In 1948, the Premier of Queensland, Edward Michael Hanlon, established a 'Police Citizens Youth Organisation' at Lang Park, this later to become the Queenslandwide PCYC, which, in 2012, has 48 branches.
The Gladstone region has two PCYCs - Gladstone's PCYC is a state-of-the-art modern facility, right next door to the State Bowl. See Pocket Book Map 20 C4 and Map 8 C6. The Biloela PCYC is on Map 101 at H7.
Our front cover features the Gladstone PCYC in Yarroon St.
The Gladstone PCYC is a not for profit organisation which offers the Gladstone community a range of sporting activities, youth leadership programs, community welfare programs and social activities. Our vision is "enhancing communities through youth development".
The sporting activities currently on offer at the club include Futsal, Volleyball, Netball, Boxing, Punch Fit, Roller Derby, Badminton, Mat pilates, Senior Aerobics, Kindermusik, Play group, Hip Hop, Zumba, Learn to skate classes, junior discos, roller discos and much, much more.
PCYC is also the largest provider of outside school hours care in the Gladstone region with services in Gladstone and Agnes Water currently operational and with services in the Tannum Sands and Calliope communities commencing in the near future.
The Gladstone PCYC also has one of the best venues in Gladstone to host functions from anywhere between 100 people to 1000 people.
To find out more about what your Gladstone PCYC can offer you please call one of our friendly staff on 4972 3122.
Across the State
The 48 PCYC's are at:
Each prepares its own program from a list of over 100 activities. Some PCYCs even run Pipe & Drum bands for 8 to 17 year olds. Biloela runs a book fair. Castle Hill runs a triathlon. Goondiwindi has teenagers help with training of police dogs in a 'healing hands' program. Hervey Bay and Bundaberg have exchange placements with Glasgow in Scotland. Cairns runs a dance academy as well as wrestling. Redlands' basketball teams are very successful. Innisfail has a youth rock band called No Gravity. Statewide, PCYC can put on an annual dinner at the Brisbane Convention Centre attended by 1300 people!
The objects of the original association still ring true today:
- To afford the young people of Queensland an opportunity to participate in clean, healthy recreation.
- To improve the standard of physical fitness.
- To encourage and foster music, literature, art and culture.
- To encourage an interest in Australian flora and fauna.
- To encourage the principles of good citizenship.
- To awaken citizens to their responsibility towards adolescents.
- To assist boys and girls to select their future vocation.
- To do anything conducive to the welfare of youth and citizens, generally.
- To promote the physical, mental and social welfare of youth, who, by physical or other handicaps or because of the indigent circumstances of their parents, may be regarded as disadvantaged.
Our thanks to Thea Roberts and John Kendall, the PCYC Gladstone branch manager, for their assistance with writing much of this article and providing the photos.
Gerry Clarke, Pocket Books
