Team Connect
Team Newsletter Spring 2021
Message from CEO As we end another year of continued COVID-19 challenges including border closures, further lockdowns and the reality of restrictions, I truly believe in the adage that out of adversity comes opportunity. The changes implemented across the organisation, in line with our new 20212023 Strategic Plan, have allowed us to adapt and respond to these challenges. As a result, we are emerging in a stronger, more streamlined way with a renewed sense of who we are and what we do. PCYC Queensland’s greatest achievements continue to be seen through the young people we support and their participation in our key programs and activities. There are many highlights to celebrate this year including: ■ Motor Accident Insurance Commission’s (MAIC) $15.96 million-dollar five-year commitment to continue expansion of our Braking the Cycle program ■ Development of our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), to be launched in February 2022 ■ Participation in the Containers for Change scheme ■ Funding, expansion and newly won outside school hours care (OSHC) services ■ Launch of our exclusive under 5s program Little n Active ■ The opening of our brand new PCYC Logan facility I am incredibly proud of what PCYC Queensland has achieved this year with support from our staff, police officers and volunteers, and I look forward to seeing what 2022 brings. Phil Schultz Chief Executive Officer
Continuing to change young people’s stories The faces you see before you represent just five of thousands of young people you and our donors have supported. Calob, Yousuf, Heather, Angel and Chelsea’s stories are not unlike those of the 50,000 young people PCYC Queensland supports throughout the state – stories of poverty, isolation, and uncertain futures. You have helped these young people to change their stories. Because of you, Calob, Yousuf, Heather, Angel and Chelsea’s stories are now ones of education, empowerment, and bright prospects. Whether it was through earning their driver’s licence, upskilling to secure employment, improving outcomes for their community by connecting with police officers or exploring their leadership potential; these young people have used the support and mentoring offered by staff to set their sights higher than ever before. Yousuf “I am currently pursuing my studies in human services, focusing on disability and refugees. I am also working part time and am heavily involved in my community – playing various sports, mentoring young people and helping people whose first language is not English to navigate life in Australia.” Tyrone “Four years later, through tutoring support and being involved in Braking the Cycle, I am proud to say I have successfully completed Year 12, I am currently attending university studying nursing, and I have also gained my driver’s licence. And now, I have landed my dream job at Apple!” Heather “I have found a new passion for coaching since retiring as a professional gymnast myself. Through my role as a coach at PCYC Logan, I guide young gymnasts in our Recreational to High Performance teams and hope to become a National Squad Coach and a Brevet Judge in the future. Outside of gymnastics, I am studying Software Engineering at University and looking forward to completing my degree and pursuing a career in this exciting field.”
Building safer, healthier communities through youth development
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