New $17.5m centre officially opens

A new era in sport, recreation and youth development was ushered in yesterday with the official opening of a new PCYC in Caboolture.

The $17.5 million club, by Caboolture Police Station at 152 King St, replaces the Toovey St centre, which was built in the 1980s but will be repurposed. 

Representatives from PCYC Queensland, Queensland Police and all levels of government officially opened and toured the new facility. They included Senator Corinne Mullholland, Federal Member for Longman Terry Young, State Member for Morayfield Mark Ryan and City of Moreton Bay Mayor Peter Flannery. The new PCYC was funded by the Australian Government ($10 million), Queensland Government ($5 million) and City of Moreton Bay ($2.5 million).

“Since opening our doors to the community in late January, the response has been overwhelmingly positive, with locals embracing the space and the opportunities it provides,” PCYC Queensland CEO Phil Schultz said.

“This new PCYC will allow us to expand the delivery of life-changing programs and continue building strong relationships with young people and families at the heart of the Caboolture community.”

The club has a youth space and community hub, multi-purpose sport and recreation areas, gymnastics, a 24/7 Gym+Fitness centre, an outdoor basketball court and open space areas. 

Also, youth and community initiatives like After Dark, Drop In, the Youth Leadership Team, learner driver mentoring Braking the Cycle and under-five physical literacy Little n Active.

“A PCYC isn’t just bricks and mortar, it’s a safe space where kids build confidence, families connect and some of the most vulnerable members of our community find support,” Senator Corinne Mulholland said.

“As a mum who lives in the suburbs of Moreton Bay, this fantastic new $17.5 million facility is one of the greatest investments in lifestyle and infrastructure Caboolture in recent times.”

Senator Mulholland said the Federal Government has committed $3 million for the Toovey St. PCYC into become home for Spiders Boxing Club, Men’s Shed and Lions Recycle for Sight.

Minister for Sport and Racing and Minister for Olympic and Paralympic Games Tim Mander said PCYCs offer a “central place for Queenslanders to be active and healthy”.

“Importantly, this facility will provide youth programs that help to keep young people active, engaged with their communities and on the right track,” he said.

City of Moreton Bay Mayor Peter Flannery said: “This is a strong example of all levels of government working together to positively benefit the community.

“The new PCYC provides a safe and welcoming space to all members of the community.”