More than 100 people from across the Y Movement came together last week to celebrate. From children as young as five to Life Governors, every generation was represented. The event strengthened connection across the Movement and showcased the shared purpose that drives the Y’s work in more than 680 Australian communities.
The Y Awards were held at the Y Community School in Epping, Victoria to recognise outstanding contributions from staff and volunteers across the Movement. Individuals and teams whose passion, leadership and innovation bring the Y’s values to life every day were honoured across our four pillars of community wellbeing, a just world, meaningful work and a sustainable planet.
A highlight was the awarding of the IC Howard Award to Hannah Collard from Y WA. The award includes $10,000 in funding to pursue learning, professional development and to create a project for the advancement of Vision 2030. Hannah will focus on delivering a project about reconciliation in her home state of Western Australia.
The Y congratulates all winners of the 2025 Y National Awards.
Our award recipients
Our awards recognise the Australian contributions to the global pillars of impact that unite the global Y/YMCA movement.
The Meaningful Work Awards
Recognising Y people, teams, programs or services who actively help individuals connect their work to a greater purpose, enhancing their sense of contribution to their community.
- Paris McLaughlin, Y QLD
- Leadership Foundations Program, Y SA
- Lynda Bullock, Y WA
- Mernda Early Learning Centre, Y VIC
- Talissa Taskovski, Y WHITTLESEA
- Camilla McInerney, Y BALLARAT
- Paul Barbagallo, Y GEELONG
- Natchaya Keighran, Y NT
- Senior Clem Jones, Y School Y QLD
- People & Culture Team, Y NSW
The Community Wellbeing Awards
Recognising Y people, teams, programs or services who provide exceptional support to community members, demonstrating unwavering dedication to fostering social inclusion, mental and physical health, and overall community resilience
- Cancer Survivor Program, Y QLD
- The Parks Recreation & Sports Centre Swim School team, Y SA
- Boronia Playgroup, Y WA
- Geoffrey Bennet, Y VIC
- Michelle Hayes, Y WHITTLESEA
- Learn and Swim Brownhill, Y BALLARAT
- Sam Buckby, Next Level Hoops Program, Y GEELONG
The Just World Awards
Recognising Y people, teams, programs or services who dedicated to creating a better world by empowering people and strengthening communities through programs that foster wellbeing, inclusion, and opportunity for all.
- The Warwick Indoor Recreation & Aquatic Team, Y QLD
- Louise Johnston, Y QLD
- Allied Health Team – Agile MYnds, Y SA
- Youth Parliament Task Force, Y WA
- Horsham Aquatic Centre, Y VIC
- Emilia Power, Y WHITTLESEA
- Emma Watson, Y CANBERRA
- Youth and Community Team, Y BALLARAT
- Jessie Wise, Y GEELONG
The Sustainable Planet Awards
Recognising Y people, teams, programs or services who actively lead initiatives that contribute to Y’s sustainability goals and environmental stewardship.
- Y Discovery Camps, Y VIC
- Jessica Claridge, Y GEELONG
- Baldavis Early Learning Centre, Y WA
- Camp Warrawee Camping Team, Y QLD
- Moana Primary School OSHC, Y SA
- Neetu Khanna, Y WHITTLESEA
- Michelle King, Y BALLARAT