St Kilda PCYC CEO Chris Potaris made the announcement in an open letter to the community on Thursday, 3 September.
The letter states the Board has decided to sell their facility at 179 Inkerman Street, St Kilda, at auction. In the meantime, all programs linked to the gym operations will cease on Friday, 3 October. Some gym members will be eligible for a refund effective from that date. All fee-for-service, contractor, and business bookings that utilize the facilities at St Kilda PCYC will also cease on 3 October 2025.
The announcement follows a series of financial setbacks for the not-for-profit registered charity, including year-on-year financial losses of $61,000 in FY23, $252,000 in FY24, and an estimated loss of $281,000 in FY25, with a similar deficit projected for FY26.
According to Mr. Potaris’s LinkedIn profile, he became St Kilda PCYC CEO in November 2024.
Some funded programs will continue
The CEO’s letter states that the Boxing for Parkinson’s Program remains funded until 30 June 2026 and will continue to operate from St Kilda PCYC until further notice. Funded and future youth programs will continue to operate as normal at the St Kilda PCYC site until further notice.
“We’re currently looking at an opportunity for one of our personal trainers to continue important programs that support our older members within a local fitness facility. These programs are Master’s, Life Fit, and Stretch programs, and possibly others,” he wrote.
Proceeds from the sale will fund a Statewide vision
The letter states that funds from the Inkerman Street sale will be invested in a new, longer-term strategy of building Victoria PCYC into a powerful, statewide organisation.
“This is a strategic move that aligns with the incredible reach and success of PCYC organizations in other states,” he writes.
The open letter states the PCYC has a Strategic Plan for 2025 and beyond that aims to continue operations and expand services across multiple venues and sites across Victoria, securing the long-term employment security of our staff and guaranteeing expanded and uninterrupted services for young people.
TWiSK looks forward to hearing more and welcomes comment from PCYC. (TWiSK contacted the PCYC on Friday for comment)
