The Y has been in Australia for over 170 years
The first YMCA in Australia was established in Adelaide in 1850, only a few years after the movement began in London. From there, it expanded across the country to support young people and communities.
Our History
185+ years of care and belonging
The Y began in 1844 in England as a small group of young men seeking connection, strength and purpose.
By 1850 the Movement had reached Australia, growing into a trusted community presence through moments of challenge and change. From supporting communities through two world wars to navigating the Depression, the GFC and the COVID-19 pandemic, the Y continues to evolve as communities needs change around it.
Today, the Y is the oldest youth organisation in the world, largest social enterprise and a not-for-profit deeply woven into Australian life. What began as youth clubs and leadership programs has grown into early learning, alternative schools, recreation centres, camps, and youth and vulnerable people supports and programs across hundreds of communities.
The Y is still adapting to meet community needs and helping people belong, grow and thrive.
Our story in Melbourne's north
Our part of the story began right here in Whittlesea, in the early 1970s, with out of school hours care for local families.
In 1989 we became an independent association, rooted in the community we serve. For more than 50 years, we have been part of everyday life in the City of Whittlesea. As our community grew, so did we, adding recreation, early learning, disability inclusion and alternative secondary education to the way we support local people.
Today, over 450 people work across more than 12 sites to support children, young people, families and people with disability. You will find us in:
Early learning: early learning centres, kindergartens, helping children get ready for school.
Disability inclusion: NDIS home and community supports, support coordination, EYES (Early Years Engagement Supports), camps, WRAP Basketball and holiday programs.
Recreation: swimming, gymnastics, pilates, fitness and stadium sports at Y Leisure City, Epping.
Y Community School: flexible, caring secondary education for young people who have disengaged from mainstream school, with VPC and VCE Vocational Major pathways.
Youth Programmes: programmes for young people at risk of disengagement, supporting them to understand the pathways that best work for them.
Our community is growing and changing, and our work changes with it. Our Vision 2034 strategic plan guides what we do next, so we can keep showing up for local people.
What has not changed is why we are here. We believe in the power of inspired young people, and we are working towards a better world, with and for young people.
Did you know?
The Y has a long history of youth leadership in Australia
Programs such as Youth Parliament, first delivered in the 1960s, have supported generations of young people to build confidence, leadership skills and civic understanding.
The Y in Australia operates as a federated movement
The YMCA grew as a network of member associations across states and regions, allowing local Ys to respond to community needs while contributing to a shared national mission.
The Y originally supported young workers moving to cities
In its early years, the YMCA provided safe spaces, accommodation, education and recreation for young people relocating for work during periods of rapid urban growth.
The Y helped shape community sport and recreation in Australia?
Local YMCA associations played a key role in developing organised sport, physical education and accessible recreation programs for children, young people and families.
Learn more about us
At the Y, every person is at the centre of everything we do.