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Affordable Homes for Older Women at Risk in Mango Hill

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On Sunday, 18th August 2024, Y Queensland CEO Damian Foley and Queensland Premier Steven Miles announced a significant new partnership between Y Queensland and the Queensland Government. This collaboration will provide 47 affordable homes in Mango Hill, specifically designed for older women at risk of homelessness.

This project is about more than just providing housing; it’s about creating a safe, supportive community where residents can thrive. The initiative, in partnership with the Department of Housing, is a testament to the power of community-focused development.

During the event, Premier Steven Miles shared his enthusiasm for the project, stating, “It’s a great site here, and we’ll be able to connect not just to the rail and the retail precinct but also to the services Y Queensland has to offer in Mango Hill.”

Damian Foley echoed these sentiments, emphasising the holistic approach of the project: “Our goal is to make this a home for people ongoing. We’re focused on a wraparound support service, providing community connectedness, financial literacy, and mental health and wellbeing. We have a range of services here at Mango Hill that the residents will be able to tap into, and potentially also engage with some employment opportunities. We run an op shop, a gymnastics centre, and a school. There’s a range of services that operate out of this complex.”

Y Queensland is proud to work with the Queensland Government on this vital initiative. A heartfelt thank you to Premier Steven Miles and the Queensland Government for their unwavering support in making this project a reality.

Check out the full video from ABC News here

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Celebrating Y Stanthorpe's New Fitness Centre

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Stanthorpe welcomed its new Fitness Centre on November 10th, a significant milestone for the community. Notable attendees at the inauguration included Damian Foley, CEO of YMCA Queensland, Mr. Vic Pennisi, Mayor of the Southern Downs Regional Council, and Dylan Politch, Manager of the Y Stanthorpe alongside Y's councilors, local and dedicated senior staff. The event celebrated the hard work and dedication that brought the facility to life, showcasing the partnership between YMCA Queensland and the Southern Downs Regional Council.

CEO Damian Foley along with the Stanthrope centre manager Dylan Politch, and Mr Vic Pennisi, Mayor of the Southern Downs Regional Council

"We are immensely proud to witness the grand opening of Stanthorpe Fitness, Recreation & Aquatics Centre, a project that reflects our commitment to community well-being. This facility stands as a testament to the power of collaboration and community spirit. We believe it will become a vital hub for fostering health, fitness, and community in Stanthorpe and beyond," remarked Damian Foley, CEO of YMCA Queensland.

Located at 23 Talc St, Stanthorpe QLD 4380, the Stanthorpe Fitness, Recreation, and Aquatic Centre has been a community staple since 1984, now powered by the YMCA Queensland. Since its recent reopening, it has quickly become a beloved hub for all ages and fitness levels.

"We are thrilled to be one of the only fitness clubs offering such a diverse range of services, conveniently located in the heart of Stanthorpe. All members of the community are welcome to join our fitness family, fostering health, wellness, and community spirit," added Dylan Politch, Manager of the Y Stanthorpe.

The Stanthorpe Fitness Centre invites the community to explore its offerings and join the celebration. For more information, visit Y Stanthorpe Fitness Website or contact (07) 4681 2411.

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Coast To Benefit from YMCA Community Recreation Facility

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Sunshine Coast Council announced the approval of a YMCA request to enter into a 20 year head lease over the Arthur Street Hall and adjacent land within the Caloundra Central Park Sport and Recreation Precinct on the 12th of December.

Division 2 Councillor Tim Dwyer said the council approval recognises the important role that sport and active recreation plays in our region.

He said that this outcome was as a result of a YMCA approach to council in late 2012 when the Association made an offer of funding to operate and construct a district level gymnastics facility in Caloundra.

“A facility site analysis was conducted identifying the preferred location as the Caloundra Central Park Sports and Recreation Precinct,” Cr Dwyer said.

“In 2012/13, I utilised divisional allocations to fund the initial site investigations and schematic drawings. The preferred location within the Caloundra Central Park Sports and Recreation Precinct was identified as Arthur Street Hall - a council owned and managed facility. Since this time, council has been negotiating with Gymnastics Queensland and YMCA to make better use of the Arthur Street Hall including accommodating gymnastics and kinder/ junior gym activities."

YMCA is the largest provider of gymnastics in Queensland with over 3000 registered gymnasts at five locations. The proposed facility will require approximately 2500 square metres of land to cater for gymnastics and associated community facilities, and will include the existing Arthur Street Hall and land immediately adjacent to the east, and access to car parking.

The decision to grant a 20 year head lease was exercised in line with an exception to inviting written tenders, as provided under section 236(1)(b)(ii) of the Local Government Regulation 2012 and provides a beneficial outcome for the Sunshine Coast community.

It is anticipated that planning and approvals would be sought over the next six to nine months with staged construction commencing in mid-late 2014.

This decision further positions the Caloundra Central Park Sport and Recreation Precinct as a premier sporting precinct for the region.

Economic Development (Tourism, Sport and Major Events) Portfolio Councillor Jason O’Pray said the decision supported council’s recently adopted Economic Development Strategy in which sport and leisure is identified as one of 11 industry sectors which should be developed to broaden the region’s economic base.

“For this reason, council produced the Sunshine Coast Sport and Active Recreation Plan 2011 to 2026 to guide current and future provision of facilities and services,” Cr O’Pray said.

“This Plan recommends the planning and development of a dedicated gymnastics facility to service the needs of the community within the southern end of the Sunshine Coast.”

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Introducing Stage 2 of YMCA Redlands Vocational School

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Building on the success of our vocational school in the Redlands, we are planning an expansion to provide another new safe and purpose-built space for young people.

Building Stage 2 of the existing facility will enable us to respond to the demand for a safe and purpose-built space for up to 100 young people aged 12 to 14 who would benefit from an alternative learning environment.

We currently have 80 students enrolled in the vocational school in grades 10 - 12, and around 50 students on campus each day.

Click here to read more about YMCA Vocational School

At the Y, we believe that all young people have the right to achieve their full potential regardless of their circumstances.

We understand that the development of the whole person is most important. We know that this holistic approach to education is best delivered through a flexible individualised learning environment.

The proposed expansion of the vocational school will provide an opportunity for more young people to access a safe and adaptable learning environment in the Redlands.

The proposed facility will be built next to the current vocational school building. It will be a single storey building, which will include new flexible spaces to enable cross-functional use, and a screened recreation area.

Widespread benefits

The proposed facility will also create more useable space for the community to access. Outside of school hours, both school buildings will be used to run community programs as well as being made available to the wider community for hire.

The youth hub operates a safe environment for young people, aged 12–25, to run activities and recreation events.

The proposed facility will:

  • create more useable space for the community to access, where young people can connect through activated spaces and tailored programs
  • provide more social and educational infrastructure for the community
  • provide access to vocational education, and a journey to employment, for young people who would benefit from the facility.

Delivering a new community asset

To provide these improved facilities for our young people, YMCA will request that the Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning designates our premises for the development of infrastructure for educational facilities through the Ministerial Infrastructure Designation (MID) process.

The MID process is an alternative assessment pathway to lodging a development application with local government. Instead of applying for approval from Redlands City Council, we will be applying to the Minister.

A MID provides for the timely delivery of essential community infrastructure, such as schools, hospitals and healthcare services.

To support the MID proposal a range of technical assessments are undertaken. These assessments help us to understand the possible impacts of the development and how these impacts would be addressed.

All the documents supporting a request for a MID are included in a single ‘environmental assessment report’. This report refers to both the built and natural environment of the area, and includes the findings of the technical assessments.

YMCA is a registered charity and not-for-profit organisation. Applying for a MID provides an opportunity for us to save costs associated with Council’s development assessment process, which we can then reinvest into the facility and our students.

Writing an environmental assessment report

The requirements for requesting a MID are set in the Planning Act 2016 and the Minister’s Rules and Guidelines v1.1 (which falls under the Planning Act).

The environment assessment report for this project will include:

  • a response to the criteria for requesting a MID, outlined under the Act
  • an explanation of the proposed development
  • architect’s plans
  • possible impacts from the development and how they would be addressed (e.g. traffic and environmental)
  • documents to be distributed during the formal engagement period and any engagement activities which may be held.

Parking and access

The proposed project does not include any new vehicle access points. It will use the current access from Link Road.

Following advice from our traffic planner, we will not be providing any new car parks as part of the proposal.

Privacy

The proposed facility is one storey, which means people in our building will not be able to look down into neighbouring properties.

The proposed facility has also been designed to keep a six metre setback from the rear boundary. The building’s immediate neighbours are the stormwater channel and Parklands Court Park. This setback next to the stormwater channel means that we will be about 55 metres from residences in Cassowary Circuit.

The YMCA appreciates the importance of the environment and the landscape to our neighbours and our students. As a result, the expansion has been designed to retain all trees on site and allow space for new trees in the future. This will also provide a natural buffer to the new building.

How to find out more about our plans for the future and the MID process

Please visit our Drop-in Session on Saturday 28 May 2022 between 1pm and 3pm at The LINK, 128 Link Road, Victoria Point to discuss our plans or the MID process with project team representatives.

If you have questions about our master plan, or any comments, you can also contact the project team at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

We would appreciate receiving any initial feedback before 20 May 2022.

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Introducing the Y Queensland

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After 159 years as ‘YMCA Brisbane’, our iconic youth and community organisation has officially transitioned to YMCA Queensland as of Saturday 1 July 2023.

The change in name aptly reflects the growth of YMCA and its reach across the State today, delivering services and programs beyond Brisbane and across South East Queensland.

The new name also represents an exciting vision for the future, with a goal to extend the Y’s reach and provide life-changing opportunities to Queenslanders throughout the State.

YMCA Queensland CEO, Damian Foley, was excited to announce the news and explained that the team “couldn’t be more thrilled as we look to greater horizons”.

Mr Foley also acknowledged the invaluable contribution of staff and volunteers, who have helped make the Y Queensland what it is today.

“This change is only possible thanks to the fantastic work our staff and volunteers have done on the ground, helping us grow beyond the boundaries of Brisbane.”

“At the heart of this change is the ability to extend our services and support to more communities across the State and to continue making a real difference in the lives of people in Queensland,” Mr Foley said.

A brief glance at the Y’s current impact and reach further demonstrates just how much the organisation has outgrown the name ‘YMCA of Brisbane’:

  • 2 of the Y’s 4 Fitness & Aquatics Centres and 3 of 7 Gymnastics Centres are located outside of the river city (reaching as far as the Sunshine Coast and Southern Downs Regions)
  • The YMCA Vocational School has campuses in Logan, Ipswich, Moreton Bay, Redlands and Bundaberg
  • Of the Y’s 10 Community and Youth Centres, 7 operate in and support communities outside of Brisbane
  • 37 of the Y’s 56 OSHC Services can be found beyond Brisbane, extending to Ipswich, Logan, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and Toowoomba
  • More than 120 of the 161 schools supported by the YMCA Schools' Breakfast Program are located outside of Brisbane
  • The YMCA Queensland Youth Parliament (QYP) has been a state-wide program for its entire 28-year history, with young people represented from every electorate in Queensland.

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Official Opening of YMCA Vocational School Mango Hill Campus

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An $8 million vocational school run by the YMCA has opened in Mango Hill, offering secondary students an alternative education program to mainstream schooling.  

YMCA Vocational School Mango Hill Campus provides an opportunity for young people who may not thrive in conventional classrooms to obtain a Queensland Certificate of Education and gain vocational certificates in a supportive environment.

Gary Adsett, who oversees all eight YMCA Vocational School campuses across South East Queensland, said the new Mango Hill campus is already empowering 110 students in grade 7-12 on their journey to employment.

“The YMCA Vocational School focuses on the wellbeing of students and offers them a unique supportive learning environment that focus on their individual needs,” Mr Adsett said.

“At Mango Hill, we swap structured rows of desks and a strict curriculum with more flexible and youthful learning spaces that encourage participation and engagement in class.

“With a mix of typical high school subjects, certificate courses and other supportive programs like counselling, art therapy and emotional development lessons, our students are able to thrive and find a career pathway they want to pursue.”

Students enrolled will have the opportunity to select a vocational pathway to follow, with options like hairdressing, automotive, hospitality, engineering and more. 

“The fantastic part about our Mango Hill school is that the Y also runs an Op Shop and Hair Salon onsite, offering students more opportunities when completing certificate training.

“The facility is also home to the YMCA Mango Hill Community Centre, offering modern spaces for hire spaces and events that locals can enjoy outside of school hours.”

Over $8.8 million has been invested into building the Vocational School, with the State Government pledging $1.85 million of funding to see the education resource delivered to the Moreton Bay community.

The YMCA operates Vocational Schools in North Lakes, Acacia Ridge, Kingston, Ipswich, Redlands and Mango Hill. Enrolments for these schools are open all year round.


ABOUT THE Y

The Y is one of the largest youth organisations, both in Brisbane and around the world. We believe in the power of inspired young people, and strive to help people develop in body, mind and spirit. the Y Brisbane offers a range of services within South East Queensland in the areas of fitness and recreation, child care, education, community and youth centres, hospitality, housing and social impact. Find out more at ymcabrisbane.org.


MEDIA CONTACT

Jane Barr-Thomson
Marketing and Communications Manager
E: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.   
M: 0400 773 340

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Sunshine Coast gets Free Cancer Recovery Program

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YMCA Cancer Survivor Program is open to anyone living through and beyond cancer.

A life-changing physical activity and support program designed for people with a cancer diagnosis is launching in the Sunshine Coast this September. The YMCA Cancer Survivor Program at the Y Caloundra will provide an instructor-led fitness program within a compassionate, knowledgeable environment.

The program was launched in Brisbane eight years ago and delivers exercise interventions specifically for people who are either going through or recovering from cancer treatment. Participants are offered two 60-minute group sessions a week across 12 weeks.

Sessions are conducted under direct supervision of qualified YMCA instructors to ensure the use of proper techniques and minimise the risk of injury. All instructors are trained in the fields of cancer, post-rehab exercise, and supportive cancer care. 

The program aims to empower cancer survivors to improve their functional capacity and to increase their quality of life through an organised program of fitness and strength. Following fitness and functional assessments, participants are offered an exercise program tailored to suit their individual needs and abilities. Exercises include aerobic sessions, progressive resistance training, flexibility, and balance activities. Additional goals include reducing the severity of therapy side effects, the prevention or minimisation of unwanted bodyweight changes and the improvement of energy levels and self-esteem.

To date, 875 Australians have benefitted from the entirely complimentary program, which has expanded from Y Bowen Hills to service Victoria Point, Jamboree Heights, Warwick and will open in Stanthorpe in 2025.

This strong uptake of the program is not surprising. While Australian Government statistics show 162,000 new cases of cancer reported in Australia in 2022, the Clinical Oncology Society of Australia (COSA) states that: “Oncology services are finding it increasingly difficult to provide high quality follow-up care to all survivors as numbers grow and resources do not match the growth.”

In 2016, the University of Queensland studied one of the first cohorts of the 12-week program—made up of 30 patients living with cancer—and found that the program improved health outcomes. Findings from the study showed that the functional capacity of patients significantly improved, and body weight was maintained. It also found that the program improved participants balance and reduced their sedentary behaviour.

Lesley Telford who completed the course at the Y Warwick says, "At my first session I arrived on a walking stick to help my balance after having had seven falls while enduring chemo treatment.

"With the help of our two wonderful instructors, I gained strength, balance and confidence and now I no longer require a walking stick…I consider myself a walking miracle."

Lesley Telford, second from the left. 

The Cancer Survivor Program also tackles the sense of social isolation that often accompanies a cancer diagnosis, with many participants establishing long-lasting friendships.

"I felt empowered to continue my fitness along with maintaining contact with fellow members to support and remain positive" says Jennifer Pearce, and, adds Lyndel Mundey, "the friendships formed during the 12 weeks has left me with more confidence, strength and self-worth." Both women also engaged in the program at Warwick.

Jacqui Hain, Centre Manager at the Y Caloundra says, "I'm really proud to be bringing the Cancer Survivor Program to the Sunshine Coast. We just want to get the word out, so please tell your friends and family. It's completely free, and open to everyone, even if you're not a YMCA member!"

The first intake of the YMCA Cancer Survivor Program at the Y Caloundra (cnr Arthur St and Central Park Rd) begins on Monday 23 September. Sessions will be held Mondays and Thursdays at 12.30pm. Numbers are limited. To learn more, or register, please visit YMCA Cancer Survivor Program.

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Y Queensland Welcomes Pay Rise for Early Childhood Care Employees

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Y Queensland warmly welcomes the Australian Government’s recent announcement of a 15% pay increase over two years for Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) employees. The Government has also confirmed the increase will apply to Out of School Hour Care staff.This significant development marks a vital step forward for a workforce that plays a crucial role in shaping the lives of our youngest Australians.

Y Queensland CEO, Damian Foley, expressed strong support for this decision, highlighting the Y’s ongoing advocacy for wage increases within the sector. "Funding for a significant wage increase has been a key priority for Y Australia in our Federal Budget submission and in our submissions to Government Inquiries over the past two years," Damian stated.

Echoing the Prime Minister’s sentiment that “early educators shape lives and change lives,” Damian emphasised the profound impact of ECEC staff on childhood development and women’s participation in the workforce. "The Y Queensland employs around 800 ECEC staff across the state and 4,000 across Australia. We know firsthand the importance of their work to both children and families," he said.

Y Queensland is eager to collaborate with the Government on implementing this pay rise and looks forward to reviewing the details as they become available. This pay increase is not only a win for the workforce but also for the parents who rely on these essential services. The Government has ensured that this increase will not be passed on to families through higher fees, thereby supporting both the retention of current staff and the attraction of new talent to the sector.

For more information on the Government’s announcement, please visit: Pay rise for early educators while keeping fees down for families.

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YMCA and P&Cs QLD Partner to Provide OSHC

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From 1 July 2014 YMCA and P&Cs Qld will partner to bring the best Outside School Hours Care (OSHC) service to state schools across Queensland. The move is as a result of the identification of a common vision to provide a safe and fun environment for children outside of regular school hours.

The CEOs of YMCA and P&CS Qld, Alan Bray and Kevan Goodworth met last week to sign off on the agreement that will see the organisations work together to develop a service that identifies and addresses the needs of Queensland school communities.

“Many P&Cs in Queensland run high quality OSHC services and will continue to do so” stated P&Cs Qld CEO Kevan Goodworth.

“By partnering with YMCA we are promoting an alternative for those P&Cs and schools who can no longer provide the time and resources to provide the best level of care. YMCA offer a very high standard service by working closely with school communities.”

YMCA CEO Alan Bray said “The YMCA is delighted to be partnering with P & Cs Qld and we look forward to bringing our extensive experience and dedicated staff to create a positive alternative to those schools looking for a high quality OSHC program.”

Over the next year P&Cs Qld and YMCA will work together and with the communities we support in order to establish the best out of school hours care in Australia.

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YMCA Brisbane Awarded Management Contract for WIRAC

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On Wednesday the 8th October the YMCA was advised by the Southern Downs Regional Council that we had won the tender to manage the Warwick Indoor Recreation and Aquatic Centre (WIRAC).

Senior Management staff will be having discussions with the Council today and until that conversation has been had and the contract viewed we are unable to provide details of commencement dates or specific management guidelines.

“The YMCA is delighted to be awarded the management contract for WIRAC and look forward to working closely with the Southern Downs Regional Council to continue to provide a friendly, professional and exciting place for the people of Southern Downs to enjoy”says Alan Bray – CEO YMCA Brisbane.

WIRAC is a fantastic community facility, and the YMCA will aim to provide a broad range of services in line with community needs and in consultation with local stakeholders in Warwick and surrounding communities.

Some changes and improvements to the operations at WIRAC will be expected over time. The YMCA will be reviewing the operation once we are on the ground and will make any decisions from there.

As Australia’s largest provider of aquatic and recreation facilities, the YMCA will be bringing a wealth of experience and knowledge to operations at WIRAC and to support the local communities.

The YMCA is already building a local presence in the region as operators of the YMCA Camp Leslie Dam and conducting YMCA Outside Schools Hours Care services at The Scots PGC College in Warwick.

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YMCA Brisbane Wins National Social Impact Award

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YMCA Brisbane is proud to announce it is the winner of the Excellence in Social Impact Measurement Award, for its Impact Measurement Methodology program, in the 2019 SIMNA Awards.

The SIMNA (Social Impact Measurement Network of Australia) Awards celebrate Australian organisations, social enterprises, businesses, and impact inventors that undertake or support social impact measurement.

YMCA Brisbane facilitates 10 Social Impact programs to tens of thousands of people each week, with programs including: Independent School, Community Housing, Schools’ Breakfast Program, Social Enterprise, Vocational Education and Training and School-Based Mentoring programs.

The Excellence in Social Measurement Award is described as the ‘Gold Logie’ of social impact awards. In winning this award, YMCA Brisbane is recognised for the design and implementation of its highly-effective ‘Impact Measurement Methodology’ program. Central to the Impact Measurement program is the development of Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) frameworks to evaluate the organisation’s Social Impact programs.

Gary Adsett, Group Manager YMCA Social Impact, said, “I am incredibly honoured that YMCA Brisbane has been recognised for building a culture that values social impact and outcomes measurement. We believe that if it’s worth doing, it’s worth measuring. Our Impact Measurement program provides tangible evaluation results to inform our decision-making processes and meet the needs of our beneficiaries. We will continue to develop and apply measurements to maximise the social impact that we make.”

Simon Faivel, SIMNA Chair and Director of SVA Consulting said: “The SIMNA Awards are a national celebration of those growing and shaping the practice of social impact measurement in Australia. New community-based approaches that build resilience across generations are a broader investment across Queensland’s youth and young people. The standard of excellence demonstrated by YMCA Brisbane's Impact Measurement Methodology is to be commended.”

The judging panel took into consideration that YMCA Brisbane is a long-established and trusted name in community service delivery. It unanimously concurred that its application expressed the best practice and embodiment of the Principles of Social Value.

Judging panellist, Dr Emma Lee, commented: “The YMCA has a long and trusted name in youth and young peoples’ service delivery. Their achievements are singular in the levels of impact across families and communities – whole societies are benefiting and being uplifted to demonstrate real social and cultural value within socio-economic outcomes built from the ground-up. This field of social impact demonstrates Australian innovation at its best.”

YMCA Brisbane began measuring impact approximately six years ago. The organisation continues to use the information generated from impact measurement for planning and decision-making purposes in a transparent and accountable way.

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YMCA Opens New Childcare Facility on the Sunshine Coast

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YMCA and The Sunshine Coast University Hospital have joined forces to provide a state of the art childcare and education facility for hospital employees and local Sunshine Coast families.

The building has been designed to allow toddlers and children up to the age of five to move freely between indoor and outdoor spaces. Parents are welcome to drop in any time to see their children, and many breastfeeding mothers take advantage of the hospital's paid breastfeeding breaks to stop in for feeds.

A huge outdoor space equal in size to the indoor classrooms and baby nurseries includes a community garden, a rock-climbing wall, swings, sandpits and a mud pit.

YMCA Centre Director Anita Corney said the mud pit is a unique and very popular part of the centre’s outdoor play space.

“Regardless of age, race and religion, covered in mud, we are all the same,” she said.

The building was among the winners at the Australian Institute of Architects' 2017 Queensland State Architecture Awards and is an entrant in the Landscape QLD award (due to be decided in November).

YMCA SCUH childcare holds a philosophy to support the SCUH community-based upon mindfulness and positivity, supporting children’s emotional growth through promoting a secure environment and building a hands-on connection with nature.

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YMCA OSHC Opens Their 26th Service at Warrigal Road

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As of Monday 3 November 2014 YMCA Outside School Hours Care (OSHC) will partner with Warrigal Road State School to provide Before, After and Vacation Care services to the school and local community. This will be the 26th service operated by the YMCA as a direct result of being identified as the preferred provider.

YMCA OSHC services offer a wide range of fun, stimulating and age appropriate programs that reflect real world experiences and home settings. This helps encourage a sense of community amongst the children, facilitates leadership skills development and allows children to practice social skills in a safe and supported caring environment.

“We are very excited to be partnering with Warrigal Road State School and look forward to building a close relationship with families, children and the local school community.” stated Area Coordinator Natasja Lindgren.

The YMCAs approach to Outside School Hours Care (OSHC) is to provide a high quality environment that is safe, fun and gives children the opportunity to learn and play. Before School Care, After School Care and Vacation Care programs and activities are aligned with the YMCA mission – to build Strong People, Strong Families and Strong Communities.

YMCA OSHC Manager Kristy Commens said “The school community has been really welcoming and I know they are looking forward to us opening on Monday 3 November 2014. Apart from Before and After School Care, we also have a fantastic Vacation Care program planned which I know the children will thoroughly enjoy.”

The provision of Outside School Hours Care has been a core component of the YMCA since 1992. Profits from YMCA OSHC services help fund the benevolent arm of the organisation, Y-Care (South East Queensland) Inc. Y-Care provides facilities and programs for marginalised and disadvantaged young people in need of help as well as providing affordable accommodation for people who have been without a home.

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YMCA OSHC Opens Their Biggest Service To Date

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From 22 September 2014 YMCA and Gumdale State School will partner to provide the best Outside School Hours Care (OSHC) service to the local community. This partnership is a direct result of YMCA being identified as the preferred OSHC service provider for parents and children of Gumdale State School.

The YMCAs approach to Outside School Hours Care (OSHC) is to provide a high quality environment that is safe and gives children the opportunity to learn and play. Before School Care, After School Care and Vacation Care programs and activities are aligned with the YMCA mission – to build Strong People, Strong Families and Strong Communities.

“The Gumdale State School community can feel confident knowing that their children are in the care of highly qualified, dedicated and passionate team members” stated YMCA OSHC Manager Kristy Commens.

YMCA services offer a wide range of fun, stimulating and appropriate programs that reflect real world experiences and home settings. This helps encourage a sense of community amongst the children, facilitates leadership skills development and allows children to practice social skills in a supported caring environment.

YMCA OSHC Area Coordinator Natasja Lindgren said “We are looking forward to commencing these school holidays with our Holiday Club (Vacation Care) program and providing exciting and fun activities for children in our care.”

The provision of Outside School Hours Care services is a core component of the YMCA since 1992. The YMCA currently manages five childcare programs – Early Education Centres, Family Day Care, In-Home Care, Limited Hours Care and OSHC. These services are based across South East Queensland and care for on average over 3,850 children daily.

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YMCA Swim Instructor wins Access and Inclusion Award

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The YMCA is proud to announce that AUSTSWIM Queensland has awarded Robyn Somers the Access and Inclusion Presenter of the Year for her work in teaching children with disabilities how to swim.

Robyn Somers has extensive experience and has been teaching with the YMCA for 2 years. During this time she has worked with many children of varying backgrounds and abilities, ages and barriers to be included in swimming programs – whether this be financial, cultural or physical.

“Robyn has the ability to connect with the children she works with inspiring and encouraging them to participate, feel a sense of belonging and achievement to help overcome limitations and learn to swim.” Says Centre Manager – Tamara Price. “She has a way of bringing out the best in each child and consistently demonstrates patience, passion and compassion.”

“The role of a Teacher of Access and Inclusion is varied and challenging, some days just getting the child into the pool is a success – other days you see a child blow bubbles for the first time, or simply just the fulfilment of seeing how a child with a physical disability can relax and enjoy the feeling of weightlessness is the water.” Says Robyn Somers.

Many disabilities have the advantage of feeling less extreme in the water and this increases the children’s ability to enjoy, learn safety skills and develop their ability to swim. Some may be able to swim Backstroke not freestyle due to the nature of the disability – but Robyn teaches to this and all children are encouraged to learn at their own pace and learn skills that they can achieve.

Robyn always says “he/she may not be able to swim perfect freestyle – but look at that smile!”

Robyn is to be presented with her Trophy and Certificate in a small ceremony at YMCA Victoria Point this Friday 19th September at 4.30pm.

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