5 The Premier of Queensland David Crisafulli, member for Coomera, Michael Crandon, Division 1 Councillor and Deputy Mayor Mark Hammel with members of the Rotary Club of Ormeau-Pimpama. After more than a decade of determined community advocacy, the long-awaited Pimpama PCYC is officially becoming a reality, delivering a major investment in youth, sport, and community infrastructure for the northern Gold Coast. The project was formally announced recently by Queensland Premier David Crisafulli, Member for Coomera Michael Crandon and Division 1 Councillor and Deputy Mayor Cr Mark Hammel during a community celebration attended by local families, children, and community representatives. The new facility will be delivered through a 50:50 partnership between the Queensland Government and the City of Gold Coast, representing a combined investment of approximately $30 million. The City has also contributed the land for the project, which will include a modern PCYC facility and the future home of a new State Emergency Service (SES) headquarters to support the rapidly growing northern Gold Coast. Cr Hammel said the announcement was the culmination of years of advocacy by the local community, led by Michael Crandon, the Rotary Club of Ormeau Pimpama, and many passionate local residents. “This is a project our community has been fighting for well over a decade,” Cr Hammel said. “Michael Crandon, the Rotary Club of Ormeau Pimpama and so many local community members and groups worked tirelessly to keep this vision alive. They deserve enormous credit for never giving up and continuing to advocate for this facility. “Since being elected, I’ve been proud to add my voice to that advocacy and continue working with all levels of government to help make it happen.” Cr Hammel said it was particularly rewarding to see the strong community Long-awaited Pimpama PCYC officially becomes a reality turnout at the announcement. “Seeing so many local families, young people and community members there was a real reflection of just how much this facility means to our community. There was a genuine sense of excitement because everyone knows the positive difference this will make.” Having supported the campaign throughout his time as the local councillor, Cr Hammel said seeing the project finally reach this milestone was especially rewarding. “I’ve been proud to continue advocating for this project since I was first elected because I know just how important it is for our growing community,” he said. “Many years ago, I volunteered with PCYC, so I’ve seen firsthand the incredible work they do. They create opportunities for young people, support stronger families and provide pathways into education, employment, leadership, sport and community life.” The new facility will provide modern indoor sporting courts, youth spaces, and community facilities, delivering a broad range of recreational, sporting and youth development programs for local families. Cr Hammel said the investment would play an important role in supporting young people as the northern Gold Coast continues to grow. “This is much more than a building. It is about giving young people every opportunity to succeed, helping them stay on the right track and ensuring they don’t slip through the cracks. That is what PCYC has always been about,” he said. Cr Hammel also thanked his fellow City of Gold Coast Councillors for supporting the City’s contribution to the project. “I’d also like to thank my fellow Councillors for backing the City’s investment in this project and recognising just how important it is for the northern Gold Coast,” he said. Construction is expected to commence as soon as possible, with the facility anticipated to open in 2028, subject to planning and construction timeframes. “I can’t wait to see construction get underway and watch this incredible facility take shape. I will continue keeping our community updated as we reach each milestone,” Cr Hammel said.
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