The Y NSW acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the lands and waters on which we come together to learn, share and grow. As the earth’s most ancient culture, we respect their historical and continuing spiritual connections to Country. We pay our respects to Elders past and present, and to young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, for they hold the continuation of cultural, spiritual and educational practices in their hands. We believe in the power of inspired young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Acknowledgement of Victims of Abuse
The Y NSW pays respect to all victims and survivors of abuse, their family members and friends. We acknowledge the traumatic and lifelong impacts of abuse. The Y considers any form of abuse to be intolerable and inexcusable. We unreservedly apologise for the past failures of the organisation to protect young people and vulnerable individuals from harm. The Y NSW has learnt from the wrongs of the past and has taken extensive measures to ensure that the safety, wellbeing and empowerment of those in our care are the organisation’s highest priorities.
OUR COMMITMENT TO SAFEGUARDING
The Y NSW is recognised as a leader in safeguarding and it is at the heart of all we do. We are committed to doing all we can to prevent harm to, and the abuse or exploitation of, children and young people.
In FY24, we completed self-assessment as a child safe organisation based on our 58 Safeguarding Licensing
1
Pillar
one:
Culture
We will create a safe culture, which empowers children and young people through effective leadership and governance.
Standards with our external reviewer the Australian Childhood Foundation. We are proud this resulted in the Y NSW being rated an organisation of Child Safe Excellence.
The Y stands by our Safeguarding Pillars of Culture, Operations and Environment as outlined below.
2
Pillar two: Operations We are the Y
The Y NSW is a vibrant, for-purpose organisation delivering cause-driven programs and valuable community services that help strengthen young people’s lives, their families and the communities in which they live. The Y is part of the oldest and largest youth organisation in the world, the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA), which reaches across 120 countries.
We will create safe operations to ensure Y people, parents/carers and community have the right policies, processes and practices to keep children and young people safe.
3
Pillar three: Environment
We will create safe environments at the Y and in communities which empower children and young people to thrive.
We are committed to reconciliation and strengthening meaningful and enduring relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Our Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan outlines our vision, governance and strategic approach to reconciliation.
Hear the story behind our RAP artwork.
Pictured
Left: Our RAP artwork, The Tree, by Wiradjuri artist Cooper Thompson
The 2023-24 Financial Year (FY24) was an exciting period for the Y NSW. Guided by our belief, we have navigated challenges and celebrated remarkable achievements. From Broken Hill to Burwood, to the Central Coast and Cooma, together with our dedicated employees and supportive partners, we have continued our legacy building communities where people thrive in body, mind and spirit.
Safeguarding
Throughout FY24, the organisation’s highest priority remained the safety, wellbeing and empowerment of children and young people. Together with our external reviewer, the Australian Childhood Foundation, we completed self-assessment as a child safe organisation and we are pleased to share that the Y NSW was rated an organisation of Child Safe Excellence.
Empowering Youth Voices
A Message from the Chair and CEO
We are pleased to share the Y NSW’s Annual Report for FY24. This past year has been a journey of growth, innovation and unwavering commitment to believing in the power of inspired children and young people.
During the year we made significant progress with our Alternative Suspension program, which addresses educational disengagement and its underlying causes. This program establishes support pathways and facilitates successful returns to school for students who are currently suspended or at risk of suspension.
One participant, Mary, has a background of significant trauma as her mother was killed in a domestic violence incident and her father died by suicide. She was referred to the program due to high absenteeism and was known to be experimenting with drugs. With the program’s support 14-year-old Mary gained casual employment, received alcohol and other drug counselling and was linked with a case management service to support with longer-term health, education and wellbeing goals.
Over 60 young leaders proudly represented the wonderful diversity of youth in NSW at the 2024 Youth Parliament. With a focus on leadership and advocacy, this program enables high school students in years 10 to 12 to build confidence, and engage with civic leadership, policy development and democratic parliamentary debate.
The stories of young people thriving are remarkable. Youth Parliamentarian Matthew lives with disability, was non-verbal until the age of four and had speech difficulties for many years. The 17-year-old thrived in the program and was inspired to become “a voice for the voiceless”.
Youth Parliamentarian Princess, a 17-year-old Sierra Leone refugee who was unable to grow up immersed in her traditional culture, found purpose advocating for the cultivation of First Nations traditions and culture for young people.
In FY24, the Y NSW committed heavily to seeking sponsors for the program to reduce the financial barriers preventing diverse young people from applying. Proudly, this resulted in 74 per cent of participants being sponsored. We are grateful to the Parliament of NSW, Members of Parliament and sponsors for supporting the program.
Continued Commitment
The Youth and Community team continued to implement the impactful Child and Youth Voice Strategy this year. The strategy sets out nine objectives, including developing a youth voice network to increase opportunities for engagement with the Y and external stakeholders; creating regular and transparent feedback loops that enable children and young people to have a voice at the Y; and providing young people from diverse backgrounds with opportunities to have their voices amplified.
We are proud to report that the Alternative Suspension program has achieved remarkable outcomes on the Central Coast and in Western Sydney. Plans are now in place to extend the pilot for a further three years with external evaluation, and to expand the program to Broken Hill and Camden in FY25. We would like to acknowledge the Department of Social Services and participating schools for supporting this life-changing program.
Reconciliation
Our Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) has been instrumental in guiding efforts to strengthen our relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and stakeholders.
During the year, we formed an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Reference Group with young First Nations individuals. This group will provide first-hand representation, perspectives and aspirations of young First Nations people as we continue our progress and advance our Innovate RAP. The First Nations Youth Forum was a highlight for the Y NSW during the year. We worked with Reconciliation NSW to amplify the voices of young First Nations people and create a space for genuine connection, reflection and discussion.
We are proud of the progress we have achieved so far with our Reflect RAP. However, we recognise that there is still much work for us to do on this journey.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging
In line with our commitment to create a safe, inclusive and respectful environment for all, we successfully implemented our Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Plan.
Pictured: Chair George Perry and CEO Rob Kennaugh
This year, our People and Culture team facilitated training for our employees about core inclusion to lift understanding of inclusion and the principles that enable individuals to achieve their full potential.
Our Disability Inclusion Coordinator led the successful development of the All Abilities Advisory Group. This group seeks to create opportunities for young people living with disability such as social programs. Additionally, a practical National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Toolkit was created for our Community Recreation team covering best practice engagement with NDIS participants and providing supportive tailored resources.
Transformation and Growth
In line with the organisation’s strategic direction of growth and diversification, the Y NSW undertook due diligence for multiple new ventures that will enable us to explore new opportunities and expand our reach.
In June 2024, we were proud to announce two new acquisitions to our recreation portfolio that cement our future in gymnastics and basketball. We warmly welcomed Junior Basketball Academy to the Y NSW which operates at 11 venues across Sydney.
In addition, we acquired East Gymnastics, a wellestablished gymnastics business in the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney. East Gymnastics has been a cornerstone of the community for over 12 years, offering high-quality recreational gymnastics classes to hundreds of gymnasts of all ages. These new additions bring a talented group of experienced sporting coaches to the Y NSW, furthering the Y’s legacy of promoting active lifestyles and community engagement through sport.
During the year, decisions were made to transition out of the management of some Community Recreation centres in line with the organisation’s strategy and commitment to strengthening our financial position. We applaud our teams for their dedication to delivering outstanding services and ensuring a seamless experience for our stakeholders throughout the transition periods. Supporting our impacted employees was a priority during these periods and we are pleased to report that many team members gained employment with the new operators.
Reimagining Camp Yarramundi
We were pleased to advance the plans of our Camp Yarramundi upgrade as part of the successful Western Sydney Infrastructure Grants Program. In early 2023, the Y NSW secured a significant grant from the NSW Government to transform Camp Yarramundi, with an additional co-contribution from the Y NSW. The redevelopment will enhance the venue’s 87-year legacy by doubling its capacity, introducing modern facilities, and promoting inclusive outdoor education programs. It is anticipated that the redevelopment will be completed by
October 2028.
Advocacy
In FY24, we continued to advocate on the issues and policies that affect children and young people. We met with policymakers and made submissions to government consultations in support of our vision of a community where every person thrives in body, mind and spirit. This included a focus on increasing access to equitable education, providing opportunities for children and young people to improve the world around them, and improving access to services for children and young people. We also worked closely with our colleagues in Y Australia’s Advocacy & Public Policy team in support of these issues at a national level.
In our engagements with government and other stakeholders, we advocated for reducing student disengagement and enhancing support services, informed by our programs. We emphasised the importance of government engagement with young voices and continued investment in youth development, highlighted by initiatives like the Y NSW’s Western Sydney Youth Mental Health Forum.
Children’s Services
Our Children’s Services portfolio continued its 40year history of providing care, and this year we proudly supported more than 6000 children across 51 sites.
We enhanced program quality and impact through a leadership team restructure. A workforce planning manager was appointed in response to sector-wide staff shortages, which resulted in staff numbers increasing and greater consistency in care. Additionally, a comprehensive strategic roadmap was developed to advance the portfolio. Key focus areas include optimising business systems and processes, further strengthening relationships and partnerships, and fostering innovation.
New Leadership and Direction
We warmly welcomed Rob Kennaugh as our new CEO, effective from June 2024. Rob’s appointment represents an important milestone for the Y NSW, marking the beginning of a new chapter and the continued building of our organisation’s journey towards greater success and positive social impact.
Rob has a passion for working with young people to help them realise their potential, and for creating an organisation where people can be their best every day. We extend our gratitude to Prue Warrilow who acted as Interim CEO from September 2023. We thank Prue for her contribution during this time.
Looking Forward
As we approach the conclusion of our current strategic plan, we embark on an exciting new chapter for the organisation. The Y is currently developing a five-year plan to launch in 2025, which is set to shape the trajectory of the Y NSW for the years to come.
Acknowledgements
Finally, we extend our gratitude to our dedicated Board of Directors for their commitment and strategic guidance, which are generously provided on a voluntary basis. We also express our appreciation to our executive team, senior management, and employees for their continued dedication to our goals. Their commitment and passion are the driving force behind our success.
We thank our valued partners and supporters for their ongoing collaboration and generous contributions.
It is an honour to lead our remarkable organisation with its a rich history of empowering children and young people. As part of the YMCA, the oldest and largest youth organisation in the world, the Y NSW has a unique opportunity to create positive change. We are excited to embrace the opportunities and challenges ahead, guided by our belief in the power of inspired young people.
Warm regards,
Chair, George Perry
Chief Executive Officer, Rob Kennaugh
Pictured: Jumping for joy in gymnastics!
Highlights
In this section, we highlight our achievements and milestones across the year. Our dedicated team has made remarkable progress in projects and initiatives that align with our purpose. From life-changing youth programs to expanding our social impact through recreation, we have made significant strides towards our goals.
Alternative SUSPENSION
A first of its kind in Australia, the Alternative Suspension program was launched in 2023 by the Y NSW for students aged 12 to 18 who have been or are at risk of being suspended from school.
The program, which has had more than two decades of success across Canada and Europe, aims to reduce the number of students who experience repeated suspensions and ultimately help students to stay in school and/or engage in further education or training. It does this by offering participants an opportunity to turn their time away from school into a positive experience that fosters growth and autonomy in a safe and supportive environment.
Research shows that while suspensions as a disciplinary practice can provide short-term respite from classroom disruptions, they can have farreaching consequences, such as reduced chances of completing education, reduced employment opportunities and an increased risk of incarceration. Tragically, suspensions disproportionately involve those who are experiencing marginalisation or disadvantage such as people with disability and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders.1
The initial pilot was funded by the Department of Social Services in the Central Coast and Western Sydney, with positive results. Of the 184 participants, of whom the average age was 13.9 years, 93 per cent completed the program, 94 per cent of those returned to school, and 85 per cent learnt new coping, anger management and communication skills.
Plans are now in place to extend the pilot for a further three years with external evaluation, and expand the program to Broken Hill and Camden.
Hear from young people in our life-changing Alternative Suspension program.
As a parent, Sheree* has seen firsthand how the Alternative Suspension program makes a difference. Her son attended the program in Western Sydney after he was repeatedly suspended for anti-social behaviour and being disruptive in the classroom.
Usually, my son would just stay home during suspension and play the PlayStation all day. I’m amazed that after six days at the program, he wanted to get an education and be part of the class, ” said Sheree.
“Our aspiration is to make Camp Yarramundi a global centre of excellence in innovative outdoor education and programs.
Taking Camp Yarramundi TO NEW HEIGHTS
Steady progress was made this year on plans to transform Camp Yarramundi following the successful significant NSW Government Western Sydney Infrastructure Grant in 2023.
This exciting redevelopment is set to enhance the venue’s 87-year legacy by transforming Camp Yarramundi into an inclusive complex that accommodates people of all ages and abilities, with a special focus on children and young people.
The project aims to double the capacity of the venue, with new, accessible, modern overnight accommodation and catering amenities. It will also deliver leading-edge, accessible and inclusive outdoor education activities and programs.
Recognising the special site of natural wilderness that Camp Yarramundi occupies, the beautiful Hawkesbury Valley, the plan ensures a strong commitment to sustainability and minimal environment impacts. A key priority of the project is the restoration and protection of the natural environment and connection to the land, including the connection to local First Nations culture.
In FY24, site assessments and due diligence were completed on ecology, bushfire and utility service considerations, and stakeholder engagement sessions began. The development application is expected to be submitted in early 2025, with completion in late 2028.
– CEO Rob Kennaugh
Expanding ON OUR LEGACIES
During the year, the Y acquired the successful youth basketball and gymnastic businesses Junior Basketball Academy and East Gymnastics.
With these acquisitions, the Y expands on its remarkable legacies providing access to the sports of basketball and gymnastics. The Y invented the game of basketball in 1891 and has supported it globally ever since. The Y has also been one of the largest providers of award-winning gymnastics programs in the state for over 50 years.
Junior Basketball Academy operates at 11 public and private venues across Sydney, and supports players aged five to fourteen, with thousands of participants enjoying weekly and school holiday programs. East Gymnastics provides recreational gymnastics classes to hundreds of children of all ages in a custom-built gymnasium in Edgecliff, Sydney.
The experienced coaches from Junior Basketball Academy and East Gymnastics bring additional expertise to the Y NSW team, enriching the existing programs we offer.
We are proud to welcome Junior Basketball and East Gymnastics to the Y NSW and expand our support of communities across Sydney.
I feel very confident to be here… I feel like I belong. The coaches will help you, they understand your level and you can all learn together.
– Maria, Junior Basketball Academy participant.
Pictured: Gymnastics helps to build strength and confidence. Next page: Maria is all smiles at Junior Basketball Academy.
Our Services
We are committed to our belief in the power of inspired children and young people.
YOUTH AND COMMUNITY
Our Youth and Community (YaC) team delivers contemporary community and youth programs that focus on physical and mental wellbeing, life skills, advocacy and social connections. The team also leads the outcomes measurement work through a Results Based Accountability™ (RBA) framework, assessing results across metrics such as sense of belonging, feeling confident, and learning new skills.
OUTSIDE SCHOOL HOURS CARE
We provide outside school hours care (OSHC) services at 51 sites across NSW. Our dedicated teams are committed to creating safe environments and enriching programs that foster the physical, mental and social wellbeing of every child.
RECREATION
Our 24 recreation centres provide industry-leading and community-focused programs that empower people to live healthy, active and social lives. Across the state, people of all ages and abilities benefit from our aquatics, learn to swim, health and fitness, gymnastic and sporting programs.
CAMPING AND OUTDOOR EDUCATION
The Y NSW has been offering outdoor education and camping experiences at Camp Yarramundi since 1937. Set on 35 acres of natural bushland in the Hawkesbury Valley, this facility provides outdoor programs and accommodation for schools, community groups, corporate groups and the general public. Camp Yarramundi is set for an exciting transformation thanks to the Western Sydney Infrastructure Grants Program.
Pictured: Our learn to play sessions let children try team sports in fun and safe environments.
Youth and Community Services
The Y NSW is committed to delivering purposeful, cause-driven programs that support young people to thrive through our Youth and Community (YaC) services.
Delivered in Broken Hill, the Central Coast, Parramatta, Cooma, Mt Annan, Oran Park and Penrith, our programs support young people — particularly those experiencing vulnerability and disadvantage — with physical and mental wellbeing, life skills, youth voice, individual supports, and the building of resilience. Funding for these programs comes through government, grants, in-kind contributions and internal cross-subsidisation.
Our Social Impact
Through the RBA™ framework, the social impact of the Y NSW Youth and Community programs show the positive difference we have on children, young people, and communities . Feedback from over 400 participants show 97 per cent increased social connections and sense of belonging, and 90 per cent felt they increased in confidence. In line with our commitment to continuous improvement, there was an uplift in most results compared to FY23, specifically sense of belonging which increased by 15 per cent.
Our offerings
Alternative Suspension
Y Spaces (youth centres)
StreetGym
Call a Youth Worker
Youth Parliament
Skills and development programs
Youth events
School holiday programs
Youth leadership programs
INCREASED SOCIAL CONNECTION *
97% 86% 89% 97%
INCREASED SENSE OF BELONGING *
90% INCREASED CONFIDENCE *
FELT THEY HAD A VOICE AND WERE HEARD * GAINED NEW SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE *
ALTERNATIVE SUSPENSION
93% completed the program
During the year, the YaC team continued its successful delivery of the Alternative Suspension program. This program has been delivered across Canada and Europe for over two decades, and is designed to address educational disengagement and the underlying causes. Alternative Suspension aims to establish ongoing support pathways, successful returns to school or training for students currently on, or at risk of, school suspension.
During the year, the program was funded by the Department of Social Services and operated on the Central Coast and in Western Sydney. From the 184 referrals, results were positive with 93 per cent of participants completing the program, 94 per cent returning to school, and 78 per cent of schools citing an improvement in participants’ behaviour.
Plans are in place to extend the pilot for a further three years with external evaluation, and to expand the program to Broken Hill and Camden.
* Results from Youth and Community Surveys FY24
Y SPACES
700 young people supported
Y Spaces are places for young people to connect, engage in free activities, and positively impact their local community. Each Y Space has a team of volunteer young leaders who get together to organise events, advocate for young people and build their skills in areas like leadership and event management.
The Y NSW operates Y Spaces in Broken Hill, Central Coast, Cooma, Oran Park and Parramatta. Y Spaces are soft entry points for young people experiencing vulnerabilities to access programs and services at no cost and to have the opportunity to access specialist services that support wellbeing outcomes for young people and families. During the year, more than 700 young people were supported in over 4000 attendances across 239 sessions.
STREETGYM
800 young people registered
StreetGym is a multi-faceted program offered at no cost to young people aged 12 to 18, delivered at our Y Spaces. Run by qualified youth workers, this program provides safe and supportive environments where young people can build social skills, confidence, physical and mental wellbeing, and leadership skills through structured physical activities. It also enables participants to access other support services in their area if needed.
In FY24, StreetGym was operated in Lake Haven, Parramatta, Cranebrook, Oran Park, Mount Annan and Broken Hill. Over 800 young people registered and there were more than 3700 attendances during this period.
Broken Hill launched its StreetGym program in February 2024 at the Broken Hill Wellness Centre. We also partnered with the Clontarf Foundation, providing services to young people who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.
CALL A YOUTH WORKER
300 calls received this year
This telephone support line helps young people aged 12 to 25 to access information about the local support services available to them. Funded by the Y NSW and the Department of Communities and Justice, youth workers assist with referrals and provide practical information about issues impacting young people, including financial hardship and lack of accommodation. There were over 300 calls to the support line during the year, with the main presenting issues being unemployment, mental health, family issues and educational disengagement.
YOUTH PARLIAMENT
The 2024 Youth Parliament kicked off at Camp Yarramundi with 67 participants representing the diverse young people of NSW. This flagship program has been fostering leadership and advocacy among high school students for over 20 years, allowing them to develop leadership skills, engage in policy development, and participate in democratic parliamentary debate.
This year’s cohort represented 53 per cent of NSW electorates, including individuals from rural and regional communities, those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, individuals living with disabilities, and people who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people or LGBTQIA+. Significant efforts were made to reduce financial barriers to the program for diverse young people. We thank our sponsors – the Office for Regional Youth, Global Skills, Empowered Living Care, Next Technologies and alumni Corey Matthews – for supporting 74 per cent of participants with sponsorships.
The social impact of the program is strong with 90 per cent of respondents agreeing that their voices were valued and 90 per cent indicating that their career goals were more defined as a result of participating in the program.
We extend our thanks to Parliament of NSW and Members of Parliament for supporting the program.
SKILLS & DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS
86% increased confidence
In FY24, the team delivered online and school-based skills and development programs – including mentoring, and anti-bulling and anger management workshops – to over 500 young people.
We also continued facilitating Teen Mental Health First Aid in Cooma and on the Central Coast, reaching 95 young people across both locations. Feedback indicated that 86 per cent of participants indicated they felt more confident to help a friend experiencing poor mental health since completing the training. This included 16-year-old Sam, who told us he was able to recognise how important the information was and how he wished his brother, who lost his life to suicide, could have benefited from the program.
The Y Space Camden delivered the National Association for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect’s Love Bites Respectful Relationships training during the year to help educate young people about the importance of respectful relationships and domestic violence prevention. The program was delivered to over 300 senior high school students and training provided to 45 local service providers.
YOUTH EVENTS AND LEADERSHIP
92% felt included
The Y NSW supported and led several youth events during the year, such as sporting events, wellbeing days and youth week events. A highlight was the Empowered Minds Festival in Western Sydney, an event designed by young volunteers for young people with the aim of supporting the wellbeing of those aged 12 to 25. The event brought together youth agencies and mental health professionals and had positive outcomes, including 92 per cent of surveyed participants indicating that they felt included, 92 per cent felt heard, and 70 per cent felt they improved their physical and mental wellbeing.
SCHOOL HOLIDAY PROGRAMS
75% made new friends
With the goal to connect young people who are experiencing hardship and disadvantage, the Y NSW continued to offer free school holiday activities at Cooma, Parramatta, Camden and Broken Hill. All activities were designed with input from young people. Over 600 participants attended, with feedback showing over 75 per cent made new friends.
CHILD AND YOUTH VOICE STRATEGY
The team continued to implement the Child and Youth Voice Strategy during the year. The strategy sets out nine objectives, including developing a youth voice network to increase opportunities for engagement with the Y and external stakeholders; creating regular and transparent feedback loops that enable children and young people to have a voice at the Y; and providing young people from diverse backgrounds with opportunities to have their voices amplified on matters they care about and more.
The Y NSW First Nations Youth Reference Group was established in line with the Strategy. The group, made up of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people from across NSW, meets to connect, gain skills and provide feedback.
YOUTH VOICE FORUM
The Y NSW and Reconciliation NSW hosted the First Nations Youth Voice Forum in January 2024, bringing together young people and industry leaders on Gadigal Country at Yirranma Place, Darlinghurst.
Planned and led by the Y NSW’s First Nations Youth Reference Group, the forum aimed to amplify Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth voices. The 2023 Youth Parliament Aboriginal Affairs Committee presented their Youth Bill ‘Bayala Ngara Wingara (To Speak, Listen and Think)’. Roundtable discussions resulted in recommendations on the importance of valuing First Nations youth voices, organisational accountability, and committing to ongoing meaningful consultation with First Nations communities.
I love my position! It’s a combination of many roles. My passion to support young people to be their best has never chang ed. ” – Cathy, Cooma Program Coordinator
Pictured: Aurielle sharing her voice at the First Nations Youth Voice Forum 2024
Charlotte Soars WITH STREETGYM
There is no missing the huge smile that lights up Charlotte’s face when you ask her about basketball. The 18-year-old Sydney Kings fan talks about the sport all the time and is “obsessed with Michael Jordan”. But to Charlotte’s mum, Francine, seeing her daughter play basketball means so much more.
“Charlotte was born with three holes in her heart,” Francine said. “She had to be tube-fed and had her heart repaired when she was six.”
Francine added that “Charlotte is in The Zipper Club”, a reference to the scar left by open-heart surgery.
Playing sports does not come easily to Charlotte. The teenager has low muscle development that affects her speech and movement. Her interest in playing sport, specifically basketball, kicked off when she came across the Y NSW StreetGym program. StreetGym, which is run in partnership with the Camden Council’s Camden United Resilience Basketball (CURB) program, is designed for people aged 12 to 18 and provides a safe and supportive environment for building social skills, confidence and physical wellbeing.
Charlotte’s smile is just as broad when she is asked about the friends she has made through the program. “Jamie is a good friend, we like to shoot hoops and hang out.”
Her transformation is evident to the StreetGym team at the Y. The once quiet, nervous teenager, who held onto the basketball and refused to pass it to her teammates, is now soaring with confidence on and off the court.
“Charlotte has also become the life of the party,” exclaimed Mark Jackson, Youth Program Coordinator. “She is always taking the time to say hello to everyone and encouraging her teammates with her infectious, positive attitude. Charlotte is a true StreetGym hero!”
Right: Charlotte at StreetGym.
Voices for THE VOICELESS
Matthew talks enthusiastically about his interests in transport, urban planning and history, and his experiences of participating in the Youth Parliament program – but it wasn’t always this way for the 17-year-old.
“I was diagnosed with autism when was two,” Matthew said. “I was non-verbal until I was four and had speech difficulties for many years. But I was listening, and it made me passionate about being a voice for the voiceless.”
In 2023, he applied for Youth Parliament, the Y’s flagship youth leadership and engagement program. In the supportive environment, he found recognition in his leadership potential and the courage to stand for an elected leadership position as Youth Deputy Premier.
“It was such a huge honour to be elected – it wasn’t always something I thought I’d be able to achieve… I’m very grateful,” said Matthew.
Seventeen-year-old Princess, a Sierra Leone refugee, explained that it was her experience recognising the needs of people in her community who were unaware of how to make their voices heard that compelled her towards advocacy.
“Youth Parliament has been amazing! It allowed me to meet diverse young people from across the state, all passionate about making positive changes in their communities,” said Princess, who aspires to a career in international relations with a focus on addressing humanitarian needs.
Go behind the scenes of Youth Parliament ‘24
Pictured: Youth Parliamentarians Lian, Matthew, Princess and Alyssa
Outside School Hours Care
For more than 40 years, the Y NSW has been providing outside school hours care (OSHC) services in communities across New South Wales.
Today, we provide education and care, including before and after school care and vacation care, to more than 6,000 children at 51 sites.
Our dedicated teams are committed to creating safe and enriching environments that foster the physical, mental and social wellbeing of every child.
Programs are delivered by experienced educators, who design and develop community responsive place-based programs underpinned by the My Time, Our Place: Framework for School Age Care in Australia. The Y NSW OSHC programs aim to ensure that children are provided with opportunities to maximise their potential and develop foundations for future success in life. We focus on supporting children to explore their interests, take on new challenges, ignite curiosity and build meaningful relationships with those around them.
Our OSHC programs are more than just a service – they are a vital part of the fabric of the communities we serve. We take pride in the role our educators play as mentors who inspire a love of learning and contribute to the holistic development of each child.
Pictured: Fun and games at vacation care
Our Social Impact
FELT INCREASED SOCIAL CONNECTION * 90%
FELT AN INCREASED SENSE OF BELONGING * 88%
RESPONDING TO COMMUNITY NEEDS
During the year, we changed our footprint in response to the needs of the communities we serve. As a result of our partnership with the Department of Education, the Y NSW was successful in opening the Y Thomas Acres OSHC and adding the OSHC service to the existing eight services in south-western Sydney. We also transitioned out of the management of Springwood OSHC, Padstow North OSHC, Ambarvale OSHC, Toronto OSHC and
CHILD AND YOUTH VOICE
At the Y West Pennant Hills OSHC, a proactive group of children spearheaded efforts to enhance recycling and green waste management. When a Year 6 student noticed the absence of a green waste, he wrote to the Hornsby Shire Council, which responded by providing a compost bin and a worm farm. The Gardening Club, led by the same student and a Year 2 student, now meets regularly. Another example of sustainability comes from the Y Carlingford West OSHC. Its Recycling and Sustainability Club is led by enthusiastic educators who foster environmental awareness through creative projects such as raising stick insects and planting seeds.
WORKFORCE IMPROVEMENTS
GAINED NEW SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE * 82%
FELT INCREASED CONFIDENCE * 85%
Children’s Services demonstrated strong results across all Results Based Accountability™ social impact metrics. Feedback from over 2400 parents, carers and children revealed that 90 per cent felt they or their child made new friends, 88 per cent felt a sense of belonging, and 82 per cent gained new skills or knowledge.
Notably, the child voice metric – the extent to which a child feels they have a voice and are heard – increased from 66 per cent in 2023 to 87 per cent in 2024. This improvement is thought to be a result of the development and implementation of projects in which children were actively engaged, such as the creation of a Children’s Code of Conduct. It underscores the Y NSW’s ongoing commitment to continuous improvement.
ENHANCED LEADERSHIP TEAM
In July 2023, the Children’s Services leadership team was restructured to enhance program quality and impact. Of note, two new full-time program and practice lead roles were introduced that focus on coaching and mentoring OSHC coordinators, educational leaders and educators
FELT THEY HAD A VOICE AND WERE HEARD * 87%
to design community-responsive programs aligned with the National Quality Standard (NQS). This change reflects our commitment to fostering engaging, inclusive and play-based learning experiences that support children’s development.
NATIONAL QUALITY STANDARD – ASSESSMENT AND RATING
The Y NSW’s Children’s Services are assessed and rated by the NSW Regulatory Authority against seven quality areas detailed in the NQS. As of 30 June 2024, 48 of our 51 services were rated as ‘meeting’ the NQS. The Y Valentine OSHC was rated as ‘working towards’ two of the seven focus areas of the NSQ, while the Y Avoca Beach OSHC and the Y Thomas Acres OSHC were awaiting assessment.
We applaud the Y NSW Children’s Services team for embracing the opportunity to engage in the assessment process and their ongoing commitment to pursuing continuous quality improvement opportunities.
Our team engaged with children as part of the Child and Youth Voice Strategy to develop an Educator Toolkit. The toolkit is designed to guide educators on the best practices for engaging with children, and to listen to and understand children’s ideas and opinions on issues that directly affect them. Additionally, in collaboration with 180° Consulting and the Y NSW Youth and Community team, we began to develop a Children’s Leadership Program to foster leadership skills for children enrolled in school years four to six.
The team has already seen great success in implementing the Child and Youth Voice Strategy. One notable example is the Book Fair project at the Y Homebush West OSHC, which was initiated in response to the children’s interest in creating comic books. The children’s enthusiasm led to the establishment of a dedicated station for book creation, culminating in a Book Fair at which the children showcased their work. This project highlights the value of integrating children’s interests into the educational experience and promoting their active participation.
SUSTAINABILITY INITIATIVES
The Y NSW’s Children’s Services team is committed to advancing sustainability through innovative and engaging initiatives that involve children in meaningful
With the appointment of a workforce planning manager during the year, the Children’s Services team has been able to more efficiently and effectively forecast staffing requirements and improved responsiveness to the workforce challenges experienced across the Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) sector. Staffing numbers have increased, ensuring enhanced quality and, more importantly, consistent and familiar faces for the children and their families.
STRATEGIC ROADMAP
Over a 12-month consultation period, a comprehensive strategic roadmap was developed. The roadmap’s key areas of focus include workforce transformation through the stabilisation and celebration of our people; optimising business systems and processes; further strengthening relationships and partnerships; and fostering innovation. We look to the future with confidence as we continue to deliver and adapt our Children’s Services programs, underpinned by our commitment to continuous improvement, and the safety and wellbeing of the children, which remains our top priority.
“ We have such an amazing and inclusive team where nobody gets left behind. OSHC is such a great way for children to interact and learn at the same time.
Marnie and
– Jenan, Educator
Above:
her son, Christopher
Lasting FIRST IMPRESSIONS
As someone who had operated her own OSHC for 16 years, Marnie had high expectations when it came to choosing education and care services for her son Christopher.
Recalling her first visit to the Y NSW OSHC in south-western Sydney, Marnie said, “I went at the worst time, just after bell time. I wanted to see how they reacted and, honestly, the first impression was perfect.” This immediate positive vibe set the tone for a seven-year journey from kindergarten through to Year 6.
One of the highlights for Marnie was the consistency of the educators. She also appreciated that the educators formed connections with the children, ensuring they were known and cared for as individuals.
Christopher’s passion for soccer provides one example of how the program is tailored to individual interests. As an outdoor-loving soccer fan, he was thrilled when the educators allowed him to follow the World Cup – a simple act that made a world of difference in keeping him engaged.
“They made sure he and the other soccer-mad kids didn’t miss out on anything,” Marnie said.
Christopher agreed, noting that his favourite aspect of the seven-year OSHC experience was “that I could play sport in the afternoons with friends”. Beyond the engaging activities, the OSHC had a profound impact on Marnie’s ability to balance work and family life, knowing that Christopher was safe, happy, and active in an environment in which he was truly known.
Pictured: Marnie and son Christopher
Community Recreation
The Y NSW provides recreation programs across NSW that empower people to live healthy, active and social lives.
Spanning 11 Local Government Areas, our centres welcomed over two million people of all ages and abilities in FY24, who engaged in our aquatics, fitness and sporting programs.
We are proud to be one of the largest providers of gymnastics training and swimming lessons in NSW, demonstrating our commitment to health, fitness and recreation in our communities.
Our Social Impact
Under the RBA™ framework, the Community Recreation portfolio achieved strong social impacts*. Feedback from more than 11,500 customers revealed that a significant proportion felt that they had gained new skills and confidence, improved their social connections by making new friends, and gained a sense of belonging from participating at the Y. As part of the Y’s commitment to continuous improvement, we strive to build upon our social impact year on year.
82% FELT INCREASED CONFIDENCE 84% GAINED NEW SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE *
EXPANDING OUR IMPACT
In line with the organisation’s strategic direction of growth and diversification, we expanded the Y NSW’s recreational offerings during the year through the acquisition of Junior Basketball Academy and East Gymnastics.
HOMECOMING HOOPS
Junior Basketball Academy joined the Y NSW in June 2024. Operating at 11 public and private venues across Sydney, the business supports thousands of players aged five to 14 in basketball skills development, coaching and games through weekly skills sessions and school holiday programs. Beyond skills and drills, there is a focus on the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle with physical activity, teamwork and resilience.
The Y has a remarkable history with the sport of basketball, having invented the game in the United States in 1891. Since then, the YMCA has played a significant role in the growth and development of basketball globally.
“With this acquisition, the Y NSW helps to continue this legacy,” said CEO Rob Kennaugh. “We are delighted to welcome a group of talented and enthusiastic basketball coaches who engage thousands of children in their programs, to the Y NSW and expand our positive social impact through this popular sport.”
REACHING NEW HEIGHTS
East Gymnastics joined the Y NSW in June 2024. Located in Edgecliff, in the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney, East Gymnastics has been a cornerstone of this community for more than 12 years, providing high-quality recreational classes to over 800 gymnasts of all ages.
FELT INCREASED SOCIAL CONNECTION
77% GAINED AN INCREASED SENSE OF BELONGING * 78%
“We are thrilled to enrich the Y NSW’s award-winning gymnastics programs and welcome the East Gymnastics staff and gymnasts to our team,” said CEO Rob Kennaugh. “This strategic acquisition marks a significant milestone in the Y NSW’s commitment to expanding and enhancing its gymnastics offerings.”
TRANSITIONS OUT
In FY24, decisions were made to transition out of the management contracts of some Community Recreation centres in line with the organisation’s strategy and commitment to strengthening its financial position. These centres included the Great Lakes Aquatic and Leisure Centre, Manning Aquatic Leisure Centre, Wingham Memorial Swimming Pool, Tea Gardens Swimming Pool, Oberon Swimming Pool and Fitness Centre, and CentrePoint Sport and Leisure Centre. In addition, the Y NSW transitioned out of the management of the Mt Annan Leisure Centre and Camden War Memorial Pool following a re-tender process.
During the transition periods, our priority remained ensuring the continuity of services to our members and guests, and the wellbeing of our employees. We supported employees with available redeployment opportunities at other Y associations across the country and local career outplacement, and are pleased to report that many team members gained employment with the new operators.
FITNESS
Our fitness programs cater to all fitness levels and interests, offering a wide range of options from high-energy group workouts to calming yoga sessions. With an emphasis on inclusivity, we strive to ensure that everyone feels welcome on their fitness journey.
Members benefit from group fitness classes led by professional instructors, who foster a supportive team atmosphere. We also provide flexible training options for personalised support to help members reach their fitness goals. Our Teen Gym, designed for those aged 11 to 14, offers safe and social spaces to develop healthy exercise habits. For those aged 55 and over, Pryme Movers offers discounted memberships with social events.
Our fitness offerings have seen strong results this year. Across 11 sites, we have maintained over 10,000 memberships and recorded more than 500,000 visits. This high engagement reflects the quality of our facilities and programs, as well as the communities’ commitment to health and wellness.
Our offerings
“ I love training at the Y because of the friends I’ve made. It ’s a community, I can be who I am and I feel comfortable.
– Charlotte
Movers
AQUATICS
2400+
AQUATIC SITES 8 POOL MEMBERSHIPS
The Y offers a mix of aquatic programs for swimmers of all ages, levels of experience and ability. Each class is taught by an AUSTSWIM or SWIM Australia qualified instructor. Our Learn to Swim program is designed to teach people from six months through to adults how to swim with a focus on water safety skills. Swimmers can progress to the next level with the squad program, which focuses on the development of stroke technique, and complex skills and drills as swimmers progress through the levels to state squad.
Our SwimAbility program provides opportunities for people living with disability to be active, build confidence and develop skills through personalised one-on-one classes. Our aqua aerobic classes provide a great way to improve cardiovascular health and support rehabilitation following injury.
Across NSW, people turn to the Y’s centres for recreational swimming. Most of our centres have various pools, including indoor and outdoor pools, shallow wading pools for small children and lap pools for those looking to exercise.
191,000+
Our offerings
Learn to Swim classes
Swim squads
Aqua aerobics
SwimAbility
School carnivals
SAFETY FIRST
In FY24, all Y NSW aquatic centres successfully passed the Safety Ratings from the Royal Life Saving Society – Australia as part of the Aquatic Facility Safety Assessments. This rigorous process assesses aquatic centres against the provisions of the Guidelines for Safe Pool Operation, the Australian Standards, and relevant state and territory legislation related to public pool safety. The Y’s achievement demonstrates our unwavering commitment to safety.
The Ku-ring-gai Fitness and Aquatic Centre was recognised as one of the safest pools in Sydney, achieving 100 per cent compliance in the assessment.
Pictured: Fun-filled swim lessons where children develop lifelong skills
STADIUM
430 PLAYER VISITS
150,000+
TEAMS
15,000+
LEARN TO PLAY VISITS
With friendly staff and diverse programs, the Y NSW offers a wide range of stadium sports and coaching programs for a mixture of ages and abilities at our Ryde and Epping centres.
From basketball and netball to soccer and squash, the Y provides junior and senior, indoor and outdoor competitions in men’s, women’s and mixed divisions. Our sports competitions are professionally organised and prioritise enjoyment, fairness, and active participation, ensuring that every individual — regardless of age or skill level — finds their perfect sport.
Our two centres were hubs of vibrant sporting activity during the year, hosting 430 teams and welcoming over 150,000 player visits. Additionally, our Learn to Play programs have flourished, reaching over 15,000 visits and 450 members.
Our offerings
Basketball, badminton, football, indoor soccer/futsal, netball, pickleball, squash and volleyball
Learn to Play badminton, basketball and volleyball
Venue hire
Pictured: Precision in motion at our stadium basketball
GYMNASTICS
The Y NSW is one of the premier providers of gymnastics programs in NSW, welcoming thousands of participants each week. Across our centres in Bankstown, Penrith, Epping, St Ives and Caringbah, our experienced coaches implement the Australian Gymnastics curriculum for a wide range of ages and skill levels. They support participants to build strength, coordination, flexibility and self-confidence. Our programs span from early childhood classes (for those as young as 12 months) to adult competition training. The Y offers a mentoring program for gymnasts to gain beginners coaching accreditation. GymAbility provides classes for people with disability, while our partnerships with Gymnastics NSW and Special Olympics support our gymnasts to dream big.
The portfolio experienced impressive growth during the year with over 5000 gymnasts and more than 400,000 visits. During 2023, the Y Caringbah was named the KinderGym Program of the Year, and the Y Bankstown awarded the Club Excellence in Inclusion award.
SHOWCASES CHRIS’
ABILITY TO SHINE Gymnastics
INCREDIBLE
With five Olympic Gold Medals and a bundle of national and international sporting achievements under his belt, Chris is living proof that passion, support, and hard work can lead to the greatest of rewards.
The 31-year-old athlete and gymnastics coach from Western Sydney was born with Down Syndrome. When he was in kindergarten, his parents enrolled him in gymnastics at the Y NSW to support his development, and Chris was hooked.
“I loved jumping on the trampoline and playing in the pit –it was fun!” said Chris.
As Chris grew stronger, so too did his love for his sport. He joined Special Olympics and competed in his first state competition at the age of 11.
“In 2007, I went to my first Special Olympics World Games in Shanghai, China. I won a few medals, including a gold medal on the rings, and was proud and
honoured to wear the green and gold on the world stage,” said Chris.
Chris has since represented Australia at three Special Olympic World Games: Shanghai, Athens and Berlin. He won seven medals in Berlin – three gold, three silver and second place overall across the six apparatus. He is also the first athlete with a disability to be inducted into the Gymnastics Australia Athlete’s Roll of Honour.
Now a popular Gymnastics Coach at the Y NSW, Chris remains humble about the profound influence that the sport has had on his life and praises the role that the Y NSW has played.
“It’s not about winning the medal, it’s the journey. It’s all about my hard work, determination and frustration. The Y saw my abilities, not my disabilities,” Chris said.
Gymnastics at the Y has been my home and safe place for over 20 years. Starting off as a young gymnast, I was inspired to complete the Gymnastics Mentor Program. I become a coach then a gymnastics coordinator. I am loving every single moment! ”
–
Jessica, Gymnastics Coordinator
School Holiday PROGRAMS
Our school holiday programs are offered at several of our recreation centres and are designed for those aged five to 16. The Y provides action-packed days that bring together sports, skills development, socialising and having fun, while providing valuable support to working families during school holidays.
Our commitment to providing engaging school holiday activities is evident in the success of our program, which attracted over 6000 participants during the year.
Swim lessons provide
PEACE OF MIND
For mother-of-two Holly, the decision to enrol her children in the Y’s Learn to Swim program was motivated by a desire to keep her family safe while experiencing quality time together in the Australian outdoors.
Her son Finlay started lessons aged six months. “He loved it so much and he responded to the teachers there,” Holly said. “We feel lucky to have had a teacher who was super encouraging.”
Safety became an even stronger focus when Stanley came along. Stanley also began swimming lessons at six months, but two months later, his progress slowed due to left-sided hemiplegia cerebral palsy. Holy approached the Y swim teachers, and they suggested moving Stanley across to the Y’s SwimAbility program, designed specifically for people living with disabilities.
“The lessons help with Stanley’s therapy, building up muscles and tone. It’s so great to have a different outlet for him, something he clearly enjoys, that’s also helping him move along his journey,” said Holy. “I love seeing the boys really progress and seeing their excitement when they hear ‘it’s swimming tomorrow’,” she added.
Pictured top: Stanley and Dad; middle: brothers Stanley and Finlay, and below: the family enjoying some water fun together.
Pictured: Fun and friends at our school holiday program
Education and Camping
The Y NSW offers enriching camping and education experiences designed to cultivate personal growth, leadership and connection with nature. Located on the heritage-listed Grose River in the beautiful Hawkesbury Valley, Camp Yarramundi has been operating since 1937, and provides a range of outdoor education programs tailored to schools, youth groups and families.
Camp Yarramundi offers a range of activities such as high rope courses, canoeing, archery, and bush craft skills, all aimed to build resilience, teamwork, and self-confidence. The programs are designed to be inclusive, ensuring that people of all abilities can participate and benefit from outdoor adventures.
In early 2023, the Y secured a significant grant to transform Camp Yarramundi. Awarded by the NSW Government as part of its Western Sydney Infrastructure
Grants Program, this significant redevelopment project is set to double the capacity of the venue, with new, accessible, modern overnight accommodation and catering amenities. It will also allow the Y to expand its offerings and provide more accessible and high-quality outdoor education experiences, reaffirming Camp Yarramundi’s status as a premier venue in the region. (See page 14 for more information).
Pictured: Young campers celebrate after mastering the high ropes
RECOVERY CAMP
Recovery Camp had a significant presence at Camp Yarramundi this year. In total, five weeks were dedicated to providing therapeutic mental health support and nursing student placements. These immersive programs, created by Professor Lorna Moxham and Dr Christopher Patterson from the University of Wollongong, play a crucial role in fostering mental health recovery, offering participants a supportive environment to engage in activities that promote healing and wellbeing.
In the past decade, more than 900 people living with mental health issues have attended the camps, and over 1500 health students have undertaken placements, gaining over 123,400 hours of mental health professional experience. By combining therapeutic support with hands-on outdoor education, the Y continues to make a positive impact on the lives of participants, reinforcing our commitment to mental health and wellbeing.
SCHOOL GROUPS
Camp Yarramundi has been one of NSW’s premier outdoor education and camping venues for school groups for generations. This year the team welcomed over 113 school groups and 10,000 students from across the state.
Education and training programs based on a sequential year level model are tailored to the individual learning outcomes of each school. At the core of the programs are the themes of personal growth, a sense of community, and connection to the natural world. From adventure activities, such as high ropes, abseiling, archery and kayaking, to educational sessions including indigenous program content run by local elders and covering bush tucker, walkabouts, dance and more, the programs aim to support participants to build resilience and a positive outlook, and to develop their goal setting, teamwork and social responsibility skills.
Former program participant, Alex, said, “[I] absolutely loved this place as a kid, remember going just about every school holiday. I built up some lifelong friendships and memories. The activities were great, the staff were friendly, and honestly, they were some of the best experiences of my formative years as a young adult.”
COMMUNITY GROUPS
This year, the Y NSW was proud to host a diverse range of community groups in its camping program, including new and returning organisations. Notable groups included Youth Off The Streets, Sydney Regional Aboriginal Corporation, Greater Western Aboriginal Health Services, STARTTS, Creating Links, Platform Youth Services, People
Outdoors, the Y NSW Youth Parliament program, Mitchell Youth Leadership Forum, National Aboriginal Sporting Chance Academy, and Legacy.
These groups, which specialise in areas such as disability support, out-of-home care, Aboriginal services, and youth leadership, significantly enhance the program offerings in addition to the regular school camps.
CELEBRATING CAMP JABIRU
The Camp Yarramundi team celebrated 15 years of hosting Sensory Gym’s® Camp Jabiru program, which continues to provide children and young people living with neurodiversity with a tailored camp experience combined with intensive therapeutic support. Over 80 children and young people and 70 allied health professionals attended the Sensory Gym® Camp Jabiru 2024.
This milestone underscores our commitment to making inclusive and supportive camping opportunities available to all participants.
PROCESSES, IMPROVEMENTS AND PARTNERSHIPS
Camp Yarramundi underwent some significant upgrades this year that enhanced the overall program delivery. A new booking system was launched, called Venue Life, which is designed to support the expanding needs of the Camp Yarramundi site. Venue Life offers a range of features, including programming, rostering, training compliance, medical consent, and digital camp registration, fulfilling groups’ requests for a paperless process.
The camping and education team are excited about the streamlined operations and greater efficiencies provided by the new system.
LOOKING FORWARD
As we look to the future, the Western Sydney Infrastructure Grants Program is poised to transform the Camp Yarramundi site, building on a rich legacy spanning over 80 years. This ambitious initiative will not only revitalise the area but will also continue our tradition of delivering inclusive, life-changing experiences for children, young people and the communities we serve. Our dedicated team has created an inspired, vibrant, welcoming space that will provide high-quality outdoor education experiences for generations to come.
Pictured: Building skills and confidence with outdoor adventures
Inclusive Camp
CELEBRATES NEURODIVERSITY
Camp Jabiru, held at Camp Yarramundi in partnership with Sensory Gym®, provides neurodivergent children and young people with an opportunity to experience all the benefits of outdoor camping and education in a supportive environment with allied health intervention.
Thirteen-year-old Lillian attended Camp Jabiru during the year and said, “I love how the people around me are all supportive of me being myself and the fun you have here is incredible. I’ve been able to control my emotions way more than I have before since coming here and can make friends easier. Before it was so hard.”
For her mum, Wendy, Camp Jabiru has been a positive experience for the whole family. “The camp has made a significant difference in our lives,” Wendy said. “It has helped my child to develop self-regulation and leadership skills. Knowing my child is safe and happy allows our family to relax and recharge.”
“
Marnie and Jasmyn exemplify the spirit of Camp Yarramundi. Both have been young participants on holiday programs, courageous in overcoming adversity, and now, as our program coordinators, they are exceptional leaders committed to making a difference.
“
– Nick, Camping Manager, Camp Yarramundi.
Pictured: Program Coordinator Jasmyn, Camping Manager Nick and Program Coordinator Marnie
Our
The Y thrives because of our dedicated workforce. From recreation centres and out-ofschool-care to community programs and support services, our team is committed to providing quality services to the communities and people that we support.
EMPLOYEES 1300+
People FULL-TIME AND PART-TIME 35%
This year has been a transformative period for our organisation, and as we reflect on our journey, we celebrate the dedication, resilience and innovation of our employees who have embraced change and driven our purpose — believing in the power of inspired young people.
CASUAL 65% VOLUNTEERS 73 AGED 25 YEARS AND UNDER 47%
Being a Muslim woman in the workplace, particularly the Y, has been an empowering and fulfilling experience.
– Iman, Youth Worker
I love coming to work in such a positive environment, ”
– Caitlyn, Educator.
Left: Youth Programs Coordinator Mim, Youth Worker Iman and Empowered Minds Committee volunteer Yeshal.
Seeing patrons safe while enjoying the water is so rewarding.
– Craig, Lifeguard “
Engagement Survey
Our annual engagement survey highlighted several key strengths within our organisation, notably a strong sense of belonging among employees, a robust safeguarding culture, and managers who genuinely care about employee wellbeing. These positive findings are a testament to our ongoing efforts to create a supportive and inclusive workplace.
The survey also identified areas for continued improvement, specifically in staffing, which we are actively addressing through our workforce planning initiative. The initiative aims to optimise staffing levels and ensure we have the right talent in place to meet our strategic goals and enhance overall organisational effectiveness.
RAP Update
We remain steadfast in our commitment to reconciliation, as we actively deliver on the promises in our Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). We are proud to have established a new partnership with Reconciliation NSW, further strengthening our dedication to this crucial journey. Additionally, we have formed an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Reference Group, comprising exceptional young First Nations individuals. This group will serve as a vital voice, representing the perspectives and aspirations of young First Nations people as we strive to advance to and develop our Innovate RAP.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Strategy
As the cornerstone of our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging, our learning program is designed to foster a culture where every individual feels valued, respected and included. We believe that by equipping ourselves with the knowledge and tools to create an inclusive environment, we can truly enhance a sense of belonging for all team members.
This year, the learning program focused on the theme of inclusion to lift understanding of inclusion and the principles that enable every individual to achieve their full potential. We also focused on the ‘why’ of gender equality and the impacts of a gender pay gap, particularly for women.
Our organisation is proudly committed to equality, exemplified by our unwavering commitment to equal pay across genders. This dedication to fairness not only promotes a diverse and inclusive workplace, but also reinforces our values.
Workforce Planning
This year we prioritised effective workforce planning to ensure that the Y NSW is the right size for delivering the highest quality programs and services. By carefully analysing our staffing needs and aligning them with our strategic goals, we are optimising our workforce to meet current and future demands.
This approach not only enhances our operational efficiency but also ensures our people are enabled to provide exceptional support and services to the communities we serve. Our workforce planning commitment resulted in the organisation welcoming over 130 new team members into our Children’s Services portfolio to provide quality programs to the children in our education and care.
Supporting Our Leaders
At our annual Leaders Alliance held in February 2024, leaders from across the organisation came together to focus on our strategic priorities and exchanging valuable insights. A key part of the two-day event included discussion on the concept of ‘regeneration’, where opportunities for sustainable and regenerative leadership were explored.
Commitment to Training
The Y NSW is recognised as a leader in safeguarding, and it is at the heart of all we do. Our employees receive regular safeguarding training to ensure that they know how to recognise safeguarding issues and that they respond in accordance with the law and the National Principles of a child safe organisation. Our commitment is reflected in our staff engagement survey results, which revealed 96 per cent of respondents felt that safeguarding was a priority and over 97 per cent indicated they feel safe about reporting a child protection concern.
The Y supports our team members to maintain their qualifications, ensuring the provision of safe services to our customers. During the year, we had over 600 team members re-qualified in CPR certification, 124 team members complete First Aid training, and over 100 team members were re-qualified as lifeguards.
Technology Enhancements
As part of our continued focus on our employee experience, the People and Culture team launched a new employee app called Y Central. The app provides employees with streamlined access to essential systems and tools, such as rostering, payroll and news, all within a single platform. The enhanced communication channel ensures consistent information sharing, fostering a more connected and informed workforce.
As a new employee benefit, the app provides access to discounts at thousands of retail outlets. It also includes a variety of wellbeing content, tools and resources to support our people in prioritising their wellbeing.
Looking Ahead
We look forward to developing a new recognition program that will acknowledge our people’s contributions in a meaningful way. Plans are in place to launch a new time and attendance system designed to enhance efficiencies and improve the overall experience for our employees. These initiatives, along with others, underscore our commitment to continuous improvement and our dedication to fostering a positive and rewarding workplace environment.
Thanks to our supporters
Our thanks go to the government departments, organisations and individuals that supported us to deliver on our belief in the power of inspired young people during the year. We acknowledge our national body, the Y Australia, our fellow member associations for their support, and the World Alliance of YMCAs for their global vision.
Living Works
Advocate for Children and Young People
Alcohol and Drug Foundation
Asquith Boys High School
Australian Government (Department of Social Services)
Barnardos Australia
Bellingen Shire Council
Big Yellow Umbrella
Blayney Shire Council
Broken Hill High School
Broken Hill Shire Council
Bungree Aboriginal Association
Bunnings
Camden Council
Camden High School
Canterbury Bankstown Council
Carlingford High School
Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney
Central Coast Community Council
Central Coast Council
Central Coast Leagues Club
City of Parramatta Council
Corey Matthews
Dunmore Lang College
Elderslie High School
Elevate Basketball Australia
Elizabeth Macarthur High School
Empowered Living Care
Family Planning NSW
Gamble Aware
Global Skills
Gorokan High School
Granville Boys High School
Greystanes High School
Hawkesbury Council
Head to Health
headspace
Holroyd High School
Jindabyne Sport & Recreation Centre
Karabi Community and Development Services
Kellogg’s Australia
Ku-ring-gai Council
Lake Munmorah High School
Maari Ma Health
Mid Coast Council
Mingara Leisure Group
Mission Australia
Monaro High School
Morrisset High School
Mount Annan High School
Nepean Neighbourhood Centre
NSW Department of Communities and Justice
Next Technologies
Ngarigo Waligada Aboriginal Corporation
"Growing up in a drug-fuelled abusive household, constant relocation, and poverty felt insurmountable. However, the Youth Parliament program offered me a supportive community and a platform to connect with likeminded individuals, allowing me to channel my drive for change. This transformative experience ignited my passion for giving back and shaped my commitment to contribute meaningfully through my work and in my community."
– Corey Matthews, Youth Parliament 2024 sponsor
Northlakes High School
NSW Government (NSW Police, Department of Education, Office for Regional Youth, Department of Communities and Justice, Parliament of NSW, TAFE NSW, NSW Health)
Oran Park High School
Parramatta High School
Pendle Hill High School
Phoenix Youth Support Services
Port Macquarie Hastings Council
Reclink Australia
Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
Ryde City Council
Salvation Army
Shopfront Arts Co-op
Snowy Monaro Regional Council
Snowy Mountains Christian School
Social Futures
SongLab
St Patricks Secondary School
Sutherland Shire Council
Sydney Region Aboriginal Corporation
The EpiCentre
The Skill Engineer – Digi Van
Tuggerah Lakes Secondary College
The Entrance Campus
Uniting NSW/ACT
Vicinity Centres
Wadalba Community School
Waratah Education Foundation
Western Sydney Local Health District
Western Sydney University
Willyama High School
Wyong High School
Wyong Leagues Group
YES Youth Employment Services
Yfoundations
Your Side Australia
Yourtown
Youth Action NSW
Youth Enhanced Support Services
Youth Off The Streets
CHECK OUT OUR BLAK, LOUD AND PROUD NAIDOC WEEK DINNER, MADE POSSIBLE BY OUR SPONSORS!
Our board members
Bachelor of Economics (Macquarie University)
Chair of the Board, appointed August 2023
Committees: Risk, Audit and Finance Committee
Independent: Yes
Directorships: Director of Gymnastics Australia
George is an experienced executive who has worked in the sports, events, venue and for-purpose sectors for several decades. His experience includes senior positions within the Sydney Olympic Games Organising Committee, Australian Rugby and Sydney FC. Additionally, he held the position of chief operating officer of consumer group CHOICE. More recently, George was responsible for commissioning and opening CommBank Stadium in Parramatta, the first major stadium to be built in Sydney in 20 years.
Prue held the role of Chair of the Board until August 2023 when she was appointed as Interim CEO/Executive Director and held the role until June 2024. Prue remains a Non-Executive Director of the Board.
Bachelor of Arts in Education (Macquarie University); The Executive Connection (TEC) and Diploma of Teaching in Early Childhood (Nursery School Teaching College).
Director, appointed on 20 April 2020
Committees: Chair of People and Culture Committee, Strategy and Innovation Committee
Independent: *
Directorships: Childcare at Work Australia Pty Ltd, Scotforth Pty Ltd, Australian Community Children’s Services, Y Services and Y Safeguarding
Prue Warrilow is a strategic solution provider who has spent 30 years consulting to corporate, government and not-for-profit sectors in Australia, New Zealand and Singapore in the niche area of work/life wellbeing strategies. This breadth of experience provides Prue with unique insights into best practice in human resources, diversity, people and governance. Prue is an industry expert in children’s services and child and family services. Prue has served on, and currently sits on, several NSW and Australian government advisory councils and non-government organisations that strategically influence public policy thinking on child and family matters. Prue’s paid and voluntary work is underpinned by her strong personal values, working to ensure children and young people grow to adulthood to be the best they possibly can be.
GEORGE PERRY Chair
PRUE WARRILOW
Director
Pictured: Back row L to R: CEO Rob Kennaugh, Chair George Perry, Director David McKenna, Director Kerry McGoldrick. Front row L to R: Company Secretary Angelique Nesbitt, Director Josh Wiseman, Director Timothy Sunwoo, Director Prue Warrilow, and Director Leigh Johns OAM.
SUNWOO Director
Master of International Affairs in International Finance and Business (Columbia University School of International and Public Affairs); Bachelor of Science in Finance and Economics (New York University Stern School of Business)
Director, appointed on 16 April 2020
Committees: People & Culture Committee and Member of the Nominations Committee
Independent: Yes
Tim Sunwoo is an experienced not-for-profit chief executive officer with an extensive commercial and strategic background. Most recently, he has served as the CEO of disability and community housing not-for-profits. He has also held senior executive roles in strategy and finance for large listed Australian companies. His background also includes a stint as a management consultant, based in New York and Sydney, for an international strategy consulting firm. Tim is passionate about the mission of the Y and the critical link it provides to the wider community. As a youth growing up in America, he spent countless hours playing basketball at a local YMCA gymnasium.
CORINNE DIEDERICKS
Director
Bachelor of Business Science, honours degree with triple majors in Finance, Accounting and Economics and a Masters in Business Administration, both from the University of Cape Town, South Africa
Director, appointed on 20 April 2024
Committees: Risk Audit and Finance Committee
Independent: Yes
Directorships: Lysaght Building Solutions Pty Ltd, Fielders Manufacturing Pty Ltd, BlueScope Building and Construction Ltd, Permalite Aluminium Building Solutions Pty Ltd, The Roofing Centre (Tasmania) Pty Ltd, BlueScope Water Australia Pty Ltd
Corinne comes with extensive experience in finance director and strategy roles spanning a wide range of industries including energy, telecommunications, fastmoving consumer goods and manufacturing sectors. She has had P and L responsibilities with revenues in excess of $1 billion and successfully implemented profitability turnarounds, driving accountability and executing on strategy amid volatile market conditions. She has experience in delivering favourable people engagement shifts and in improved business KPIs in complex, heavily matrixed global and ASX-listed organisations. In addition to her P and L, strategy and commercial finance background, Corinne has also led data and analytics teams and digital transformation projects. She is passionate about inspiring and coaching people, making a difference to their current and future success. Corinne is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
DAVID MCKENNA Director
Doctor of Philosophy Strategic Innovation (University of Canberra) – completing; Master of Public Administration (University of Canberra); Graduate Certificate in Laws (Australian National University); Graduate Certificate in Politics and Public Policy (Macquarie University); Bachelor of Applied Entrepreneurship from the University of Canberra; Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors
Director, appointed on 28 April 2021
Committees: Chair of the Strategy and Innovation Committee, Risk Audit and Finance Committee
Independent: Yes
Directorships: All Care Health Services Group, Reserve Bank Health Society (RBHS)
David is an experienced innovator, non-executive director and public sector leader. He is a Research Fellow at Charles Sturt University and the James Martin Institute, focusing on best practice innovation systems. David lectures on digital transformation, ESG frameworks, and governance theory and practice. He is a passionate governance advocate with more than 15 years of board experience, who presents and writes on contemporary and emerging governance practices. He holds qualifications in entrepreneurship, law, politics and public policy, and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD), and the Harvard Not-For-Profit Leaders Program. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society of the Arts (FRSA).
JOSH WISEMAN Director
Bachelor of Psychology and Drama (Australian National University); Master of Professional Performance (Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, United Kingdom)
Director, appointed on 9 August 2023
Committees: People & Culture Committee, Strategy and Innovation Committee
Independent: Yes
Directorships: Together for Youth
Josh is an experienced executive leader in the not-for-profit space. He spent 10 years with the team at batyr driving the digital transformation of the business, as well as developing OurHerd, a first-of-its-kind digital storytelling platform. He has a background in psychology and the performing arts. Josh has led teams working on The National Mental Health Framework for Universities (Orygen), The National Evaluation of Headspace (KPMG) and Amplified Voices (Department of Health). Josh is a non-executive director of Together 4 Youth, an organisation that provides youth wellbeing programs, and sits on many advisory boards, including WSU’s Examining Digital Health Interventions in Australia and the Philippines project, and the Black Dog Institute’s Advisory Panel for its Sidewalk Circus Labs project.
His background in the arts allow him to focus on how technology can be human centric in its solutions and amplify impact.
TIMOTHY
KERRY MCGOLDRICK
Director
COMMISSIONER
LEIGH JOHNS OAM
Director
SIAN O’SHAUGHNESSY
Director
Bachelor of Laws; Masters of Business Administration; Graduate Diploma of Applied Corporate Governance.
Director, appointed 9 August 2023
Committees: Chair of Risk, Audit and Finance Committee
Independent: Yes
Directorships: SW Accountants and Advisors, Scouts NSW, Governance Institute of Australia, Standards Australia
Kerry McGoldrick is a recognised leader in governance and risk, with extensive experience across commercial, not-for-profit and public sector organisations in both industry (including Qantas and Woolworths) and professional services (including EY and Deloitte). Kerry currently chairs the NSW/ACT Council of Governance Institute Australia, the Risk Management Committee of Standards Australia and the Board of Scouts NSW. A lawyer by trade and a Chartered Governance Professional, Kerry holds an MBA and Graduate Diploma of Applied Corporate Governance. He is a regular contributor to media, industry and academia. Kerry is passionate about supporting young people to help create a better world.
Master of Laws (University of Melbourne), Bachelor of Laws (Monash University), Bachelor of Economics (Monash University)
Director of the Board, appointed 7 November 2019
Independent: Yes
Directorships: Commissioner of Fair Work Commission, National Council of YMCAs
Commissioner Leigh Johns has extensive experience in employment law, workplace relations, equal opportunity and anti-discrimination law, disciplinary proceedings, and workplace mediation. He has also been involved in a range of not-for-profit organisations for more than 25 years, across areas including the arts, youth, community/primary health and health promotion. For this outstanding service, and significant contribution to the industrial relations field, Commissioner Johns was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in 2017. Three years earlier, he was appointed to the Fair Work Commission, following a career as an experienced and highly skilled senior government executive.
Resigned February 2024
Our Leaders
As we look ahead to FY25, we are pleased to introduce the leadership team, whose vision and expertise will guide us into the future. The team comprise of experienced professionals with commitment to our belief and a collective focus that is set to expand the positive impact of the Y.
Governance
The Young Men’s Christian Association of Sydney trading as ‘the Y NSW’ (the Y NSW) is governed by a Board whose authority is enabled by the Young Men’s Christian Association of Sydney Incorporation Act, 1906 (NSW) as amended by the Young Men’s Christian Association of Sydney Incorporation (Amendment) Act, 1976 (NSW) (“the Constitution”).
The directors and management of the Y NSW are committed to conducting business in an ethical manner and in accordance with high standards of corporate governance. This section of the Annual Report describes the Y NSW’s corporate governance framework, policies and practices during the financial year ended 30 June 2024 FY2024).
The Y NSW is committed to ensuring that its corporate governance framework, policies and procedures reflect a high standard of corporate governance. The Y NSW governance framework is shown below:
Prue
Corrine
David McKenna
Josh Wiseman Kerry McGoldrick
Johns OAM
Sian O’Shaughnessy
YYCS Board of Directors
As at 30 June 2024, the YYCS Board comprised the same directors as the Y NSW except that Leigh Johns OAM was confirmed as President and Chair immediately after the YYCS AGM last year and continues to hold this position.
Roles and Responsibilities of the Board
The Board is responsible for the governance of the Y NSW. The role of the Board is to safeguard the Y NSW’s interests and foster sustainable value creation while considering the reasonable interests of members, employees, customers, and other relevant stakeholders.
The Board reviews and approves the Y NSW’s strategic direction and provides oversight of management. Additionally, the Board is responsible for guiding the Y NSW’s corporate culture by establishing the tone from the top and monitoring the implementation of, and broader adherence to the organisation’s core values, policies and related processes. This includes monitoring Y NSW’s approach to the management of risks, such as its exposure to technology risks, safety risks and potential damage to reputation.
Board Composition
The Y NSW seeks to maintain a Board of Directors with an appropriate range of skills, knowledge, experience, independence and diversity, and an understanding of, and competence to deal with, current and emerging issues relevant to overseeing a growing not for profit purpose driven business.
The Board maintains a skills matrix which is reviewed annually, with a view to capturing the skills needed to address existing and emerging business and governance issues relevant to the Y NSW’s business, and considers any changes in circumstances and strategic priorities.
The Board skills matrix as part of succession planning to assess the skills and experience that may be required on the Board in the future to support effective governance and the delivery of the Y NSW’s strategy, having regard to the ongoing transition of the business.
Board Committees
The Board has established the following three Committees which meet each quarter throughout the year:
1. The Risk Audit and Finance Committee;
2. The Strategy and Innovation Committee; and
3. The People and Culture Committee.
Each Committee reports to the Board and makes recommendations to the full Board for its consideration as appropriate.
For more information on the role and purpose of each subcommittee, please see the governance page of the Y NSW website at: ymcansw.org.au/about-us/governance/
Y NSW Governance Support
The Board is responsible for the appointment of the Y NSW’s Company Secretaries. Angelique Nesbitt and Leanne Williams of Augmena Pty Limited have each been appointed as Company Secretary to the Board and the Committees, and attend all meetings of the Board and Committees as required.
The Company Secretaries are accountable to the Board through the Chair on all corporate governance matters and all matters to do with the proper functioning of the Board.
5George Perry resigned from the Board with effect from 26 July 2024.
6Stepped into the Chair role with effect on 27 July 2024.
7Held the role of Chair until September 2023 and then took on the role of interim Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director until June 2024 when she resigned her executive role and remained as a Director of the Board.
Pictured: Mucking around with good mates at StreetGym
Financial
Summary
Trading Services
In analysing the FY24 trading year, it was good to see all business lines trading up on FY23 and revenue finish at 98 per cent of budget despite the cost-of-living pressures, interest rates and the exit of underperforming business lines.
The Y NSW commenced modifying its workforce mix during the year to reduce the dependency on casual employees in the Children’s Services and Community Recreation portfolios. These improvements enable better cost effectiveness in meeting business demands.
Recreation
The FY24 trading year saw the organisation strategically transition out of underperforming recreation contracts. These decisions ensure that the Y NSW meets its longterm sustainability goals. The Sport and Recreation portfolio, including gymnastics, basketball, fitness and camp, continued to achieve healthy growth.
Children’s Services
The Children’s Services portfolio faced several challenges during the year, including inflation, cost of living pressures, rising interest rates, and changes in government funding. Pleasingly, there was a significant increase of 16 per cent in vacation care enrolments that helped to offset this impact.
Community and Youth Programs
Youth and Community programs, including StreetGym and Alternative Suspension, met budget expectations.
Looking Ahead
During the year, the Y NSW expanded through the acquisitions of Junior Basketball Academy and East Gymnastics, adding to the organisation’s Community Recreation portfolio. Further expansion is planned in the early childhood education and care sector next financial year.
