A Logan police sergeant is transforming young lives through sport, leadership and mentorship at PCYC Crestmead in Waterford West.
Sergeant Chris Davey serves as Youth Club Program Manager at PCYC Crestmead, running six programs for young people across Logan: After Dark, Drop In, Cadet Club, Team Up, Youth Leadership Team and CHAMP.
Boxing After Dark is among the most popular, drawing dozens of participants from across the region each week.
Sgt Davey also leads the Youth Leadership Team, known as YLT, which focuses on three pillars: club, local involvement and self-development.
Members have cleaned graffiti from club walls, helped people experiencing homelessness, and visited state parliament in Brisbane to discuss Indigenous representation and the state government’s social media restrictions for under-16s.
“They have formal debates about issues that affect them like e-scooters and the new social media laws,” Sgt Davey said.
Recently, a YLT member named Jack attended the ColourXplosion run fun event, where he spoke with corporate partners.
The impression he made led directly to an apprenticeship offer.
“It’s great to see a good kid getting an opportunity,” Sgt Davey said. “Hopefully he’ll be a trailblazer who could open up doors for other young people.”
“I hope this is the first step into a fulfilling and enriching career for Jack.”
Sgt Davey said engagement is key to keeping participants coming back.
“We keep activities wide and varied to keep the young people interested,” he said. “They play dodgeball, cook meals, play ping pong and pool.”
At 57, Sgt Davey said the role keeps him energised.
“The kids keep me young — I’m 57, but still 27 at heart,” he said. “I love watching them grow.”
Some participants attend the Crestmead facility every day of the week.
“Some of the kids spend more time here than at home,” Sgt Davey said. “I embrace the opportunity to influence those young people positively.”
PCYC Queensland operates across the state in partnership with Queensland Police Service, with the Crestmead club serving young people from suburbs including Marsden, Loganlea and Browns Plains.
