A coach at a Sumner Park gymnastics club has been stood down while police investigate an alleged physical assault involving a child, with the sport’s national governing body also imposing a provisional suspension.
Queensland Police received a report on 5 October concerning an alleged assault at a business on Jijaws Street. Officers from the Inala Child Protection and Investigation Unit are investigating, and no arrests or charges had been made when police confirmed the matter on 6 October.
Coach removed while inquiries continue
The gym reported the matter to police and gymnastics authorities after receiving information alleging a serious child-safeguarding breach involving a coach. Gymnastics Australia said the club acted after becoming aware of the allegation and escalated it through the required reporting channels.
Gymnastics Australia also imposed a provisional suspension preventing the person from coaching at other affiliated clubs, while Gymnastics Queensland and Gymnastics Australia confirmed an investigation into the safeguarding allegation.
Information provided to families at the club said the circumstances were still being reviewed and the matter remained an allegation.
Sumner facility runs programs for children and adults
The Sumner Park gym offers both recreational and competitive gymnastics programs. Programs advertised by the club include KinderGym for children aged two to five, recreational gymnastics, Special Olympics activities and competitive men’s and women’s artistic gymnastics. The club also runs adult classes.
Its coaches are said to hold professional qualifications through Gymnastics Queensland, as well as current Blue Cards and first-aid certificates.
Child-safety rules expanded across Queensland sport
The investigation comes during the first year of Queensland’s expanded child-safety requirements for sporting organisations.
Sport and recreation organisations delivering activities primarily for children were required to begin complying with Queensland’s 10 Child Safe Standards from 1 April 2026 under the Child Safe Organisations Act 2024. The standards cover areas including organisational leadership, children’s participation, family involvement, complaints processes, staff suitability, training and safer physical and online environments, according to the Queensland Government Queensland Family and Child Commission.
The framework applies to more than 40,000 organisations across Queensland as its requirements are progressively rolled out. The standards require child safety to be embedded across leadership, policies, complaints procedures, staffing practices and organisational environments.
Families have several reporting avenues
Gymnastics Australia maintains an integrity reporting system for concerns involving people within the sport. Its guidance directs people to contact emergency services when a child or young person is in immediate need of protection, while other integrity concerns can be lodged with the Gymnastics Australia Integrity team.
Published 7-Oct-2026
