the Y
the Y
The Y in Australia is made up of 12 Member Ys, each governed by a local voluntary Board of Directors elected by its members, to enable us to have local community relevance and impact.
We are a united Movement across the country, dedicated to creating a better world, with and for young people.
The Y operates nationally according to a shared framework and set of principles, while each Member Y can tailor their programs and services for the most impact in their local communities.
Ballarat
Brisbane
Bundaberg
Canberra
Geelong
Hobart
South Australia
NSW
Northern Territory
Victoria
WA
Whittlesea
NB: INEA has now merged with the Y SA (April 2023).
Our National Entities are Y Australia, Y Safeguarding, Y Careers, and Y Services the service provider to Ys in Australia for Merchandise and Procurement.
Y Australia
Y Australia is the national body of the Y in Australia (formerly the YMCA). The Y operates as a federation of 12 Member Associations in Australia, supporting 650 communities, through the support of 12,000+ staff and volunteers. We are also one of 120 member countries that make up our World YMCA movement, supporting 12,000+ communities and 65+ million people world-wide. See more below.
Y Safeguarding
Y Safeguarding provides training, policies and resources to help children and young people feel safe and be safe.
See the Y Safeguarding resources here
Y Careers
Incorporated and registered as a charity in 2022, Y Careers will assist in developing an Australia-wide solution to youth underemployment and the shortage of skilled workers in the care economy (and over time, other essential sectors).
The establishment of Y Careers will support thousands of young Australians to gain skills and develop meaningful career pathways in child-care, disability care and aged care; and in doing so, help build a stronger care economy for our nation. See more here
Y Services:
Y Gear
Y Gear is the Y’s Merchandise provider, also available for external custom-orders. Quality and ethically sourced products are sourced at reasonable prices, with profits going to The Y’s work as a not for profit organisation. To see the full range of products available, and to order click here
Procurement
Y Services also run our Procurement unit, which is involved in delivering value to the Movement, through aggregated scale purchasing efficiencies, capacity building, innovation and excellence, with access to higher quality services. Contact National office with any queries on +(613) 9699 7655.
The Y, through our membership with the World Alliance of YMCAs, control the rights to the use of the YMCA name and trademarks in Australia. Through a process of licensing and Charter Membership, Y Australia devolves the right to use the YMCA name and trademarks in local communities to independently incorporated YMCA Associations.
Globally, the Y works to bring social justice and peace to young people and their communities in 120 countries, reaching almost 65 million people. The World Alliance represents the Y at a global level – including at the United Nations and other international NGO bodies.
Based in Geneva, the World Alliance of YMCAs deals directly with the National Council of each of its member countries. It provides leadership on global and mission issues, collaborates with the Regional YMCA Alliances, coordinates global resources, and fosters and facilitates communication within the world Movement. The World Alliance is financed through contributions of its member associations and other resources including special projects and services.
The World Alliance of YMCAs seeks to ensure that services provided within its member nations are mission-focused, socially relevant and financially viable. Each National Movement (such as the Y in Australia) is a self-determined unit that is able to express the Y’s mission in the given cultural and socio-economic context of their country. Y Australia is an active member of the global YMCA community.
The Y Australia is also part of the Asia & Pacific Alliance of YMCAs (APAY), based in Hong Kong. APAY is a federation of YMCA Movements in 24 countries in the Asia and Pacific region that seeks to promote cooperation among YMCAs in the region and worldwide.
Other APAY members include: Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, East Timor, Fiji, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Macau, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, New Zealand, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam.