We’ve been building communities, empowering young people and caring for Australians since 1850.
Welcome to the Y
We believe that everyone deserves a place to belong, and the space to grow. The Y in Australia has been serving and supporting young people and the communities around them since 1850.
We are a not-for-profit, that delivers programs to young people, old people and everyone in between to help them thrive. From our cancer survivors program in Queensland, to our four-year-old Kinder in Victoria – we’re there for you at every stage of life. We want you to feel seen, supported and strengthened.
Trusted for over 180 years
The YMCA was founded by George Williams in London in 1844 to give young men a place to connect, and find support during hard times. Much like then, young people, families and communities are navigating uncertainty, rising costs and increasing pressures. There’s never been more need for belonging, support and community. We play a vital role, giving people a place where they are understood, welcomed and encouraged to realise their potential.
Safety is at the heart of everything we do
The Y holds itself to the highest possible standard when it comes to the safety of children and young people, in every centre, on every site and with every staff member. We want the Y to be the safest place it can be, and our child safety practices are fundamental to ensuring that. Learn more here.
Find your Local Y
We are the Y
Our Four Pillars
We want to see a just, sustainable, equitable and community-centred world. For young people and for everyone. Learn more about the pillars as part of Vision 2030 by clicking below.
Community Wellbeing
Meaningful Work
Sustainable Planet
Just World
Our History
We respond to what communities need. It’s allowed us to stand the test of time by adapting and evolving.
Learn MoreThe Y movement was established to service the community nearly 200 years ago, and has evolved in response to changing community needs. Originally the YMCA, the Y movement first reached Australia in 1850 with an emphasis on youth work, youth clubs, physical development, leadership training, education and welfare. Over the years we have adapted and evolved to respond to community needs.
We now provide education and care for the early years, we manage community schools and out-of-hours school care for teens and youth leadership programs for young adults. In the broader community we manage pools, gyms and recreation facilities. We have programs for Australians with disability, LGBTIQA+ youth, survivors of cancer and more.
Our Impact & Advocacy
Building a better future for young people means doing it with them. We have unique access to children, teens and young adults through our extensive network of programs right across Australia. We undertake research on and promote young people’s voices on the issues that matter to them. Take a look at our impact below.
Governance & Lifetime Governors
The Y in Australia is a federated model, with Y Australia acting as the national office of 12 Y Associations nationwide. Y Australia’s Board is a trusted guide for the national Movement.
Our Lifetime Governors are those people from communities around the country who have provided exceptional services to the Y in their lifetime.
Learn MoreStrategy 2030
A better world, with and for young people.
Y Australia’s Strategy 2030 is our blueprint for how we will work together, collectively, across the 680+ communities in Australia in which the Y operates, and beyond.
Co-designed by more than 200 Y people and driven by our Youth Voice Steering Group and Member Strategy Squad, Y Australia’s Strategy 2030 is our way of bringing together our local impact, with our national scale and our global influence.
