Jenny McCombe, OAM’s connection with the Y spans over four decades, evolving from a casual play schoolteacher to a national leader in safeguarding. Her story reflects a deep commitment to protecting children and young people, and her journey continues to inspire those within the Y movement. 

Jenny first joined the Y community when she brought her two-year-old daughter to a toddler program more than 40 years ago. From that small beginning, her career grew steadily, taking on roles such as a casual play schoolteacher, director of programs, and eventually CEO of the Y in Canberra, a position she held for 14 years. 

Reflecting on her early days at the Y, Jenny shared how her first exposure to safeguarding came during a training session with Dr. Sue Packer, a leader in child abuse prevention. “This was my real first introduction into what child abuse could do and the effects of it,” Jenny said. “It really had a very significant impact on me.” Determined to make a difference, she began to focus on educating staff about the importance of child protection and created safer environments for vulnerable children in the Y’s care. 

One of Jenny’s proudest moments came in 2014, when the Y’s first national safeguarding policy was approved—a collaborative effort driven by the lessons learned from the past. “It was the greatest pleasure for me to stand up at the AGM in Darwin and have the first national safeguarding policy approved,” she said. This policy became the foundation for safeguarding efforts at the Y, ensuring that protecting children became central to the organisation’s mission. 

As Jenny’s journey continues, she emphasises the importance of taking trauma-informed approaches when working with children and families, recognizing that many have experienced abuse or neglect. “We need to understand the lifelong impact of trauma and be equipped to support children, young people, and parents with compassion and care,” Jenny said. 

Jenny McCombe’s safeguarding journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and the impact of leadership driven by a deep sense of responsibility to the community. Her story serves as an enduring reminder of the Y’s commitment to protecting the most vulnerable, ensuring that every child who walks through its doors can thrive in a safe and supportive environment. 

Jenny was awarded an OAM for her contributions to the community in 2015. She serves on the National Board, Canberra Board, and Safeguarding Board for the Y, as well as being a Life Governor of our Movement.