We believe in the power of inspired young people, and children and young people tell us that they can only be inspired if they feel safe and are safe. Many children and young people will now be at home more regularly and this can place increased stress and anxiety on ourselves and our loved ones. During this difficult time, it is essential we continue to put the safety and welfare of all children and young people first, whilst acknowledging that this is a particularly difficult time for us as adults as well.  Read More

Along with the rest of the world, we at the Y in Australia and around the globe, are grappling with the unprecedented challenges created by the global pandemic of Coranvirus COVID-19. We know this is not an easy time for anyone. The safety and wellbeing of our people and communities is of utmost importance and as the situation and response to COVID-19 evolves, so do we. Read More

Young people, youth workers and leaders across the YMCA are increasingly concerned about the impact of climate change. The World YMCA has started a wide-ranging Global Climate Consultation, where you can have your say. Your contribution will help shape the World YMCA's position paper on climate change - just one of the first steps taken in this direction. Read More

The Boards of YMCA Queanbeyan and YMCA Canberra are delighted to announce they are joining forces to become one local Y to further strengthen the Y’s ability to respond to growing community needs for children’s activities and support for families in Queanbeyan and the ACT. This merger will be the most recent in a series of mergers that has taken place to strengthen the Y Movement in Australia in recent years.  Read More

The Y's very own Hamani Tanginoa discusses youth mental health last night on The Drum, ABC’s national current affairs program. Read More

Safety and offering safe spaces has been the focus of the Y during this bushfire emergency response period - with Y sites in bushfire affected areas across Vic, NSW, ACT and SA. The wellbeing of staff and communities by evacuation and temporarily closing centres in danger has been our absolute priority. We have also been able to offer safe spaces and accommodation for people around our fire-affected communities, utilising a number of our sites as emergency centres. Read More

In many different ways we acknowledge we are all effected by the bushfire crisis. As we all deal with feelings of sorrow, heartbreak, frustration, love, anger, rage and deep deep sadness. I read in the Guardian yesterday “The pain and terror of these bushfires cannot be held in a single human heart.”  Read More

Chris Lewis, President, proudly announced that it was his great honor to award life governorship to Peter Malone and Alan Morton at the 102nd YMCA AGM held on Saturday 23rd November 2019. Read More

Mitchell Collins sometimes finds it hard to have his voice heard. But at The Y, Mitchell has always felt empowered to speak and be heard. Mitchell developed a love of woodworking through countless afternoons spent in his Grandfather’s garage working on projects together. After his passing, Mitchell was inspired to start a new program called ‘Men’s Shed’ to share his knowledge and passion with other members of The Y’s disability support programs. Read More

Steph Ferguson has been connected to The Y since she was just 5 years old, back when her mother worked there. Steph’s achievements are impressive, but her philosophy is simple – put yourself out there and take risks. Read More

This week on Friday 20 September, thousands of Australians across over 100 locations will take part in a global strike to demand stronger action on climate change. The Y stands for empowering young people and believes in their right to be heard on issues that affect them. The science is clear, and concerned young people are mobilising to send a message to government, business and the community about the need for immediate climate action. Read More

A Million Moments was created to shine a light on the ways in which millions of different lives enrich the Y and in turn, Australia. Madeleine Taylor, Chief Risk Officer for the Y in Canberra, is one of these people. Read More

Chernee Sutton, 22, is a proud Kalkadoon woman & artist from Mount Isa, Queensland who is passionate about her culture and history, and wants to share that with the rest of the world through her art. Her unique style combines two worlds of traditional aboriginal heritage with a modern contemporary twist which has caught the eyes of collectors around the world including Royalty. Chern’ee created the Aboriginal markings and story to Borobi the 2018 Commonwealth Games Mascot and was an artist in residence in the Athletes Village during the Games creating a 10metre art piece with the Athletes and Dignitaries such as His Royal Highness Charles Prince of Wales.  Read More

“Two YMCAs who care” came together in an historic meeting on Monday night in Bendigo, to formalise a new pathway for the Y in the region. At the Special General Meeting, members unanimously passed three resolutions approving the wind up of the Bendigo Regional Y as a stand-alone entity, and the transfer of its assets, which include four facilities and a healthy balance sheet, to Y Victoria.  Read More

We want to congratulate the federal government for reinstating a Minister for Youth, as announced earlier this week, with the appointment of Tasmanian Senator Richard Colbeck to the portfolio.  Read More

The YMCA is pleased the voices of young Australians have been heard, with today’s Labor Party announcement of a commitment to refund a national youth peak body, the Australian Youth Affairs Coalition (AYAC), and to reinstate a Federal Minister for Youth, if elected.  Read More

“As a YMCA nothing is more important than Young People. We don’t just empower Young People, we provide space for Young People to be empowered. This is an appeal - If we are serious about Young People, we need to put our action in place – no one organization can do it alone. We need to work together to have a sustainable impact on Young People so they can prosper in the world.” - Carlos Sanvee, Secretary General World YMCA shared at the United Nations ECOSOC Youth Forum.  Read More

Our verdict is in. Once again, the voices of young people have been ignored by politicians.  Read More

YMCA South Australia CEO Haydn Robins will hand his chair over to 21 year-old Clare Health and Fitness Team Leader, Hannah Salter, in April after she was announced as the successful 2019 YMCA Young CEO Movement applicant. Read More

"What I’d like to see is a future where women playing sport are not just a point to be proven. We are not unusual. We are just being ourselves. And no one raises an eyebrow when we are tough, or courageous, or assertive on and off the sporting field. Because as a community we genuinely celebrate women for being bold and strong. Just like our brothers. And actually, just like our mums." – Tal Karp. Read More