CONTENTS 4
Introduction FOCUS ON YOUTH
6
Leaders of tomorrow doing amazing things today
8
Empowering young people at risk
10
Giving young people a voice
12
Championing youth empowerment
14
160 years young
OUR IMPACT
16
Making a big impact
18
Inspiring people to live healthier lives
20
Transforming lives
22
Together we do better
24
Connecting communities
26
Supporting Victorians in need
28
Diving in and helping out
30
Wellbeing of our people
32
Respectful relationships at the Y
34
Directors of YMCA Victoria Inc.
36
Having a ball
38
Thank you!
2
Here at the Y, communities come first. Over the past year Victorians have shown a real enthusiasm for getting healthy, active and involved in their local communities. This Community Impact Report demonstrates the great work of our people and the huge difference we make to individuals, families and communities across Victoria. As a community not-for-profit with a rich history our vision is clear: With the Y, everyone can be healthier, happier and connected to their community; and help those who are not. We will achieve this by advocating for the benefits of physical activity, empowering young people and building community connection. We believe that health and happiness should be within the reach of all Victorians, regardless of circumstance. This commitment is what we have been about since we first opened our doors 160 years ago. And we are proud to have helped more of you lead healthier and happier lives. After all, you are why we are here.
Towards the year 2020 YMCA Victoria will play a stronger role in putting health and community connection on the public agenda. And we will not only be involved in the conversation – we will lead it. We have increased our commitment to fundraising and communications so that we can raise awareness of our cause and make a greater social impact by helping more Victorians in need. Our talented staff and volunteers will continue to develop and deliver accessible programs so that more Victorians have the opportunity to get active and involved. We will continue to work with the government and corporate and community partners who are also committed to the health and happiness of all Victorians. And most importantly, we will continue to share the amazing stories of Victorians who, over the last 160 years, have helped shape the Y into the organisation it is today. Thank you for another unbelievable year. Here’s to the next 160!
And we are only just warming up.
Peter Burns Chief Executive Officer
Sue O’Connor Chairperson
4
LEADERS OF TOMORROW DOING AMAZING THINGS TODAY Here at the Y we know that social impact can be made when young people are given the opportunity to express their views and are supported to develop to their full potential. We hold a firm belief that what we do now provides the foundation for the leaders of tomorrow. YMCA Victoria has recently appointed a Youth Services Innovation Manager to investigate how we can further build youth empowerment across our wide range of programs for young people in Victoria. In particular, we want to gather feedback from young people who use our services. As a result, planning is well progressed for the introduction of a Youth Advisory Group, large scale youth consultation in 2014 and the introduction of young people to our Board and committees. The past year has also seen many of our young volunteer leaders continue to develop and deliver a number of engaging youth-oriented programs at a local, statewide and global level. YMCA CONNECT is a recreation camping program that helps young people at risk develop their physical, intellectual, social and emotional potential through one-on-one mentoring and interactive camping activities. Last year 162 young volunteers led four camps and supported 152 young people feel healthier, happier and connected to their community.
YMCA YOUTH PARLIAMENT gives young Victorians a voice. Participants identify issues that are important to them, develop Bills and have them heard at the highest levels of State Government. Last year YMCA Youth Parliament saw 120 participants and 15 taskforce volunteers work to pass 18 Bills over nine days!
The YMCA GLOBAL CHANGE PROGRAM gives young people from over 70 countries major input into the future directions and initiatives of the YMCA globally and encourages young people everywhere to lead change. In Victoria we have embraced the new global focus on youth empowerment by supporting the Global Change Agents and we are proud to have a young Victorian within the program.
vicyouth.ymca.org.au
6
EMPOWERING YOUNG PEOPLE AT RISK Every school holiday 23-year-old YMCA Connect volunteer Amanda Freestone takes responsibility for leading a group of up to 40 youth volunteers and 40 vulnerable young people on camp. With responsibilities some would consider beyond her years, Amanda recruits, inducts and trains youth volunteers in preparation for each program. The young volunteers work one-on-one with participants and enhance their confidence, self-esteem and self-worth. Sending troubled young people away with youth volunteer leaders could be considered risky by some, however for over eight years YMCA Connect Camp has proved having a strong belief in young people can help those at risk make connections, form relationships and engage positively with their peers. And it’s not only the campers that benefit. “I’ve been involved since I was 17 and I’ve grown up in the program too. The person I am at 23 is because of the development I’ve experienced with the young people in the program,” Amanda said. Donate to YMCA Connect Camp at
victoria.ymca.org.au/support
8
GIVING YOUNG PEOPLE A VOICE Kieran Ryan was 16 when he first became involved in the YMCA Youth Parliament program. Since getting involved, Kieran has stayed in touch with the program and has become a member of the Youth Parliament Taskforce, as well as volunteering for YMCA camping programs. As the program is about empowering young people to voice their opinions it is a natural progression that many take a lead role over time. At 24 he was appointed Director of the 2013 Youth Parliament program. This role requires liaison with Ministers’ offices, Government House, Parliament House and program supporters. This year Kieran and his fellow youth leaders led 120 young people to debate important issues in the chambers of Victorian Parliament and vote on Bills. These were then presented to Victorian Ministers of Government for consideration. In the Victorian Youth Parliament’s 27 year history, more than 25 Bills have become pieces of State Legislation, including: Roadside Drug Testing for Drivers, Mandatory Wearing of a Bicycle Helmet and Removal of Glass from Identified High-Risk Entertainment Venues. Find out more about Youth Parliament at
victoria.ymca.org.au/youthparliament
10
CHAMPIONING YOUTH EMPOWERMENT Alicia first came into contact with the YMCA as a 15-year-old student campaigning for change through YMCA Youth Parliament. Alicia was struck by the importance of giving young people a chance to have their voice heard. Years later, Alicia is leading the charge for youth empowerment at a global level as YMCA Victoria’s first Global Change Agent. “The role of a Change Agent is to champion youth empowerment and to work at a national and international level to strengthen the capacity, role and profile of the YMCA’s mission to empower young people,’’ Alicia said. There are 270 YMCA Change Agents across 70 countries appointed as champions of change. They work in partnership to influence advances in youth empowerment within the Y and beyond it. “Globally, we are working towards a common goal to give young people the platform and tools they require to feel needed, trusted, and to believe they can make a difference.” After attending Global Change Agent training in Sri Lanka in August 2012, Alicia has been visiting YMCA programs across Victoria, sharing stories and information about the Y’s activities around the world and inspiring more young people to take action. “When young people are given the space and resources to lead change and are supported in their efforts to do so, they will be more likely to engage as active citizens who care about themselves, others and the environment around them – this is what I call empowerment in action.”
12
160 YEARS YOUNG Everyone loves a birthday – including YMCA Victoria! 2013 was a big year for us as we celebrated 160 years of helping more Victorians lead healthier and happier lives. In June we saw thousands of people across the organisation put on their party shoes and paint their local Ys red, quite literally in some cases. Our staff and volunteers held festivities and special events aimed at celebrating the communities in which we serve. Celebration events included everything from BBQs and group fitness fundraisers to birthday presents being given away to members.
14
A big part of our celebrations included re-introducing ourselves to the Victorian community by installing giant three-metre tall Ys placed at iconic locations around Melbourne. And what a way to say “Hi!” to Victorians with over 650,000 people seeing one of the giant Ys at the Victorian State Library, Docklands, the Queen Victoria Market, Luna Park, Visy Park and the MCG. A huge thank you to everyone who helped to celebrate this milestone. We are thrilled that for the last 160 years we’ve been a part of so many communities, working side by side with Victorians to help them grow in body, mind and spirit. To find out more visit
youarewhy.org.au
YOU ARE W.OH Y RG.AU
MAKING A BIG IMPACT
OUR GOALS
INSPIRE
STRENGTHEN
HELP
Inspiring people to live healthier lives and enjoy the benefits of physical activity
Strengthening communities by bringing people together to connect and experience belonging
Improving the health and happiness of Victorians in need
$1,034,792 was raised
16 million people accessed health promoting programs and services last year
75,761 volunteer hours donated
70,200 health and wellness and aquatics members got healthy and active
716 children participated in YMCA school holiday programs
health programs
5% increase in participation from 2011-12
76,829 people stayed at one of our seven unique camps across Victoria
by New Balance
52,080 learned to swim and how to be safe around water
100,000 young people participated in events 8,187 youth events and leadership programs 24 camps run by our Youth Leadership and Development Team 1,700 students stayed at one of our YMCA Accommodation sites
8,197 Victorians in need provided access to our
198 runners, 169 shirts, and 152 pairs of shorts donated
$48,798 raised through the YMCA Swimathon
BUILD Building a thriving, prosperous, safe and sustainable Y
200 locations receiving Y services and programs in Victoria 6,792 people work for the Y in Victoria 1,200 volunteers giving their time to the Y in Victoria 23 YMCA associations across Australia 120 countries have a YMCA
16
INSPIRE INSPIRING PEOPLE TO LIVE HEALTHIER LIVES WE INSPIRE PEOPLE TO LIVE HEALTHIER LIVES AND ENJOY THE POWERFUL BENEFITS OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY. We advocate for the power of physical activity because we know that when people are healthier they are happier. Physical activity encourages a positive state of mind and prevents the onset of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, osteoporosis and obesity. Research has found that getting active improves individuals’ self-confidence, strengthens the wellbeing of local workforces and contributes to safer communities.1 To help more Victorians engage in healthy living, the past year has seen the Y continue to develop and deliver innovative health and wellness programs across over 45 YMCAoperated centres. The result has been an encouraging increase in our membership numbers, with more Victorians choosing to engage in their health and happiness. This is impact. 2013 also saw us continue our community partnership with Sport and Recreation Victoria for the Premier’s Active Families Challenge, an initiative that encourages Victorians to complete 30 minutes of physical activity a day and improve their health and wellness. Over the course of the six week challenge, Victorians came through our doors nearly 10,000 times to enjoy the benefits of healthy living.
victoria.ymca.org.au/join 1 Increasing participation in physical activity, VicHealth, 2012. vichealth.vic.gov.au/Publications/PhysicalActivity/Sport-and-recreation
18
INSPIRE
RACHAEL At the beginning of the program 19-year-old Rachael, a self-confessed soccer and dance lover, set a goal to get her type 1 diabetes under control. Her hard work paid off as she lost 10 kilos during the 12 week program. This made Rachael feel physically, emotionally and mentally stronger.
TRANSFORMING LIVES It’s not every day you get the opportunity to transform your life and inspire others in your community to do the same. In 2012, four members of the Macleod Recreation and Fitness Centre were given this chance through the ‘Transform Your Life’ program. Over 12 weeks Macleod Recreation and Fitness Centre, a Banyule City Council facility managed by the YMCA, supported four members on their mission to become healthier and happier. The members received health consultations, personal training sessions and lots of encouragement from Macleod staff members and the community alike. The results are inspiring.
“Transform Your Life was such a great experience for me. I noticed such an improvement in my soccer and my confidence. Also, in moments where I would normally give up or say I can’t I’d tell myself to keep going and that I could!”
ROHAN 26-year-old Rohan decided to ‘transform’ after learning from his GP that his cholesterol, blood pressure and hormone levels were all outside of normal ranges. To prevent a poor quality of life in the future Rohan knew he had to make a change. Twelve weeks later, he felt like a new man. “I don’t think I could ever put into words just how grateful I am for the opportunity and the incredible impact the program has made on my life.” His message to other people wanting to become healthier and happier is: “The most important thing I learnt is that while it’s ultimately on you to make the change it doesn’t mean you have to do it alone. Having a good support network was – and still is – so helpful for me.” The success of Transform Your Life has resulted in the program being rolled out at more YMCAoperated centres across Victoria.
20
STRENGTHEN TOGETHER WE DO BETTER WE STRENGTHEN COMMUNITIES BY BRINGING PEOPLE TOGETHER TO CONNECT AND EXPERIENCE BELONGING. Victoria’s social fabric consists of people wanting to belong and connect with one another. Here at the Y, we enjoy helping people develop positive relationships and are passionate about providing places for locals to meet, engage and have fun. These ‘community hubs’ come in all shapes and sizes and are tailored to meet the needs of the people who surround them. One can be found in a new area in the heart of Victoria’s west – YMCA Derrimut Health and Aquatic Centre. This state-of-the-art facility provides quality community recreation and wellness programs, as well as the perfect location for locals get to know each other. Our seven Early Learning Centres also serve as vibrant community hubs and provide essential support to families and children across Victoria. Working in partnership with a number of schools and councils, these centres not only foster and strengthen community engagement but help build strong and resilient children too.
22
STRENGTHEN CONNECTING COMMUNITIES YMCA Craigieburn West is more than your average early learning centre. Located on the grounds of Aitken Creek Primary School, the community hub offers a range of affordable services to local families such as before and after school care, playgroup and school holiday programs. One family who has developed a stronger connection to their local community through the centre is the Gera Family. Mum Vanita and daughter, four-year-old Anoushka, attend an Indian playgroup session every Wednesday. Vanita heard about the group through a friend and believed it would be a great way of making new friends and maintaining strong ties with families with a similar cultural background. “It can be very lonely being a stay-at-home mum and children need stimulation and company,” said Vanita. Since getting involved with the playgroup, YMCA Craigieburn has provided a safe, fun and empowering environment for both Vanita and Anoushka. “It’s been a good way to connect with other families and the friendships extend beyond the centre. We go to each other’s houses for dinner now.” Anoushka has discovered a world outside of her home making new friends and developing self-confidence and social skills. “At first my daughter was very clingy, she used to just hang onto me, but now she’s happy to play with the other children. She looks forward to coming to playgroup. She is keen to get out of the house and go!” The playgroup also offers families the opportunity to celebrate important cultural and religious festivals. “The Indian community celebrates a lot of festivals, so having a playgroup where we can celebrate them with our children is really important.” During playgroup sessions, parents can speak with the children in Hindi, Punjabi or Gujarati with the children speaking in both English and Indian languages. Vanita likes the bilingual aspect of the playgroup. “I want Anoushka to learn to speak Hindi so she can speak with her grandparents in India.” To find out more visit
childrensservices.ymca.org.au
24
HELP AQUATIC EDUCATION HEALTH & WELLNESS AQUATICS
1%
10%
2%
CHILDREN’S PROGRAMS
SUPPORTING VICTORIANS IN NEED
CAMPS
25%
CHILDCARE YOUTH PROGRAMS OTHER
16%
We help improve the health and happiness of Victorians in need. Some Victorians experience poorer health outcomes than others. Health can vary based on factors such as socioeconomic status, education, gender and geographic location. The most vulnerable members of the community include Indigenous Australians; people who are newly arrived or culturally and linguistically diverse; people with a long-term health condition or a disability; and people from low socioeconomic backgrounds. Every day across the Y we fundraise to provide access to our health promoting programs and services. 2012-13 saw $1,034,792 dollars raised by the community, for the community. This allowed us to help 8,070 Victorians in need. More than half were young people.
1% 21%
24%
In partnership with passionate local businesses, the YMCA Bridge Project which provides support, training, mentoring and employment opportunities to young ex-offenders, supported 40 young people back into the workforce. To give a young person this opportunity allows them to build valuable skills, self-esteem and the confidence to move forward with their lives. Over the past year YMCA Victoria has also connected with 10 new businesses allowing us to provide more support and opportunities to young people in future years. In 2012 the YMCA Murray Marathon – one of the world’s longest canoe races – raised over $45,000 and helped fund a number of social inclusion programs across regional Victoria. Two of these were Midnight Basketball, a Wodonga-based program designed to help young people identify and embrace positive opportunities, and Friendship through Fitness, a weekly group exercise session for people with disabilities in towns in the Cobram and Yarrawonga community. To find out more visit
Range of YMCA services accessed
victoria.ymca.org.au/support
26
HELP LATIF
DIVING IN & HELPING OUT
One person in particular appreciates the support. When Latif completed the YMCA Swimathon it meant more to him than most. Latif, 19 years old, had a long journey from Afghanistan – a war-torn country with few public pools – to his arrival as a refugee in Australia in 2009.
Many people take their ability to swim and enjoy water for granted. However last year 284 people drowned in Australian waterways and in Victoria, research has shown less than half of grade six students can swim the length of an Olympic pool. To help address these alarming statistics, 2013 saw the YMCA Swimathon dive into its second year. The YMCA Swimathon is a national event which raises money to help give everyone in the community the chance to learn vital swimming and water safety skills. We were thrilled to see over 2,500 people of all ages and abilities raise a total of $210,000 across 50 different locations nationally. This money will have a great impact and will help reduce the barriers to being safe in and around the water. To find out more visit
ymcaswimathon.org.au
Latif learnt to swim as part of a YMCA Open Doors program for young refugees. He gained work experience at the YMCA and studied to be a lifeguard. He now works as a lifeguard at Casey RACE, a City of Casey facility managed by the YMCA in Cranbourne. Latif said many people in Afghanistan would never have seen a pool. “It depends where you live. Safety is an issue there and many people are scared to go to the pools that are there,” he said. Casey RACE manager Simon Beqir said Latif is a very popular, hard-working and reliable member of the team. “We are incredibly lucky to have him on board. Latif’s experience is why the YMCA Swimathon is a great event to get involved in.” Latif’s story is just one example of how money raised can help connect young people with their community.
28
BUILD WELLBEING OF OUR PEOPLE WE WISH TO BUILD A THRIVING, PROSPEROUS, SAFE AND SUSTAINABLE Y. At YMCA Victoria we know that the talent and wellbeing of our staff and volunteers has a direct impact on the quality of the services we provide to the community. We want to build a workplace culture which assists our people to thrive in their work and personal life. To this end, YMCA Victoria has embarked on an ambitious project focusing on respectful relationships and gender equality within the workplace. Funded through VicHealth, the Y Respect Gender Project is the first pilot project of its kind in Australia. With gender inequality and stereotyping being a key contributor to family violence, research has shown that when we address respectful relationships and gender equality within the workplace we can reduce, or even eliminate, violence against women.
30
BUILD RESPECTFUL RELATIONSHIPS AT THE Y Kate Phillips is a YMCA manager who has been involved in the Y Respect Gender Project since April 2012.
With the project into its second year, Kate is the first to admit that it’s been an interesting journey.
“When I first became involved I was really keen to see what I could do as a manager to make sure our work environment was as healthy as possible – I didn’t have a sense at all that a woman’s physical safety at home, her mental health and her economic security at work were so entwined.”
“Some colleagues struggle with understanding why this project is needed. But to me it’s certainly not something that should make men feel as though they have done something wrong or are inherently sexist. On the contrary, respectful and honest relationships between men and women are very much the norm in my professional life and that of my colleagues.”
Project Manager and YMCA Healthy Workplaces Senior Advisor, Scott Holmes, has been working across all levels of the organisation including three YMCA-managed sites – Ashburton Pool and Recreation Centre, Ascot Vale Leisure Centre and Wonthaggi Aquatic and Leisure Centre – to help encourage conversations about workplace safety and gender equity.
Kate believes the project is powerful because it educates people about the value of being a flexible, supportive employer to women and addresses the unconscious gender biases that contribute to women missing out on opportunities in the workplace.
“Staff and volunteers have been encouraged to be more alert to the behaviours and attitudes which are sexist or disrespectful. Managers have also been given the task of thinking about how they can do things differently to ensure we have an equitable workplace,” said Scott.
“Despite these challenges, what I really value about the project is the natural and positive interactions with male colleagues who are really aware of the impact of their words, are intentionally inclusive and challenge the status quo in their own actions. The Y Respect Project has given a voice to both men and women at the Y wanting an equal world free of domestic violence.”
32
DIRECTORS OF YMCA VICTORIA INC, SUBSIDIARIES AND VICTORIAN YMCA YOUTH AND COMMUNITY SERVICES INC. Leading and overseeing YMCA Victoria is a board of 12 talented and committed Directors. These individuals are extraordinarily generous with their time, wisdom and strategic insight.
34
Stephen Ellich Maria Lui TREASURER
Alan Morton
Anthea Hancocks Ian Jungwirth DEPUTY CHAIR
Ben Hubbard Sue McGill
Dean Kate Bell Barton-Smith
Meredith Carter
Gael Jennings
Angela Spinney DIRECTOR YMCA COMMUNITY HOUSING
SPECIAL MENTION FROM PETER BURNS CHIEF EXECUTIVE:
Sue O’Connor CHAIRPERSON
“I would like to thank Sue O’Connor for serving as YMCA Chairperson for the last three years. Sue’s leadership has been characterised by innovative ideas, strategic thinking and, most importantly, tireless efforts to help more Victorians be healthier, happier and connected. Thank you for your time, support and passion.” A huge thank you also goes out to our retired Directors Dave Hamra, Tim Goodfellow, Shaun Newing and Ari Petrovs.
THANK YOU! Our impact is greater with the support of generous grants, trusts, foundations and bequests. We’d like to thank:
Aitken Partners – Bell Charitable Fund Alice Sloan Trust Allergy Buddy AV Media Systems Complete Office Supplies Daryl Logan Frank Chamberlain – Action Words Hyundai Kids and Families Foundation Modern Teaching Aids New Balance Osborn Sloan & Associates Rye & District Financial Services Limited Schweppes Southern Dance Festival The Russell Foundation TJS Services YMCA Merchandising
And we’d like to say a big thank you to the State Government of Victoria.
BEQUESTS Eddy Dunn Endowment Perpetual Foundation Equity Trustees Grigor Bequest J R G and E McKenzie Trust Perpetual Trustees The Grant Bequest
GRANTS City of Glen Eira Hunt Club Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation Pip Wisdom Community Correction Grants Proceeds of Crime Association Regional Development Victoria
38
YMCA VICTORIA
582 Heidelberg Road, Fairfield VIC 3078 1300 883 994 (toll free) victoria.ymca.org.au vicoffice@ymca.org.au facebook.com/ymcavictoria @ymcavictoria National Relay Service TTY/voice calls 133 677 Speak & Listen 1300 555 727 CALD groups Translation and Interpreter Service (TIS National service) To use an interpreter over the telephone 131 450 Š YMCA Victoria, November 2013.