The University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ) has stepped in to support the Toowoomba community, providing a temporary home for PCYC activities following the fire last month that destroyed the club’s long-standing facility.
From this week, UniSQ’s Clive Berghofer Recreation Centre (CBRC) will host PCYC operations, ensuring activities can resume in time for the start of Term 2.
The partnership provides immediate continuity for young people and families impacted by the loss of the PCYC facility, which has been a cornerstone of the Toowoomba community for decades.
UniSQ Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Paul Mazerolle said the University had a responsibility to respond when the community needed it most.
“Our role as a regional university is to be practical, responsive, and present when our community needs us,” Professor Mazerolle said.
“By opening the Clive Berghofer Recreation Centre to the Toowoomba PCYC, we’re helping ensure young people can stay active, connected and supported, and giving families some certainty while the community recovers.”
PCYC Toowoomba Club Manager Grace McLauchlan said the support would allow activities to restart quickly after weeks of disruption.
“Following the recent fire that destroyed PCYC Toowoomba, our team has been working urgently to ensure minimal disruption to the community it supports,” Ms McLauchlan said.
“We are so delighted and grateful that the University of Southern Queensland has stepped in and offered us their space for the coming term. With Term 2 commencing next week, the timing of this support is critical.
“It means our participants can remain connected and stay active, and our team has a place to work from together again.”
The UniSQ Student Guild operates the CBRC, and General Manager Andrew Johnson said the partnership reflected a shared commitment to supporting the region’s young people.
“The Student Guild is proud to open our doors to PCYC during this difficult time, ensuring their important services remain available to the community,” Mr Johnson said.
“Their work in supporting our youth is critical to the Toowoomba region, and we’re pleased to stand alongside PCYC to help ensure that continues.”
The Clive Berghofer Recreation Centre will host PCYC activities for an initial 12-week period, supporting the organisation as it continues its recovery and rebuild efforts.
