’ll never get another chance. This isn’t the only time of year to eat treats or indulge in an alcoholic beverage. Nap Give your body and brain a chance to recharge on those go-go-go holiday marathon days. Even 20 minutes will make a big difference. Laugh Call or spend time with the person that makes you laugh harder than anyone else. Then laugh until you cry.
Breathe Frustrated? Breathe in. Breathe out. Worried? Breathe in. Breathe out. Overwhelmed? Breathe in. Breathe out. Confused? Breathe in. Breathe out. Exhausted? Breathe in. Breathe out. Start there and you can often avoid over-thinking and over-reacting. Forgive It’s not too late. Your forgiveness will not only heal their hearts, it will heal yours. P.S. You don’t need an apology to forgive someone. Take a walk Go outside and take a walk. Protect yourself from the sun and head out with the intention of noticing the magic. Don’t worry about burning calories or tracking steps, just enjoy yourself. Rest If you’ve already overdone it, consider a full stop. Sometimes backing off with a nap isn’t enough. Take a whole day to yourself and vow to do nothing more than take care of yourself all day long. Be grateful Directing more of our attention towards gratitude for the things that make our lives wonderful is scientifically proven to make us healthier, more energetic, less stressed and anxious, and help us get better sleep.
Most of all, have a wonderful holiday break and stay safe. If you need some additional support over the holiday season remember PCYC Employee Assistance Program is 100% confidential and available 24/7 by calling Lifeworks on 1300 361 008. In case you didn’t know, Lifeworks also has specialist financial and legal counsellors for support across these aspects of life.
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Team Newsletter November/December 2020
Profile Please tell us a little about your previous career experience I am an academic. I am currently a Senior Research Fellow in the Cybersecurity Cooperative Research Centre, and I also hold an Associate Professor position in the School of Justice, Queensland University of Technology (QUT. My main area of expertise relates to fraud victimisation and broader concepts of identity crime, data breaches and cybercrime. I focus heavily on victim narratives that help shape ideas related to the prevention and disruption of fraud. Importantly, my goal is to improve current policing responses to fraud victims and facilitate improved support services to assist in their recovery. Fraud is so ubiquitous and affects millions of victims globally, yet our ability to respond adequately is severely constrained.
Associate Professor Cassandra Cross PCYC Queensland Board Chair
How long have you been on the PCYC Queensland Board and what was your previous association with PCYC Queensland? I was elected to the Board of Directors in November 2015. I first started volunteering at PCYC Carindale in January 2009. I was working in the QPS at the time and received a broadcast email asking for volunteers to assist with the monthly dance. I drove past the PCYC every day and was interested to learn what they did. I started volunteering at the club level, and while my role may have changed, over a decade later I am still here in the organisation.
Prior to that, I was a research/policy officer in the Community Safety and Crime Prevention Branch of the Queensland Police Service (QPS. In this way, I have seen first-hand the passion that our QPS officers have for crime prevention and the dedication they bring to the role, even before I was part of PCYC Queensland. I also have insights into the unique complexities that exist in bringing together the QPS and PCYC Queensland in our partnership. What attracted you to the PCYC Queensland Board, and how does your background contribute to your position? When I first started at QUT as an academic, I was approached by former executive leaders of PCYC Queensland to conduct an evaluation of the crime prevention and community safety benefits of PCYC clubs in the community. With two of my colleagues, we were able to deep dive into PCYC Queensland and see first-hand what is being done in communities across Queensland. At the end of the evaluation, I was completely inspired and blown away by the work and efforts of staff across the organisation.
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Team Newsletter November/December 2020
Profile continued... While I had knowledge of my own community, I was not aware of the breadth of work and programming that takes place across each of the clubs. There is clearly a considerable amount of positive change being enacted through PCYC Queensland, across both the programs being delivered and the relationships it facilitated in the community. However, I also saw an incredible amount of potential to improve and do things better. I was faced with the option of being on the outside and doing nothing, or trying to affect and advocate for change on the inside. I obviously took the second of these options and was elected to the Board of Directors later that year. I feel very privileged to be part of the Board of Directors for PCYC Queensland. Since being elected to the Board there has been considerable change across all aspects of the organisation and there have certainly been some tough times. However, the drive and passion of those in the organisation to deliver for young people regardless, continually motivates me to do my best. My academic background in crime prevention has been key to thinking through one of the key pillars of PCYC Queensland, and if I can use my academic and knowledge and skills to benefit others, I have no hesitation in doing this.
While many of us have “Zoom fatigue�, I think it has really highlighted the alternative ways in which we can do things to reach a diverse audience. I am excited by the opportunities that present themselves as we head into 2021, and the focus we have on strengthening our program delivery to young people and communities across the State. I believe that we need to embrace a hybrid model of operations into the future; one that recognises the value of face-to-face interactions, but also acknowledges the benefits of virtual communications to increase flexibility and access for some members of the community. PCYC Queensland is all about empowering young people to be the best versions of themselves and equipping them with skills to lead into the future. Now more than ever, communities are looking to us for assistance. We have the ability to continue to make a difference in our communities, and I am committed to supporting the organisation to do this in whatever ways I can.
What are you excited about for the future of PCYC Queensland? We are coming out of a very difficult year globally, with the impacts of COVID-19. Further, there is still an air of uncertainty as to what things will look like 2021 and beyond, in terms of new outbreaks and potential lock downs and physical restrictions. However, the pandemic has made us realise what is really important and what is essential. For most people, connections with family and friends have been top of the priority list. The pandemic, and responses to it, have forced us to rethink the ways we communicate with each other, and from an organisational perspective, the ways we deliver programs and do business.
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Team Newsletter November/December 2020
PCYC Queensland in the community
Neighbouring club managers Sergeant John Kendall (PCYC Bundaberg, Sergeant Kirsty Curtis (PCYC Biloela and Sergeant Dom Richardson (PCYC Gladstone) caught up recently to share ideas for each other’s clubs. Who would have thought these three would be working in nearby clubs some 19 years after graduating together from the Academy!
Congratulations to the PCYC Gold Coast boxing team, who recently came away with five State Championships and one Silver at Boxing Queensland’s 2020 State Titles! Jax 46kg U15 State Champion Kiahn 50kg U13 State Champion Marley 50kg U15 State Champion Tye 52kg Junior State Champion Dallas 57kg U15 State Champion Josh 52kg Elite Silver Medal
Some of the team at PCYC Caboolture’s Grinchmas competition!
Congratulations to PCYC Dalby Braking the Cycle driver mentor Ross Barnes, who has accumulated 600 driving hours!
PCYC Logan’s latest boxing champ, 14-year old Sibhat and his family moved here from Eritrea, East Africa eight years ago for a better life. Sibhat is achieving in school, in sport and in his community spirit, and we are so pleased to have him as part of our PCYC Logan family. Nice moustache Sergeant Mick Newell!
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Team Newsletter November/December 2020
PCYC Gold Coast Gymnastics end of year Christmas display day!
PCYC Mount Isa staff recently had the pleasure of meeting Rugby League star Matty Bowen. Indigenous Sport and Rec Officer Tiara supported the visit to some of the local primary schools promoting “Try For 5� a school attendance program.
PCYC Logan staff, members and community participants helped write messages of hope with chalk in public spaces for 'Chalk About It'. The initiative was a success, and it was great to see students and members of the community stop to read the messages as they walked past with some joining in. Thank you to Commonwealth Bank Sandgate for your $500 donation to PCYC Sandgate.
PCYC Napranum Sergeant TJ Baker proudly showing our CEO and team the recently completed art installation paying respects to the Totems of the five family clans of the Napranum community. Just stunning!
Building safer, healthier communities through youth development
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