Motions

Young Men's Christian Association

Adjourned debate on motion of Hon. T.T. Ngo:

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.

(Continued from 12 November 2025.)

The Hon. J.M.A. LENSINK (12:15): I rise to support the motion of the Hon. Tung Ngo, and thank him for bringing it to the chamber. I am not being glib when I say that for the YMCA to be operating in South Australia for 175 years is a very long and significant period of time, because when we consider how old South Australia is as a colony, the YMCA came hot on the heels of Adelaide's colonisation and settlement by the British people.

There was recently an event at Government House which I was privileged to attend. I think that really brought home, through the speeches of the Governor, the Hon. Frances Adamson, and through the YMCA itself, how significant it was that Adelaide became the first YMCA to be formed outside of Europe. It is interesting to look at the history and the heritage of these organisations because we often do not appreciate where they have come from.

The YMCA was initially established in London in 1844 and its purpose was to assist a lot of the young men who had been drawn to London through the Industrial Revolution. Obviously, times were very different for young men in those days. I think it has euphemistically been said that it provided a safe space for young men. It would have been challenging for them if they were from rural areas and went to London, which I do not think was probably the greatest place in the world at that stage. It was there to prevent some of the other temptations that may have abounded in a large city where young men found themselves at that time.

In 1850, which was just six years after its establishment, Adelaide became the first place outside of Europe to have a YMCA. It has probably modified its function of learning, recreation and moral support into a range of other services. Presumably, in those days they would have had lots of different meetings and sporting activities and a whole range of things, but the YMCA provided a huge amount of support to soldiers during both world wars, as well as in communities back home, and it is well known these days particularly for a lot of its children's programs.

I certainly was not aware of the work the Y does in out-of-school hours programs, which is significant. They bid for some of the school programs whether they are located in the government sector or in independent schools. People would be familiar with the sporting activities that they have in terms of swimming pools, but they also do gymnastics. These days they provide allied health, youth empowerment, early learning and care.

They have a significant number of employees in South Australia, including in regional areas. There are some 68 locations in South Australia where they operate as a charity across different services. Indeed, it was good to recognise them through that particular event. I think it is important to very much thank their volunteers and their board members, who I think have demonstrated incredible leadership in ensuring that the Y continues its mission in a sustainable way and is very much about providing services that fund other operations, cross-subsidising the charities, if you like. They look like they are in an extremely good position in 2025, and long may they continue.

The Hon. T.T. NGO (12:20): I would like to thank the Hon. Michelle Lensink for her contribution to this motion and for that little bit of history.

Motion carried.