Cook Shire Council is yet to provide details on its plan to resume management of the Cooktown Events Centre, however, the decision means PCYC Cooktown will pull down the shutters after 13 years of serving and supporting the community’s youth. Photo: Cape York Weekly.
PCYC Cooktown will close its doors after 13 years of supporting the community’s youth after Cook Shire Council announced on 27 September it was resuming management of the Cooktown Events Centre.
The decision was made after a confidential report about the management of the centre was tabled at the council’s 24 September ordinary meeting, with the organisation saying it would “allow council to adapt the facility to accommodate the growing needs of the community”.
While no specifics have been provided about what the adaption will look like, Mayor Robyn Holmes said she believed the change would “increase programming, improve access and enhance services”.
“This decision reflects council’s commitment to providing facilities and services that benefit our evolving community,” she said.
“By resuming management of the Cooktown Events Centre, we are well positioned to create more flexibility in how the facility is used and deliver diverse activities and services that better serve our residents and visitors.”
It is understood improving the capability to deliver disaster preparedness and response at the centre will form part of the new management direction.
In a Facebook post on Friday afternoon, the PCYC Cooktown team let its followers know the club would be ceasing operation.
“We wish to inform you that PCYC Cooktown will soon be closing, after 13 years as part of the community,” the post reads.
“During this time, we’ve built strong connections with many of you, and we are incredibly grateful for the energy you’ve brought to this club.
“While we understand and accept the decision made by Cook Shire Council this week to reclaim the facility, we recognise the impact this may have on our members and the broader community.
“On behalf of everyone at PCYC, thank you for being part of our journey since 2011.”
The 8 October edition of the Cape York Weekly will have a full report about the looming closure, including comments from the council and PCYC Queensland, and reactions from the Cooktown community.
