About us

The Y NSW is a vibrant, for purpose organisation delivering cause-driven programs and valuable community services that help strengthen young people's lives, their families and the communities in which they live. The Y is part of the oldest and largest youth organisation in the world, the YMCA, which reaches across 120 countries. We offer a range of youth and community programs, Children's Services and Community Recreation. The Y NSW is recognised as a leader in safeguarding and it is at the heart of all we do. We are committed to measuring our social impact through a Results Based Accountability framework™. This continuous quality improvement process keeps us focused on the impact our programs make and the positive difference we have on children, young people and the communities we serve.

Our Belief: We believe in the power of inspired young people.

Youth and Community Programs

90 percent of participants made new friends and positive connections

81 percent of participants report improved mental wellbeing

95 percent of participants feel the Y is an inclusive space (RBA data 22/23)

We offer a range of programs that support young people to thrive. The Y NSW iconic Youth Parliament program provides high school students with the opportunity to engage with policy development and democratic parliamentary debate while building confidence, advocacy and leadership skills. Our Y Spaces provide drop-in centres for young people to connect, gain new life skills and focus on their wellbeing. StreetGym is delivered by youth workers and delivers a structured physical development program while building a sense of community, social skills and connection to specialist support organisations as needed. Our Call a Youth Worker help line supports young people wth information about local support services available to them such as accommodation, financial services, education and training. The Alternative Suspension program address educational disengagement and the underlying causes, establish ongoing support pathways and plan successful returns to school for students currently on, or at risk of, school suspension.

Community Recreation

86 percent reported increased mental wellbeing a the Y

90 percent of customers report increased physical wellbeing

88 percent of customers report feeling included at the Y (RBA data 22/23)

The Y NSW provides industry leading and community-focused programs that empower people to live healthy, active and social lives. From Broken Hill to Bellingen and dozens of communities in between hundreds of thousands of people of all ages and abilities enjoy our aquatics, learn to swim, health and fitness, gymnastics and sporting programs. We are proud to be recognised with industry awards including: Gymnastics NSW Club Excellence in Inclusion 2023 to the Y Bankstown, Gymnastics NSW Kindergym Club to the Y Caringbah, AUSTSWIM NSW Award Swim School of Excellence Large 2022 to Mt Annan Leisure Centre and AUSTSWIM Award Swim School of Excellence Small to Centerpoint Sports and Leisure Centre.

Children's Services

94 percent of parents report their child has stronger social connections from the Y

93 percent of parents feel their child has an increased sense of wellbeing from the Y

90 percent of parents said their child has improved physical wellbeing from the Y (RBA data 22/23)

For more than 40 years, the Y NSW has been providing quality outside school hours care (OSHC) services in communities across NSW. Our centres provide school-aged children with safe and enriching environments both before and after school, as well as during school holidays. Our experienced educators design programs to meet the My Time Our Place national framework, providing children with opportunities to maximise their potential and develop a foundation for life-long learning. Our services are regularly assessed and rated against the National Quality Framework and embrace opportunities for continuous improvement.