Rockhampton PCYC after-school care to stay open

A group of Rockhampton parents who banded together against the closure of a PCYC-run after-school care service are overjoyed after a sudden backflip by the organisation.

A group of Rockhampton parents who banded together against the closure of a PCYC-run after-school care service are overjoyed after a sudden backflip by the organisation.

A group of Rockhampton parents who banded together against the closure of a PCYC-run after-school care service are overjoyed after a sudden backflip by the organisation.

The students from Lakes Creek Primary School, The Hall State School, Lighthouse Christian College, Park Avenue State School and Glenmore State School using the service were set to lose the care and five staff members were to be affected by the closure.

With some parents left with the difficult decision to either cut their work hours or change to a private school with paid after-school care services, one mum took matters into her own hands and started a petition.

Emma O’Brien’s petition to keep the service open received nearly 500 signatures in one week.

Mrs O’Brien said the closure would have major ramifications for her and her son.

“I’m looking now to possibly change schools - which is a real detriment, as he’s thriving at (Lakes Creek Primary School),” she said.

“It’s not ideal working at home with a five year old after 3pm.

“I honestly don’t know what we’re going to do for schooling for him next year.

“To close this essential service beggars belief - it’s just a complete lack of transparency.”

Emma O'Brien, pictured with son Arlo, started a petition that saved PCYC after-care services. Supplied: Emma O'Brien

But her petition has helped convince PCYC to keep the service running.

PCYC acting CEO Mitch Ryder said on Thursday, January 9 that the decision to keep the service running followed feedback from concerned parents.

“Late last year, we made the difficult decision to close the OSHC service run from PCYC Rockhampton,” he said.

“Since this announcement was made, we have heard from some parents that they have no access to alternative OSHC services and would struggle to find care if this service was to close.

“After speaking with parents who will be negatively impacted by the closure, we have made the decision to keep PCYC Rockhampton OSHC open for the foreseeable future.”

Earlier in the week, Rockhampton PCYC general manager Bev Book said it would stop running because of low numbers.

“The majority of families who used the OSHC service at PCYC Rockhampton were casual or intermittent bookings,” she said.

“Because of this, it is no longer financially viable to continue to operate this service and we made the difficult decision to close this service offering.”

In April 2024, the organisation received an agreement for $5M in government funding to support the potential development of a new PCYC facility in Rockhampton.