During the Industrial Revolution in England, a large divide existed between the rich and the poor, and living conditions were notoriously terrible. Working conditions, especially for young boys and girls, were inhumane. George Williams, a 22-year-old drapery merchant, decided that something had to be done to bridge the gap and give hope for those in need. He gathered together a few friends to form a society that met regularly to support each other and gain renewed strength in body, mind and spirit. The group called itself the Young Men’s Christian Association and so the YMCA was established. The organisation was formed as a Christian organisation as the name indicated; dedicated to promoting Christian values and from the beginning solely for Men, focused in improving the religious condition of young men.
A group of migrant men from the London YMCA met together with others similarly keen for the advancement of evangelical Christianity. They met with Mr J.G.J Davies in Gloucester Street in Sydney to discuss the formation of the first YMCA in Sydney without realising a group of men in Melbourne were also planning the same thing. The group made special reference for the YMCA in Sydney to be ‘conducted on similar lines to the Associations of Great Britain to continue the work that the association had been conducting in their motherland. The recorded minutes from the meeting on that date state that they met for ‘the formation and establishment of an association’. One of the key reasons for setting up a Y in Sydney was loneliness as many of the English Migrants felt homesick. Further the nomadic nature of work that was available made constant travel a regular occurrence. Below is an extract from the first minute book: ‘ The Young Men’s Christian Association conducted on similar lines to the associations o Great Britain would, under the blessing of God, become a great advantage to the young men of the colony. The following pledged themselves to use their best exertion for the formation of such an association’. Link to the Y today: One of the key reasons for setting up a Y in Sydney, was loneliness which was a links interestingly to how the modern day YMCA NSW tackles the ‘21st Century Diseases’ of depression and loneliness.
Similar to the Board or General Managers meetings we hold today; Twenty-tree men pledged themselves to form an Association and to be a committee, with John J.Davies as Hon. Sec. Pro tem, to frame rules ’ – ( J.T Massey) This was considered a ‘provisional committee’ forming the association with the following officers; President – The Hon. John Fairfax Treasurer - Mr James Comrie Hon Secretary - Mr J.J Davies Some of the names of the 23 gentlemen who were present are listed below; J.S Perry, David Jones, T.J Thompson, Edward Hunt, James Waugh, James Comire, J.S Adams, Rev. Joseph Beazley, John. D Langley, Samuel Goold and John J. Davies. Link to the Y today: This was the first formal recognition of the organisation we have today in NSW. The 23 men that formed the YMCA could be considered the ‘Founding Fathers’ of the organisation in NSW.
The opening lecture of the YMCA was given on this day by Rev. George King at St Andrews Cathedral in Sydney. Rev. George King focused on his vision for the association and what commitment its members were making when joining. He spoke of the perils of ‘idleness and drunkenness’ and the need to ‘bring within the reach of youth moral appliances healthful mental exercises and religious instruction ’. In the early days of the YMCA; these lectures or ‘scriptures’ were one of the main things the Y did linking back to their original reasons for forming the Y in Sydney; which was to improve the religious condition of men. These lectures were attended by young men. Quotes from Rev. George King’s opening speech; ‘To win the mind away from vulgar and degrading scenes if amusement which court attention at every corner of our streets – and provide for newly-arrived immigrants for the bosom of a family the doors of a quiet little asylum where literary refinement, social converse mutual instruction and occasional lectures- to provide youth of this place with facilities for study-moral and scientific teaching. Our object is MAN, to bring within the reach of youth moral appliances healthful mental exercises and religious instruction.’ ‘ Let not the humblest despair of rising to most honourable ranks… when a youth goes into the streets from his lodging house he beholds nought on the right or the left but public houses to invite him… If ever there was a period of history in this country when such an association was it is the present. High wages because of gold allows them to spend three or four days a week in idleness and drunkenness. I fondly hope, under the auspices of this institution, the gold discovery which has been dreaded as a curses will be converted into a blessing’ ‘Let no man presume to join this association unless he has the courage to enter upon this path… We take the basis … the word of God – Now a word to the members- this generation seems to be blessed with societies of a philanthropic character- there is a danger of occupying elsewhere what should be reserved for our Redeemer- That this association may prosper let it be commenced with prayer”. – (JT Massey) Link to the Y today: Although we don’t brand ourselves as a ‘Christian Organisation’ we still run an Out of Hours School Care Service at St Andrews Cathedral, and still focus on healthy living which really was at the crux of Rev. George King’s statements.
After the launch of the YMCA of Sydney, a Sydney Newspaper the ‘Illustrated Sydney News’ published an article about the organisation and how so many organisations are coming forward ‘to aid and encourage such a course of action’ but wondered ‘why only Sydney’. It encouraged the YMCA to expand its services not only across the state but to neighbouring island nations . Link to the Y today: The Y recently changed their name from YMCA of Sydney to YMCA NSW to represent our growth and service of the whole state, not just Sydney.
With the YMCA of Sydney ( now known as the YMCA NSW) a couple of years old The Sydney Empire reports that the YMCA is contributing its quota to the general improvement of society, a glowing account on the organisation in its infant stages . Link to the Y today: Recently, Premier O’Farrell commended on the Y’s Contribution to NSW and reaching its targets. Claiming government can’t do it all alone.
The YMCA of Sydney was making “real progress”, with the small group who had met together in St. Paul’s Churchyard growing and gaining momentum. Prayer meetings, discussions, classes and fellowship caused the Y to progress. Donations and contributions were sufficient for maintenance, but larger premises were soon needed. Members enthusiastically set about to secure additional funds. A successful bazaar was held, which raised £925 (equivalent to approximately $70,000 today). The funds raised from the event allowed the members to purchase an expensive premise near Bathurst Street, net to the Bank of NSW, in 1859. However, the success of the bazaar proved to be the undoing of the Association; in the following year subscribers, considering that the organisation was no longer in need of donations, ceased to contribute. The new premises were given up, the furniture was sold to pay debts and the library was stored and later sold, although some of the proceeds were afterwards recovered and used in Association work. Link to the Y today: This event provides a direct link to the way the Y operates today as a self-funded charity that seeks external funding to expand rather than survive .
Young Men concerned by the lack of a Christian Group met with Rev. J. E Vetch the Minister of Point Piper Congregational Church and formed the ‘Young Men’s Breakfast Meetings’, on the 26 January 1962. Following the formation of the breakfast club, the group of young men went out on the first Sunday of April to the Domain and Hyde Park to give homeless people breakfast. On the first day they brought food to 17 men and three women who were homeless. These continued monthly and expanded, with some meetings having 70 to 80 people present. Link to the Y today: This can be seen as a variation of Breakfast Club the Y run today.
The success of the Bazaar proved to be the downfall of the Association; as members felt that the organisation no longer needed their contributions. Unfortunately this led to the selling of their premises and the YMCA being temporarily dormant. However, a meeting was called for all those favourable to the re-establishment of the Young Men’s Christian Association. After a series of odd and unrelated events, ‘somehow the Y.M.C.A was reformed’. One of the main reasons for the push for reformation was concerns surrounding the lack of a Christian Organisation. This is considered the commencement of the present YMCA of Sydney. In order to get back up and running again, they ran a kiosk at the Centenary Exhibition. These decisions were made by the management team at the time; headed up by the Hon. Secretary Mr R.F. Jay. Link to the Y today: Many people don’t know that the YMCA actually went to a brief period of non-existence.
In 1877 a constitution was drawn up with a couple of key organisational ‘trademarks’. One was the evangelical alliance motto of ‘ Unun Corpus sumus in Christo’ and the YMCA adopted a stance of being present for the promotion of the religious, moral, social and intellectual welfare of Young Men.
After the foundation stone was laid by Mrs Hampson on October 27th, 1883 the official Opening of the first permanent home of the YMCA happened on the 5th of September 1885. The new building allowed for the expansion of the YMCA including a new lecture hall, reading room, restaurant, lounge classrooms and gymnasiums. The building in total cost 38, 500 pounds. This was used in the future as the main office for all Y activities; whether the young men used the gym or the library. Board Member Robert Parcel remembers his first interaction with the Y being at the Pitt Street building when a school mate of his asked him to come down and check it out. Link to the Y today: The foundation stone is still visible today!
The association increased their attention to new ideas of programming including the Physical department and gymnasium. In the new building on Pitt Street the gymnasium proved most popular, with well trained instructors and the appointment of a Physical Instructor ‘ Mr‘Mr G. W. Renshaw’ who looked after the physical culture of the YMCA of Sydney. Link to the Y today: In 2013 one of the Y’s core operational divisions is Gymnastics and sports. YMCA NSW is now the largest provider of Gymnastics in NSW, with the YMCA Epping hosting an Elite Gymnastics Program for gymnasts who have the potential to compete at an international level.
Dr Naismith had a specific class that was ‘completely uninterested in the routine exercises, marching and mass calisthenics that formed a part of their compulsory daily physical education session’. So Dr. Naismith then designed the game of basketball, to get his class engaged ! Link to the Y today: Basketball is popular worldwide however not many people around the world know that the game of Basketball was invented at a YMCA!
In 1895 the NSW YMCA was fully constituted as an association of individuals. A Board of management governed the Association under the constitution until 1906. The constitution interpreted two areas for the associations work: outreach and administration . This ‘Board of Management’ could be similar to the ‘Board of Directors’ we currently have in place. This board set up an organisational structure depicted in the attached photograph which two main divisions; Outreach and Administration. Link to the Y today: This is where the ionic slogan ‘Body, Mind, Spirit (Soul)’ originated.
Henry Dunant wins the first ever Noble Peace Prize for founding the International Committee of the Red Cross in 1863 and inspiring the Geneva Convention. Mr Dunant set up the World Alliance of YMCA’s internationally and was a champion social activist. The YMCA world alliance was held in Paris in 1855, which inspired Henry Dunant to use similar methods to inaugurate the International Red Cross.
Sonora Dodd founded Father's Day in Spokane, Washington at the YMCA in 1910. Father’s day originated as Mr. Dodd looked to create a male equivalent to ‘Mother’s Day’ which became a commercial holiday in 1908 although traces of the holiday had been around since the 1860-70’s. The Y has always had strong links to ‘Family’. Family is one of the YMCA NSW brand pillars (Family, Healthy Living, Developing Young People and Those Less Fortunate) and as our history reflects the promotion of a solid family structure has always been core to our existence. Link to the Y today: Today we run ‘Father & Son’ Weekend Camps! Now more than ever, fathers face the difficult challenge of finding the balance between work and quality time with their children. Our camps are a great opportunity for sons and their dads to bond whilst experiencing fun, outdoor activities such as campfires, archery, fishing and canoeing. Located at the foothills of the pristine Blue Mountains, YMCA Camp Yarramundi will provide campers with memories to last a lifetime.
During the First World War social activities were suspended. The organisations efforts were channelled into the War Effort. The Y was involved with field service, fundraising, hospital work, recruitment and under the W.A Gillanders (General Sectary) the Y undertook a vast new philanthropic undertaking. The total war effort was followed up with assistance for returned soldiers; this included special returned services functions at centres.
After Mr Luscombe from Agnes Banks donated 10 acres of his property, in 1935, to the YMCA in appreciation of the Y’s Services during the war, Camp Yarramundi opened on the land in 1937. The YMCA President at the time of the official opening was J. Hubert Fairfax. Following this, Camp grew with a generous donation from the Fairfax family of 120 pounds in 1939 to further develop the land. The beginning included a concrete cricket pitch, two rowing boats and two canoes. Many of the camp buildings were purchased cheaply as ex-military camps were decommissioned. The ‘river cabins’ which are still present today were erected by 1940; mainly constructed by volunteers. Link to the Y today: Camp Yarramundi today is the largest campsite (20 Hectares) for YMCA NSW. The Y’s Camp Yarramundi in the peaceful Hawkesbury Valley allows families, schools and corporate groups to have a camping experience in the wilderness. The Y also runs a subsidised Rebuilding Families suite of programs at Camp Yarramundi, to support less fortunate families in nurturing their relationships.
Mr John R Mott won a Noble Prize in 1946 and he played a role in the YMCA’s organisational history. ‘Mott represented Cornell University's YMCA at the first international, interdenominational student Christian conference ever held. At that conference, which gathered 251 men from eighty-nine colleges and universities, one hundred men - including Mott - pledged themselves to work in foreign missions. From this, two years later, sprang the Student Volunteer Movement for Foreign Missions. During Mott's remaining two years at Cornell, as president of the YMCA he increased the membership threefold and raised the money for a university YMCA building. He was graduated in 1888, a member of Phi Beta Kappa, with a bachelor's degree in philosophy and history. In September of 1888 he began a service of twenty-seven years as national secretary of the Intercollegiate YMCA of the USA and Canada, a position requiring visits to colleges to address students concerning Christian activities. From 1915 to 1928, Mott was general-secretary of the International Committee of the Y.M.C.A. and from 1926 to 1937 president of the Y.M.C.A.'s World Committee.’ (http://www.nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/peace/laureates/1946/mott-bio.html)
The YMCA started to have joint events with the Young Women’s Christian Association, such as the ‘Y.M and Y.W dance’. One of our current board members Robert Parcel says he remembers ‘when you were old enough you would be allowed to join a ‘mixed club’ which included both males and females. Mr Parcel met his late wife at a Y.M and Y.W dance, and throughout their life they both were dedicated to the YMCA in NSW. Link to the Y today: The YMCA is a progressive organisation that accepts individuals no matter gender, race and sexuality.
‘In 1947, a National Leadership Training College commenced in Sydney for the YMCA and all leaders throughout the country were encouraged to participate in its various programmes.’ - (A Guide to the Records of the YMCA of Sydney). Link to the Y today: To this day the YMCA is committed to leadership and developing people’s skills as leaders, through various programs like the ‘YMCA NSW Youth Parliament’ and ‘Future Leaders’.
A large crowd gathered at Town Hall in Sydney to celebrate the Centenary of the YMCA in NSW . Below are some quotes from the Sydney Morning Herald, Monday 14th September 1953, about the YMCA’s Centenary celebration. Quotes from the Sydney Morning Herald the Monday 14th September 1953. ‘The commemoration of the: centenary of the Young Men's Christian Association in Sydney was opened with a thanks' giving service in St. Andrew's Cathedral last night. Officers, leaders, and members of the association and thee friends filled the cathedral.’ - E. Pitt. Major-General the Rev. C. A. Osborne, speaking at the service, said that the Young Men’s Christian Association stood for dedication and faith, which were exemplified in the red triangle emblem of the association. He said that the association was established in Sydney when the city was greatly disturbed by the gold-rushes. Several members of the English association, which had been established a few years before, were the founders. "For 100 years the Y.M.C.A, has carried on its Christian work in this city, where there is to-day greater need for its activities than when it was founded," he said, 'The association is non-sectarian, and it enters on its second century with its ideals 01 love and service, which have stood the test of a century’ – Major – General Osborne.
As the years went on, the YMCA included more and more females. Teenage girls were accepted as full members of the boys division. One of our board members Robert Parcel remembers that the first girl’s camp at Camp Yarramundi was run around this time as well . These camps were seen as a stepping stone to continued female involvement in the YMCA. Currently the YMCA runs a comprehensive ‘Women in the Y program’ which sees the professional development for women workers at the Y. Currently (2013) the YMCA NSW has 85% of workers who are females! Link to the Y today: The YMCA is a progressive organisation that accepts individuals no matter gender, race and sexuality.
In 1966 YMCA Epping Opened ! YMCA Epping is one of our biggest sport and recreation facilities in NSW. Having recently undergone a million dollar re-development it is a vibrant community hub for individuals and families. They have approximately 550 memberships with well over half accounted for by Family Memberships. Before the current centre was built in 1966, the Y ran out of a community centre behind the current centre. Prior to 1966 the YMCA Epping ran basketball and pottery classes; although we no longer run pottery classes we still run youth basketball. However, the largest program at the centre is gymnastics. The Y has always been strongly connected to gymnastics especially at YMCA Epping as it has a history of participation of an elite level. YMCA Epping currently runs the YMCA High Performance Program for Gymnastics.
In 1968 Caringbah YMCA Opened ! Link to the Y today: YMCA Caringbah provides many core services to the community of Caringbah with a Gymnastics training arena which provides programs for Children aged 12 months and above. The centre has a newly renovated Health and Fitness club And offers a range of group fitness classes. YMCA Caringbah also offers a Before and After School Care service and a Vacation Care program for 5-12 year olds.
In 1970 YMCA Arncliffe Opened ! Link to the Y today: YMCA Arncliffe offers a variety of modern day services to the community but still holds strong the Y’s historic values. While building opportunities for individuals, families and community groups to connect feel welcome and grow in body, mind and spirit.
In 1970 Bankstown City YMCA Opened ! Link to the Y today: The Bankstown City YMCA offers a wide range of youth, family and community services, along with recreation and leisure opportunities .
In the 1970’s there was need for some changes to the old constitution of 1906 to allow for administrative reform. The proposals were drafted to disband the committee system that was currently in place. The major amendments that where passed were to create six (6) specific portfolios; 1.Finance and administration 2.Youth and Community Services 3.Personnel and Stagg Liaison 4.Properties 5.Development and expansion 6.Education Link to the Y today: The current YMCA NSW structure does bare some resemblance to the old structure. With the expansion of the Y’s programs and centres across NSW there are some new divisions as well as the re-naming of the old divisions. For example; Personnel and Stagg Liaison has been now classed as Human Resources.
In 1978 the ‘YMCA’ was released by the Village People. There has been some debate over the years about what the song was actually about with some claiming it as a ‘Gay’ Anthem. Some say that ‘In gay culture…, the song was implicitly understood as celebrating the YMCA's reputation as a popular cruising and hookup spot, particularly for the younger gay men to whom it was addressed.’ However Leader Singer and Writer Victor Willis claim that he didn’t write YMCA as a gay anthem. Further that he wrote the song as ‘a reflection of young urban black youth fun at the YMCA such as basketball and swimming’. The song although not produced
YMCA of Sydney, Youth Clubs Members and participants hit 140,255 and dropped to 111,700 due to the fire at Pitt Street. Rooms at Pitt Street could not be used and subsequently the member decrease was understood by YMCA Management. Link to the Y today: In 2013 we have approximately 656, 500 members and participants. One can assume one of the main differences is the growth in the OSHC department.
In 1982 a fire hit our Pitt Street office, which affected our operations into the future. The residential and activity sections of our Pitt Street building were destroyed but luckily no lives were lost and no major injuries were suffered. The Wesley Mission and other organisations helped us out in our time of need. The main theme or message we were promoting was ‘Do Not Lose Heart’.
Mr Ron Farquhar, president of the Ys Men's Club, presented a cheque for $10,560 to the YMCA Broken Hill Source: Barrier Daily Truth, 30 January 2014
The 2001 Annual Report states that this signified that ‘we placed increasing importance on marketing’. Link to the Y today: Now we have a large Marketing, Communications and Fundraising department; headed up by James Ellender as General Manager.
In 2002 we expanded our Senior Programs under the YMCA PRYME movers Banner. At Caringbah in 2002 there were 3 senior ‘Strength’ classes running. In comparison to in Penrith in 2013 which now have 16 classes running. PrYme Movers includes both land and water-based programs for mature adults, is based on progressive resistance training, and incorporates aerobic exercise, balance and flexibility classes. However, far from being just an exercise program, PrYme is a powerful social network for our participants who enjoy regular outings together and are encouraged to stay on after their class for coffee and a chat. PrYme Movers encourages participation and belonging, which are fundamental to quality of life.
The first ever YMCA NSW Youth YMCA Youth Parliament (YP) is an initiative implemented by the NSW Council of YMCAs. Youth Parliament provides a way for young people to put across their ideas about issues that concern them. Essentially, it is a place where the opinions and concerns of young people in NSW are heard by those who have the power to make laws. Link to the Y today: Now the YMCA NSW Youth Parliament is one of the many Youth in Government. In 2013 we had more than 150 participants in the YMCA NSW Youth Parliament- almost five times the number of participants in the first year in 2002.
Support Services come to the Parramatta Office!
YMCA Penrith offers a wide range of youth, family and community services, along with health and fitness, gymnastics, recreation and leisure opportunities. The largest programs at YMCA Penrith are the Health & Fitness and Gymnastics programs. The opening of the YMCA Penrith gave the Y a front out in Western Sydney.
In 2007 the YMCA won the contract to manage the Ian Thorpe Aquatic Centre from the City of Sydney Council. This was a significant achievement for the YMCA as it is a major contract. Being such an iconic building in Sydney, it provides the YMCA with a great opportunity to continue to serve the community in new ways The $40 million Ian Thorpe Aquatic Centre, designed by architectural icon Harry Seidler includes a 50m pool, leisure pool, program pool, fitness centre, steam room and sauna and café. The centre offers a range of health and aquatic programs and services to cater for the diverse ages, interests and abilities of its surrounding communities.
The YMCA Brightside Mental Health and Wellbeing Program promotes exercise as a recovery mechanism for people in the prodromal and remission phasers of mental illness. The free program runs for 60 days with unlimited access to the YMCA’s fitness facilities during this time. The program was partly funded by a government of $150K over 3 years. Link to the Y today: With mental illness being one of the most prominent health issues in the developed world, the Y is committed to fighting the ‘21st century diseases’ and being a leader in preventative care.
The inaugural YMCA Charity Golf Day raised $19,000 for the YCMA Siblings Reconnect program. The program brings together siblings separated in out of-home care at Camp Yarramundi to spend time together during the school holidays. Held at Monash Country Club, the event saw 16 ‘hole sponsors’ and 5 participating teams. Now an annual fundraising event, the Charity Golf Day sees the Y’s corporate partners joining forces to support a great cause. In 2013 the Charity Golf Day raised $57,000 for the siblings reconnect program at YMCA Camp Yarramundi.
Women in the Y is an initiative that celebrates gender equality and diversity within the YMCA. The program focuses on those women who are already making a difference in the YMCA community and those who aspire to be successful. It is one of many workplace diversity, learning and development initiatives that the YMCA has on offer and is just one example of the Y being an employer of choice in NSW. The aim of the Women in the Y program is to support women’s progress and continue to provide opportunities for women to grow and develop throughout the organization as it grows. As an organization committed to developing the future leaders of the communities in which we work, the Y wants more women in senior positions and through a program such as Women in the Y, we are creating opportunities by empowering women and building self-confidence. With more than 70% of the YMCA NSW workforce being women, and over 66% of female workers aged 35 years and under, there is a real need for this initiative to continue to empower, inspire and unite working women in the Y to strive, achieve and succeed.
In 2010 the YMCA took over the running of the Broken Hill Regional Aquatic Centre. In partnership with the Broken Hill City Council, the YMCA, through the Broken Hill Regional Aquatic Centre, provides high quality aquatic and recreation facilities and programs. These programs include a focus on family, healthy living, developing young people and those less fortunate while building opportunities for individuals, families and community groups to connect and feel welcome. The Centre offers a range of aquatic, health and recreation programs and services including swimming lessons, school programs, squads and aqua aerobics to cater for the diverse ages, interests and abilities of its surrounding communities. With our new gym fully equipped for all your health and fitness needs, download a free trial and bring the family down
The YMCA featured in an episode of the second season of Undercover Boss Australia on Monday 24th October at 8.30pm on Channel Ten. For the show, YMCA Australia Chief Operating Officer, Nick Cox went undercover as 'a potential staff member' and enjoyed uncovering some great stories that reflect the Y's diversity in terms of great people, programs and services across the nation. Along the way he cleaned a few toilets, scrubbed graffiti off walls, helped run activities for kids on camp, in the pool and in children’s services.’ – YMCA Australia
In 2012 the YMCA ran their first ever Swimathon. The YMCA Swimathon – themed “Dive In. Help Out” was free and open to everybody; regardless of their swimming ability. This event involved individuals across Australian signing up; raising money as people sponsored them to Swim in Y Centres across the nation. The Y had many Australians to participate in the YMCA Swimathon as possible, so they can all have the chance to live a happier and healthier life, and help out their local communities. Funds raised by the YMCA Swimathon will directly benefit the local community. In 2012 we raised over $100,000!
The YMCA, in its commitment to our core focus on family; not just in the communities we serve but our valued employees. In a historic moment at a YMCA Board Meeting in November 2012, this commitment was demonstrated with the decision to endorse the new YMCA Paid Parental Leave Scheme which was under development for two years. This decision meant that the Y would offer above and beyond the 18-week Government Paid Parental Leave Scheme and top up the minimum wage payment to an employee’s equivalent salary (paying the difference over these 18 weeks). This commitment complements a range of initiatives including flexible work arrangements, a commitment to transitioning employees back to work from parental leave and a family “holiday day” on Christmas Eve.
The Y’s Leadership Competency Model provides a framework for Y employees working to expand and enhance knowledge, skills, and abilities in order to further develop in a current role or prepare for a more advanced position. This model is intended to provide career guidance, identify development gaps, articulate behaviours and expectations to Y employees at all levels.
The University of New South Wales Fitness and Aquatic Centre is proudly managed by the YMCA. This centre is the first university contract the YMCA has obtained. The centre offers both aquatic and fitness facilities and programs building opportunities for individuals, families and community groups to grow in body, mind and spirit. The centre is available to UNSW Students & Staff as well as the general public.
The YMCA NSW is committed to creating employment opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People to pursue careers within the sport and recreation industries. The Indigenous Management Academy (IMA) forms part of the Y’s wider Indigenous Employment Strategy, to enhance and support the long term recruitment of future Indigenous staff. The Academy is aimed to be delivered over a three (3) year period with a number of structured accredited and non-accredited training programs which include: oCultural Identity & Ownership development oPre-Employment Skills with a collaboration of both Accredited and of non-Accredited courses oInitial Accredited qualifications (First Aid, Life Guard, Customer Service, Working with Children) oVET Qualifications – minimum certificate III oYMCA of Sydney Learning & Development programs – Tailored and ongoing development oWork experience rotation in multiple program and operational areas. < http://www.ymcansw.org.au/community/ima>
The YMCA in its commitment to creating employment opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People to pursue careers within the industries of Recreation, Children Services and Outdoor Camping & Accommodation services, established the YMCA Indigenous Management Academy. The Indigenous Management Academy (IMA) will form part of the YMCA NSW wider Indigenous Employment Strategy, which will enhance and support the long term recruitment of future Indigenous staff.
In 2013 YMCA NSW had its first YMCA Annual Appeal. This event involved kicked off at Rosehill Racecourse, a historic event in the progression of the YMCA’s history. The YMCA Annual Appeal, which was held during the month of June, is a cause-driven “face-to-face gift solicitation” where we – the YMCA – ask each other and our members to contribute to our charitable work. It is the time we give our staff, members and patrons the opportunity to support financially the charitable work we provide to those less fortunate in our community. The Appeal collectively raised $40,000 with a total of 73,000 conversations across NSW.
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