The National Board of the Y (formerly the YMCA) welcomes Jacqui Weatherill as its new President. Jacqui first joined the National Board in July this year.

Currently CEO of the City of Greater Dandenong, Jacqui is also an experienced Chair and Non-Executive Director in the Not for Profit and Public sectors, with some 30 years’ experience working in challenging senior management roles as a CEO and senior executive across local and state government.

These experiences demonstrate her nous as a strategic leader with high level commercial and corporate skills and the ability to work in complex stakeholder environments.

“Jacqui is an accomplished leader who brings the right skills and experience to lead the Y nationally, said outgoing President, Ben Hubbard. 

Jacqui draws from her leadership and governance credentials across a range of settings including as former President of Gymnastics Australia, Council Member of the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG), Global President of the FIG Gender Equality Commission and Non-Executive director of Grief Australia.

“Jacqui’s passion to empower young people, skill set and experience are perfect mix to lead the next phase for Y Australia, including growth of Y Careers and the Y Australia group to deliver on nation-wide and global strategy, advocacy and our membership support functions. This ensures the Y will be well positioned to enable Members and achieve meaningful outcomes for Australia’s children and young people. 

Jacqui’s extensive leadership and board experience working with organisations focused on quality delivery of programs and services, including in diverse communities, is also a great fit for the Y,” added Ben Hubbard.

“It’s a great honour to be stepping into the role of President of Y Australia”, said Jacqui Weatherill.

“Supporting the community to pursue fairer and more inclusive outcomes is core to my life and my career and will be central to how I lead the organisation. I look forward to working with the National Board, Y Members and the communities we serve to make a real difference with and for young people”

The Board wishes to acknowledge Ben Hubbard for his exceptional leadership and contribution over his seven years as a Director, and the last three years President.

Ben has made an enormous contribution to the Y over more than thirty years – as a Youth Parliament program participant in his teens, a volunteer, staff member, Director, and most recently as President of Y Australia.

The Y Australia Board thanks Ben Hubbard for his important leadership at a pivotal time for Y Australia, and welcomes Jacqui to her new role.

“It has been such a privilege to serve in this role. The Y has been an important part of my life and I am delighted to be able to hand on the leadership baton to Jacqui,” said Ben Hubbard.

Jacqui’s formal appointment as President commenced after the AGM on 25 November.