The Y Movement across Australia gathered this past weekend for a series of national annual events that brought staff, volunteers, CEOs and board members together. As one of Australia’s largest and most trusted child and youth organisations, we used this time to reaffirm our unwavering commitment to child safety, good governance and a better future with and for young people.
The Movement came together for a moment of reflection on child safety. We reaffirmed our long-standing commitment to bring the voices of children and young people to the forefront of our work by reading children’s experiences of safety. Through their voices, we reflected as an organisation on how we can continuously improve safety at the Y.
We have a zero-tolerance approach to the harm or neglect of any child. We continue to remain humble, but resolute in our approach to making the Y the safest place it can be for children and young people.
We continue to build safe and inclusive spaces for belonging and care, united by a shared vision of a better future with and for young people.
Board and Office Holder Appointments for 2026
The Y Australia Board announced the office bearers for 2026:
- Amelia Shaw has been reappointed as President
- Leigh Johns OAM has been reappointed as Vice President
- Aaron Froud has been appointed as our new Treasurer.
Aaron steps into the role, assuming office from Tom Stephenson. Y Australia thanks Tom for his unwavering commitment to the role of Treasurer since 2018. Tom is continuing as a director on the Board.
Two new Directors were also welcomed to the Board. Prue Warrilow, well known to many at the Y, has long been a champion for child safety through her involvement with Y Safeguarding and as a director at Y NSW. Penelope (Penny) Harris joins us from the Y WA board and brings her experience as a Chartered Accountant, a Fellow of the Tax Institute, and a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
In Memoriam
The weekend also offered a moment to acknowledge and celebrate the contributions of members of our Movement in memoriam, including Lin Doust from Y WA, Bob Lee from Y Queensland and Ron Belcher from Y Queensland.
Y Australia expresses its sincere gratitude for each individual’s dedication to the YMCA, and extends its sympathies to the families, friends and Associations affected by this loss.
Building on a trans-Tasman partnership since 1877
Colleagues from YMCA New Zealand also joined the weekend’s events, continuing a trans-Tasman relationship that began when our Movements first met in 1877.
New Zealand colleagues shared valuable insights into their operations and community services, and worked with Y Australia to explore areas of alignment in our shared global purpose.
Quote attributable to Amelia Shaw, President, Y Australia
“The Y’s commitment to child safety remains at the centre of everything we do and is reinforced at every level of our organisation; from the boardroom to the basketball court. I could not be prouder of the time we took to reaffirm our unwavering commitment to the safety of every child and young person at our AGM.”
Quote attributable to Alexandra Ash, Chief Executive Officer, Y Australia
“I’d like to extend a heartfelt thank you to our Presidents, CEOs, Board members, Life Governors and dedicated staff for joining us at the 2025 Y Awards and AGM and for reaffirming our commitment to child safety. We are moving forward together with great momentum in creating a better future, with and for young people.”
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