Cook Shire Council says it plans to make the Cooktown Events Centre a “more flexible and accessible space” that offers an increased range of youth activities and services after elected members voted to resume management of the facility on 24 September. Photo: Cape York Weekly.
Cook Shire Council says it intends to expand the range of youth programs and services offered in Cooktown after voting to resume management of the Cooktown Events Centre on 24 September.
The decision was made at last month’s ordinary meeting and means PCYC Cooktown will cease operating in the community after 13 years as the council takes on the day-to-day operation of the facility.
Mayor Robyn Holmes said it was expected the transition process would be completed within the next three months, adding the plan was to increase the activities and programs run out of the Cooktown Events Centre as its new operational model evolved to meet the needs of the community.
“Council is committed to ensuring ongoing activities for youth and the broader community; once the transition is finalised, our intention is to extend programs and activities to support our young people,” she said.
“Our aim is to minimise disruption to services and ensure operational aspects meet community needs and are managed professionally; council is committed to providing a more flexible and accessible space that will better serve the evolving needs of our community.”
Following the social media announcement about the closure of PCYC Cooktown, Cape York Weekly was contacted by several parents who were concerned what the decision would mean for the delivery of youth services in Cooktown.
One parent, who asked not to be named, said they believed the continuity of programs and services was “so important” to the community.
“When I saw the post on Facebook saying it (PCYC Cooktown) was closing because Cook Shire was taking the building back I was really worried, because we’ve got to have things for our kids to do in this town,” they said.
“If they haven’t got activities and things, that’s when they can start getting in trouble, so it’s so important it’s still available.
“If the council is going to keep everything going that’s good; it’s sad for the PCYC but these things happen, I guess.”
PCYC Queensland chief executive officer Phil Schultz said the organisation respected the council’s decision to resume management of the Cooktown Events Centre and that plans were under way to help transition the five PCYC Cooktown staff into alternative employment.
“When any PCYC closes its doors, we realise it has an impact on team members and the community, and we will be working with everyone affected, as well as council, to ensure the transition is smooth,” he said.
“PCYC Queensland has always had regular conversations with Cook Shire Council about the Cooktown Events Centre and its use; over time, it became clear that some of their preferred uses of the Cooktown Events Centre, such as a primary focus on attracting community and commercial events, were uses which did not fall under PCYC Queensland’s delivery model and mission.
“We are working closely with the five current PCYC Cooktown team members and exploring options with them to ensure that they feel supported, and will help them in exploring future options for employment.”
