Motions

Young Men's Christian Association

The Hon. T.T. NGO (15:52): I move:

That this council—

1. Acknowledges and celebrates the 175^th anniversary of the Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) in South Australia, one of the oldest community organisations in the state;

2. Recognises the YMCA’s enduring commitment to empowering young people, promoting healthy living, and building stronger, more connected communities across metropolitan and regional South Australia;

3. Commends the YMCA for its extensive contributions over nearly two centuries, including youth development programs, community recreation facilities, health and fitness services, and support for vulnerable populations;

4. Acknowledges the work of staff, volunteers, board members, and supporters past and present who have contributed to the YMCA’s mission and impact; and

5. Congratulates the YMCA on this historic milestone and extends best wishes for continued service to the people of South Australia for generations to come.

This motion acknowledges a truly remarkable milestone: the 175^th anniversary of the South Australian Young Men's Christian Association or, as we know it, the YMCA. Few community organisations can claim such a long and continuous history of service. Established in 1850, just 14 years after the proclamation of our colony, the YMCA has stood alongside South Australians from early settlement to industrialisation, from world wars to modern multiculturalism. The founding of the YMCA reflected the optimism and civic spirits of its time. It was born from a belief that young people should be supported to live with purpose, to grow in character and to serve others.

These values remain at the heart of the YMCA's mission today. During the past 175 years, the YMCA has adapted to meet the changing needs of each generation. Today, it welcomes people of all backgrounds, genders and beliefs; however, its focus remains unchanged and continues to empower young people and strengthen community.

The YMCA's legacy is visible across both metropolitan and regional communities. It can be found in the swimming pools and gyms where families gather, play and keep healthy; in the youth programs that build confidence and leadership; and in the outreach programs that offer care to those facing disadvantage or isolation.

The impact of the YMCA is not measured simply in facilities or programs such as these; it extends to the countless lives it has shaped, from the young person who gained their first job to the older volunteer who discovers a new purpose and to migrants who found belonging. I first encountered the YMCA when I was a young boy. I had only been in Australia a few months. I was living with my sister at the time in the northern suburb of Angle Park after fleeing wartime Vietnam. Everything still felt strange: the food, the language, my new school and my new home. I tried hard to fit in at school, but I was shy and quiet and English words felt strange and hard to say.

One morning, my teacher called me over and asked if I would like to go to Kangaroo Island, funded by the YMCA. I did not know what to say. I had never heard of Kangaroo Island or the YMCA. My teacher explained that the YMCA had organised a camp for students around my age and students had been chosen to go for free. I did not quite understand why I was picked, but my teacher spoke with my sister, who was my guardian at the time, and it was agreed that I should go.

On the morning of the trip, my teacher, who lived all the way down south, drove all the way to my house in Angle Park. As we drove to Port Jervis I remember my teacher talked about the YMCA and about Kangaroo Island. When we reached the ferry I thought of the boat that brought us to Australia, but this ferry was big and looked safe.

The YMCA camp on Kangaroo Island was like a dream. Although I could not speak much English I had a great time with the other kids. We saw animals, roasted marshmallows and told stories by the fire. I remember the kangaroos, tall trees, beaches that went on for ever and very bright stars. When the ferry returned some five days later my teacher was waiting on the mainland. The drive home was quiet. I remember feeling so incredibly tired.

That week, the YMCA had given me much more than a trip to Kangaroo Island. The YMCA camp had made me feel like I belonged, and although I was young and shy it started my journey on finding my place in my new home. Today, I connect to the YMCA with my two sons, who are members of the swimming club that is run by the YMCA at the Parks community centre.

Importantly, this milestone for the YMCA is also an enormous tribute to the thousands of staff, volunteers, board members and supporters who over many generations have kept the YMCA's mission alive. Their dedication reminds us that community organisations can only thrive for 175 years through the compassion and persistence of people who make time in their lives to support and contribute their service to our communities.

My first encounter with the YMCA as a young boy gave me my first sense of belonging in a strange new country. That week on the YMCA camp on Kangaroo Island opened my eyes to Australia's beauty and to the kindness of its people. That small act of inclusion as a primary school student left a lasting mark on my life.

That is only one of countless stories that together form the living legacy of the YMCA. I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude for the many ways they have uplifted individuals and entire communities. For 175 years this organisation has embodied the very best of community spirit: welcoming, empowering and helping people find their place and purpose. I am sure the YMCA will continue to inspire hope, strengthen communities and change lives for generations to come.

Debate adjourned on motion of Hon. J.M.A. Lensink.