The Y Australia

The past week, I have been very privileged to attend the World YMCA Global Accelerator conference in Mombasa, Kenya 🇰🇪 🌍 It has been exciting to see The Y Australia lead the charge with our Meaningful Work pillar, but there is still lots more to do. Whilst the conference was energising, the most rewarding part of my trip was after the conference, when I did a day trip to Wasini. At the suggestion of the restaurant owner of where I had lunch - I purchased books, pencils, sharpeners and erasers on my way into a local village. I handed these out to school students and young children as I walked through the village. The restaurant owner told me that this would help to promote literacy and learning in the village. The students were over-joyed, particularly with getting a sharpener (and also that I had an iPhone!), and as you can see from the photo, are enthusiastic, happy and eager to learn. Once again, this trip has provided me perspective, and given me renewed focus on giving back. Whilst I missed my first Partners conference at KPMG Australia, I’m glad to work with a firm that supports giving back and having a positive community impact. #vision2030 #meaningfulwork #impact #youthempowerment #yaustralia Alexandra Ash GAICD Amelia Shaw Gaurav Sareen Michele Rowse Jan Owen AM Hon DLitt Christopher Lewis Lauren Pollock The Y Australia YMCA Queensland KPMG Australia

🌍 YMCA World Accelerator Week in Mombasa 🇰🇪 Two years after setting our Vision 2030, the focus has shifted from strategy to action. This week was all about amplifying our impact. Key Moments: * Youth at the Table: With young voices from across our movement and world present, one young leader powerfully stated, “We shouldn’t be on the menu but at the table”—a call for true inclusion. * Empowering Women: Eunice Ogolo (Girl Capital) emphasised that investing in women uplifts entire generations. * Youth & Livelihoods: Kevin Frey (UNICEF) reminded us that impact requires funding and that youth want more than skills—they need meaningful, sustainable work. * Supporting Displaced People: A fireside chat on migration highlighted the need for dignity, courage, community, and the power of partnerships. * Defining Meaningful Work: Kickstarted by The Y Australia with invaluable support from Deloitte Australia, the Meaningful Work Project has been underway for two years. This world-first initiative defines standards for inclusive, sustainable, and balanced work to help address the employment challenges facing young people globally. Vision 2030 is no longer just a goal—it’s here, and we’re committed to driving it forward. #YMCA #YMCAVision2030 #YouthEmpowerment #IntergenerationalLeadership _____ Carlos Madjri Sanvee Soheila Y. Hayek Alexandra Ash GAICD Christopher Lewis Tom Stephenson Gaurav Sareen Michele Rowse Lauren Pollock Jan Owen AM Hon DLitt

The Y NSW's Youth Voice Coordinator Hamani Tanginoa is at the World YMCA Accelerator Summit in Mombasa, Kenya, as a delegate from The Y Australia and an Australian Change Agent! In his own words: "I am especially proud to be representing the Y NSW at this event! So far, I have met so many people from across the world and learned about their programming, and it has been awesome to share the programs and impacts of programs running in NSW." #TheYNSW #YMCA #AcceleratorSummit #ChangeAgent #YoungPeople

I met Malene Ladekjær Iversen nearly 10 years ago as World YMCA change agents. And here we are again in Kenya progressing the amazing work of Y’s around the globe. At the time, YMCA Victoria supported me in accelerating my career. I hope the work I now progress motivates many young people around me to invest in a career to believe in at The Y.

🌍🌎🌏 Today, YMCA and global partners came together to focus on two Pillars of #YMCAVision2030: Meaningful Work and a Sustainable Planet. We explored the challenges young people face—and the opportunities they’re creating—with updates on ongoing projects and future plans. These Pillars will be discussed at next week’s YMCA Mombasa Accelerator Summit, with dedicated labs for deeper exploration. Stay tuned as we continue to share updates and progress in the coming months. 💫

📺 We got featured on 7NEWS Australia "Our approach is simple – we prioritise the well-being of every student alongside their education" Y Schools QLD is transforming lives by providing a supportive environment for students like Matilda, who found mainstream schooling difficult. "I just stopped and gave up entirely," Matilda shared. Now, with a focus on well-being, learning, and career pathways, she’s thriving. With 11 campuses and more than 900 students, we're offering young people a life of choice, not chance. "It's the best decision ever," said one of our students. Learn more about Y Schools QLD and how we're making a difference: https://lnkd.in/gxwW7gxq Damian Foley Anna Coles Stephanie Blunt Angela Waugh The Y Australia #Education #Schools #YoungPeople #YQueensland

Every year, we empower young people to share their lived mental health experiences through our short film series, Inside Our Minds. This year, the series shines a light on the unique challenges faced by young people with disabilities. Thank you Nathida, Rachael Burns, Lorien, Morgan, Finlaey, Gabriel, and Layne Dixon for courageously sharing your stories. Your voices are essential in fostering open conversations, reducing the stigma surrounding mental health and encouraging others to seek support. I encourage everyone to listen to these inspiring young people’s stories via our YouTube channel and socials. You can also catch them on the big screens at Yagan Square, Northbridge Piazza, and Curtin University! Thank you to everyone who made this vital project to possible: Youth Disability Advocacy Network Inc. - YDAN Mineral Resources Limited YMCA WA The Periscope Crew.