A Crestmead police sergeant is using boxing, leadership, debate and community service to help young people find confidence, purpose and new opportunities.
Sgt Chris Davey is PCYC Crestmead’s youth club program manager, running programs including After Dark, Drop In, Cadet Club, Team Up, Youth Leadership Team and CHAMP.
One of the club’s most popular programs is Boxing After Dark, which attracts dozens of young people from across Logan each week.
Sgt Davey also leads PCYC Crestmead’s Youth Leadership Team, whose members work on the three pillars of club, community and self.
He said the program gave young people a place to learn, contribute and talk about issues affecting their lives.
“They have cleaned graffiti off club walls, helped the homeless, they play dodgeball and cook meals, they play ping pong and pool,” Sgt Davey said.
“We keep activities wide and varied to keep the young people interested.”
The Youth Leadership Team has also held formal debates about issues including e-scooters and new social media laws.
Members recently visited state parliament, where they discussed First Nations representation in parliament and the social media ban.
For one young participant, the program has already helped open a life-changing door.
At the recent ColourXplosion fun run, a Youth Leadership Team member named Jack spoke with corporate partners at the event, who were so impressed they helped arrange for him to start an apprenticeship.
“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 many young people spent significant time at PCYC Crestmead, giving staff an important chance to provide steady, positive support.
“Some of the kids spend more time here than at home, and some are here seven days a week so I embrace the opportunity to influence those young people positively,” he said.
He said the best part of the job was watching young people grow.
“The kids keep me young,” Sgt Davey said.
“I’m 57, but still 27 at heart. I love watching them grow.”
Subscribe to stay up-to-date with news from across Logan. You’ll receive a link to our digital newspaper direct to your inbox each week. It’s free.
