Local Profile: Steve Wakerley

Throughout the Moreton Bay Region, there are individuals who not only call the region home but go above and beyond in their services to the community. Steve Wakerley is one of those people.

Meet Steve

For the past four years, Steve has been the Queensland Police Sergeant for The Hills PCYC, coordinating the delivery of 13 programs to an average of 1000 young people per month. From Basketball After Dark (BAD) a youth drop-in program on Saturday nights to school programs such Drumbeat, ARMED Hip Hop and Rhythm & Poetry, designed to re-engage young people to their schoolwork and relationships with each other. We chatted to Steve about his work with PCYC and what he loves most about living in the region!

How long have you lived in the Moreton Bay Region?
15 years

What do you love most about living in the region?
Relaxed environment and all the facilities needed yet without the traffic and high density of the inner Brisbane city areas, plus great parks, country drives and waterfront areas.

What have you loved most about working in the region?
The village style atmosphere that exists in a lot of the areas where people really look after each other and get involved in their community.

What’s been the most rewarding project you’ve been involved in during you’re time at PCYC?
I would say just getting to work with some great young people in programs like Deep Blue Line and our Youth Management Team as I get to spend the time mentoring and watching these young people grow into future leaders.

What’s your favourite event in the region?
Dayboro Rodeo.

What are your hobbies?
Variety Bashing. I have undertaken the last 16 Variety Bashes, each year driving a 1965 Dodge Phoenix through the outback and regional areas of Australia and have raised over $800,000 for the charity in the process.

What do you like to do in the region during the Easter holidays?
Just kick back and relax and maybe spend some time exploring the region.

Where’s your favourite spot to take visitors?
Either Dayboro or Redcliffe waterfront.

Where’s your favourite place for breakfast in Moreton Bay?
Greek at the Creek (Albany Creek Café).

What is a top-secret local spot you can share with us?
D'Aguilar National Park and its four-wheel drive tracks.

Steve has recently resigned from his position at PCYC The Hills and the Queensland Police Service to continue his work with children’s health and happiness as CEO for Variety, The Children’s Charity of Queensland.