YMCA Victoria

We wish to express our profound appreciation for the incredible team at our Howman's Gap Discovery Camp, who worked relentlessly throughout the past highly demanding season. In the span of a single season they: 🔥 Prepared a staggering 13,551 meals 👱 Accommodated over 1,500 individuals 😴 Supported 4,775 overnight stays and ⛷️ Conducted thousands of ski lessons Our success is invariably linked to your dedication and tireless efforts. Thank you so much. 👏

Our Lady Northcote Discovery Camp and La Trobe University's RISE Program teamed up to support high schoolers from regional and remote areas as they prep for university life. First Nations students got a head start with peer connections, workshops, and mentorship—all in a fun, supportive environment. Students loved building confidence and making lifelong friends. As Rob Cummins, our Camp Manager, says, “Our goal is to ensure that every camper feels supported and ready for their next chapter.” Here’s to more life-changing moments ahead!

Incredible humans alert! the Y's 2024 Victorian Father of the Year Ben Smith congratulated by past winners. A week ago today Barry Novy (2002), Dr Rob Moodie (2005), Steve Moneghetti (2006), Terry Mitropoulos (2016), Jason Stack (2017), Stephen Curran (2020), Sam Chew (2021), Gabriel Carazo (2023) attended our award ceremony at the City of Melbourne Town Hall to congratulate this year's winner Ben Smith. Each of these alumni members of the Y's Victorian Father of the Year continue to inspire us and make an amazing impact both in their own families and in the community. We're grateful for their support🙏 #Fathers Day #VicFather #alumni #socialimpact

In the context of Child Protection Week, it's essential to acknowledge that children’s experiences are shaped by a variety of factors—race, gender, disability, and more. Intersectionality is key to understanding these diverse experiences and creating effective child protection strategies. Young leaders today are leading the charge, advocating for approaches that ensure no child is left behind. As professionals, educators, and community members, we can support this by: ✅ Listening to diverse perspectives. ✅ Learning how intersectionality affects child protection. ✅ Acting to implement inclusive strategies in our work. Let’s champion intersectionality in child protection and build a future where every child can thrive. 🌍 The Y Australia #ChildProtectionWeek #Intersectionality

Child protection is a collective responsibility. It's not just up to parents or caregivers; every member of our community has a role to play. Teachers, neighbors, friends, and local businesses all contribute to creating a safe and supportive environment for children. Here’s how you can make a difference: ☑️ Speak Up: If you notice something concerning, don’t stay silent. Every voice is crucial in protecting our children. ☑️ Create Safe Spaces: Ensure that homes, schools, and community centers are environments where children feel secure and valued. ☑️ Support Families: Offer assistance to parents and caregivers. Even small gestures can make a significant impact. ☑️ Educate Yourself: Familiarize yourself with the signs of abuse and neglect, and learn how you can contribute to child protection. Together, we can build a community where every child has a fair chance. The Y Australia #ChildProtectionWeek #EveryConversationMatters

Today we join the rest of Australia in celebrating Early Childhood Educators' Day - a special occasion dedicated to recognising and appreciating the incredible work of our early learning educators. Early Childhood Educators’ Day is more than just a date on the calendar, it’s a day that acknowledges the invaluable role that educators in early learning services play in supporting the wellbeing, learning, and development of young children. Their dedication shapes the future of the youngest members of our community, ensuring they have a strong foundation to build upon as they grow. Today presents an opportunity for everyone including service operators, families, and the children themselves, to express gratitude to these remarkable professionals for their passion, patience and expertise. Our ELC teams enjoyed a shared morning tea and celebrations. If you know an educator – reach out and thank them today! Thank you, we see you and we value you.😍 The Y Australia #EarlyEducatorsDay #ThankYouEducators #YMCAProud

Announcing: Our Youth Governor for 2025, Lily Trethowan. Her commendable commitment and tireless efforts over the past three years as part of our Youth Parliament Training Portfolio have culminated in the Legislative Assembly's impressive success this year. Known for her passion for education and the arts, Lily has constantly raised the bar for fashion within the confines of Parliament House. Lily eagerly anticipates enhancing the 2025 program by further defining the distinct role of the Youth Governor. #YouthParliament #YPVIC

This National Child Protection Week, The Y Australia is proud to stand behind the message that every child in every community needs a fair go. As an organisation, we believe every child and young person has the right to be safe, and we are committed to listening to their voices and empowering them to shape their own future. By creating spaces, places, and platforms where young people feel a true sense of belonging, we ensure their voices are heard, valued, and acted upon. We invite organisations, colleagues, and individuals to pledge their support alongside us. 👉 Join us in making a difference—pledge your support today! Let’s work together to safeguard the future of all children. The Y Australia #NAPCANWeek #ChildProtectionWeek

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On Friday we were honoured to announce Ben Smith as the YMCA Victoria Father of the Year for 2024. Ben said on accepting the award “I am sincerely grateful to be accepting this award as Victorian Father of the Year, and in doing so I recognise that each and every father figure trying their best in life deserves such recognition. I simply represent you today. To the parents and carers who are doing their best to keep a roof over the heads of their family. Your courage, tenacity, determination, and hope are what keeps me doing this work. May we collectively change our lives to ensure you have the best opportunity in yours, is my hope.” Happy Fathers Day.