Commonwealth Games Announcement.

Love LOCAL! 

Mick, from Point Lonsdale, this week very generously donated a set of Chopper Fishing Reels to Camp Wyuna!

 

These amazing reels will be put to great use as part of our growing camp program, and we're sure there will be a few (tall) tales to come out of them. 

 

Thank you for the generous donation and dinner's on us, Mick! (once we catch a big one )

 

 

 

 

 

Youth Parliament! 

The Opening Ceremony has kicked off and we can't wait to see what the week brings!

 

This year marks the 37th annual, Victorian Youth Paliament at Parliament House. The Y Youth Parliament empowers young people to stand up and be heard in Parliament chambers.

The Victorian Youth Parliament supports young people aged 16-25 years old to speak up and be heard about issues that they are passionate about. In the Victorian Youth Parliament's 37-year history, more than 30 pieces of state legislation have originated in the Youth Parliament, including:

• Roadside drug testing for drivers
• Over the counter availability of the morning after pill
• Mandatory wearing of a bicycle helmet
• Removal of glass from identified high-risk entertainment venues
• Gun reformation laws

 

This week, the Y Geelong will be supporting our very own Youth Parliament Team, consisting of:

• Chase
• Ruby-Rose
• Jack
• Angelo
• Y Geelong Youth Parliament Coordinator, Alisha 

You can catch our team in action on:

 

Tuesday 27th June, in the Legislative Assembly

Disability Inclusion in Victorian Secondary Education Bill 2023

Sponsor: Y Geelong

Refuter: Boroondara Youth

 

Thursday 29th June, in the Legislative Assembly

Travel Emission Reduction Strategies Bill 2023

Sponsor: Boroondara Youth

Refuter: Y Geelong

 

Go team! We can't wait to watch you in action!

 

 

 

 

HUGE ACHIEVEMENT FOR HUGH!  

Wow, wow, wow!

 

Our YMCA Geelong Basketballers are IMPRESSIVE, to say the least

 

Our very own, Hugh Buckby has been selected to represent Country Victoria!

 

Hugh, who plays in the Geelong United Basketball (GUB) competition with YMCA Geelong, has been handpicked for the state honour to play in the Victoria Country Boys team, to compete at the U16 National Championships.

 

An emerging superstar who could dunk at the age of 13, Hugh earnt himself a spot on the team after impressing at the Australian Junior Country Basketball Cup in Albury in January.

 

The championships will be held from July 2-9 in Warwick, Perth.

 

AMAZING achievement Hugh!

 

For the full list of players heading to Perth, you can read more here.

 

 

Want to get into Basketball?

We have social, developmental and competitive programs on offer right here at Newtown Stadium.

 

You can find all the details right here on our website.

Bailey does it AGAIN!  

Geelong YMCA Basketball's very own Bailey Bruce is going from strength to strength!

 

In yet another standout performance at the Geelong Arena on Saturday, Bailey helped Navexa Geelong United Youth deliver an absolute thumping over Altona, with the final score landing at 118 - 61.

 

With 29 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals in just 24 minutes in the win over Altona, Bailey earnt himself a spot in the Round 12 Big V Basketball Youth League One Men's Starting Five! 

 

Amazing job Bailey!

 

 

Want to get into Basketball?

We have social, developmental and competitive programs on offer right here at Newtown Stadium.

 

You can find all the details right here on our website.

School Holidays @ the Y Bannockburn 

 

Looking for a fun activity for the kids these school hols?

 

Join us at the Y Bannockburn for some holiday fun! 

  

And the best part? It's all indoors, keeping you warm, dry and cosy from the cold winter weather!

 

These school holidays we're bringing back some of the classic faves, like Pop-Up Gymnastics, Soft Tennis and 3x3 basketball. We're also bringing in some new activities, with the long awaited return of Yoga being at the top of that list! 

 

Full Program Details

You can check out the full timetable at the bottom this page or visit our Facebook page here.

 

To Book

Simply head online here, select your preferred session and lock in your spot!

 

Bookings are required for all classes and sessions, except Casual Shoot.

 

 

We can't wait to have you join us! 

 

Got questions? We love helping you!

 

Phone: 5281 2316

Email: bannockburn@ymca.org.au

Message: YMCA Bannockburn Facebook

Drop in: Bannockburn Recreation Centre, 132 Milton Street, Bannockburn

 

 

 

 

 

Bailey brings home a WIN 

A standout performance from young gun Bailey Bruce, has helped YMCA defeat Christian College Eagles and consolidate second spot on the Geelong United Basketball Men’s Winter Championship ladder

 

Bruce dropped a WHOPPING 30 POINTS as Y claimed a 90-83 win at AWA Alliance Bank Stadium

 

Liam Herbert was also on fire, adding an impressive 22 points to the scoreboard, with veteran shooter Nathan Herbert delivering 16 points

 

Well done guys!

 

Want to get into Basketball?

We have social, developmental and competitive programs on offer right here at Newtown Stadium.

 

You can find all the details right here on our website.

1006 Days to Victoria 2026 

Connecting young people to their dream careers 

School Holiday FUN at the Y Geelong 

School Holidays are just around the corner, and there's no better place to spend them than at the Y Geelong!  

Join us this June at Newtown Stadium, where we have school holiday fun for all ages!

 

Got a little one at home?

Our Junior Program is perfect for those in primary school (aged 5 - 12 years). 

You can check out the full program details for our Junior Program here.

 

Trying to keep a high schooler entertained these holidays?

Our Youth Program will keep them busy! (for ages 12 - 15). 

To check out the full lineup of activities for our Youth Program, click here.

 

Have someone who's 12 years old?

They have the option and flexibility to choose from both programs!

 

Only want to join us for one particular day? No worries! You can do that! 

Want to join us every day? Awesome! You can do that too! 

 

Head over to our main page to sign up for ANY (or all!) of our days here.

 

 

To Book

Simply head over to our School Holiday Program section of our website, register, book and lock in your spot!

We can't wait to have you join us! 

 

Got questions? We love helping you!

Phone: 5223 2714

Email: shp.geelong@ymca.org.au

 

Drop in: 25 Riversdale Road, Newtown

Follow Us: YMCA Geelong - School Holiday Program

YMCA Geelong Gymnastics Clubs' athletes took centre stage at the Australian Gymnastics Championships 2023.

Over the course of two weeks in May, gymnasts from across Australia vied for the title of Australian Champion 2023, and our very own talented Women’s Artistic Gymnastics (WAG) athletes achieved outstanding results during the competition.

CEO of YMCA Geelong, Shona Eland, paid tribute to the hard work and dedication of the athletes and their families and the coaches, “It’s been a difficult couple of years in the sport and these athletes have worked incredibly hard to achieve top 10 results in all levels, that’s something to be celebrated. It’s super exciting to witness the next generation of talent coming through the sport and we are hoping that the home of the Commonwealth Games 2026 Gymnastics, being in Geelong, will have a home ground advantage for these up-and-coming athletes".

YMCA Gymnastics Club had six athletes selected to represent the Victorian team in 2023.

Senior International Level

16year old Asher Bayles competed in the Senior International session against Australia's best gymnasts. Asher did an incredible job, hitting her routines to rank 9^th All Around in Australia.

Asher was also part ofTeam Victoria, who worked their way to a Silver medal in the Senior International category.

Future International Level

Under 14s

Olivia Meaney, at only 12 years old, won Silver on Vault and is now ranked 2^nd in Australia. She was also a Silver Medallist on Floor and Bronze Medallist on Beam.

Olivia is currently ranked 4^th in the U14 category.

14 & Over

13year old Vivian Bayles, in the Over category, was the Silver Medallist All Around ranking her 2^nd in Australia in her level. She also ranked 6^th on Vault, 4^th on Bars and 5^th on Floor.

Charli Cox, 13 years old, was Silver Medallist on Vault and ranked 2nd, Silver Medallist on Floor and is currently ranked 10^th in Australia.

Level 8  Unders

Mia Fewster, 11 years old, had an excellent competition representing Victoria at her very first Nationals. She placed 7^th on Floor, 8^th on Beam and 14^th All Around.

• This weekend - Sunday 21st May 
• 10:00am - 2:00pm
• FREE Event
• YMCA Bannockburn - 132 Milton Street, Bannockburn 

Join us this SUNDAY 21st MAY for a community market!

YMCA Bannockburn in conjunction with Baker's Delight Lara is proud to present the second annual YMCA Community Market 

 

This event is about bringing the community together whilst raising donations and awareness for BCNA (Breast Cancer Network Australia 

 

This year in Australia almost 19,866 women and 164 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer. A diagnosis can turn someone’s world upside down and has a ripple effect not only on family and friends but also on employers and work colleagues 

 

YMCA Bannockburn would love to see you on the day 

• Sunday 21st May
• 10:00am - 2:00pm
• YMCA Bannockburn, 132 Milton Street Bannockburn  

See below for a growing list of our amazing stallholders 

• Face Painting by Alisha
• Ice your own Fun Buns
• Live Music
• Jungle Gym
• Crafts
• Willow Designz
• Family Friendly Games
• Manny's Crafts
• Kati Allo
• Dragons Abreast Geelong
• Sugar & Slice
• Mia & Lottie
• Louie's Lollies and Chocolates
• Soy & Co
• Specialty Flooring
• Sweet Sage Farm
• The WheatBag Co
• DimpleDot Designs
• Thermomix
• LaRu Designs
• Jaded Painted
• Ironton Cole Designs 
• James Rose Candle Co
• Stina's Style
• Made with Love & Gems
• Tilly Pearl Handmade Treasures
• Lashing by Bree
• Ori's Creations

• Tupperware with Paula
• Mormors House
• Coffeestain Creative
• Purple Ivy Gifts
• Gentoo Studios
• Rachel's Krafty Gifts
• Heart to Art Creations
• Rulu Bamboo
• RV Scents
• Bodhi & Stone
• What's Behind the Door
• Signi
• Willow Grace Beads
• Mummamoof
• Kaffeine Shotz
• Chubby Bao Catering
• Cruzin Coffee and Food
• Sidewalk Cantina
• Mr. Squidgy
• Bellyz Donuts
• TK's Jumping Castle & Fairy Floss
• Country Baked Potatoes
• The Lil Dumpling Van
• YMCA Sausage Sizzle

Five reasons why kids should participate in team sports.

There are numerous benefits of children participating in team sports. Here are five reasons why kids should play team sports:

1. Social Development

Team sports provide children with an opportunity to interact with peers and develop social skills. They learn how to work together towards a common goal, communicate effectively, and resolve conflicts.

2. Physical Fitness

Playing team sports encourages kids to be physically active, which is crucial for maintaining good health. Regular physical activity also helps to build strength, endurance, and coordination.

3. Self-esteem

Children who participate in team sports develop a sense of accomplishment and pride in their abilities. Winning or losing as a team helps build self-esteem and resilience.

4. Leadership & Teamwork

Team sports allow children to learn leadership skills and how to work with others to achieve a common goal. They learn how to take responsibility and make decisions that affect the team.

5. Mental Health

Playing team sports has been shown to have positive effects on mental health. Children who participate in team sports have lower stress and anxiety levels and are less likely to experience depression.

Overall, participating in team sports is an excellent way for children to develop social, physical, and mental skills that will benefit them throughout their lives.

Doing our bit ♻️

Have you seen our new uniforms? We think they look pretty cool... They're also pretty friendly, eco-friendly that is.

At the Y, we're constantly looking at our services and product range to ensure that we're doing things with sustainability in mind. We believe in making a conscious effort to minimise our impact on the environment.

We want to make sure our business is not only limiting our impact on the environment, but also becoming a champion of youth-led sustainability solutions. Thus, further aligning the Y Geelong with one of our four key pillars; A Sustainable Planet.

 Want to learn more?

You can check out the Textile Recyclers Australia website here.

To read more about our sustainable uniforms, you can follow this link.

Last call for Stallholders 📣

All businesses welcome!

- Food stalls and vans

- Crafts, homewares, plants and more

- Kids play activities and rides

About the market

• Sunday 21st May
• YMCA Bannockburn (132 Milton Street)
• 10am - 2pm
• This is a FREE event

• All stalls are indoors
• Food vans outdoors at our front entrance
• Kids activities are held throughout the event including face painting and gymnastics jungle gym

Want to get involved?

You can apply to be a stallholder, food van or kids activity by downloading the application form below or by getting in touch with our team via phone, email or direct message (Facebook)

bannockburn@ymca.org.au

5281 2316

 Direct message via our socials here

 

Download the application form here

Did you know?

Earth Day is a historical event that takes place on the 22^nd of April every year.

Every year, we take a moment to reflect on how amazing our planet is and what we can do to further protect it.

Participating in earth day helps raise awareness of the importance of protecting our planet and its natural resources. In addition, it encourages people to engage in conserving the environment, attend rallies and concerts, help plant trees, join in clean-up efforts and stop and think about their own actions.

The History of Earth Day

The first Earth Day was celebrated in 1970 after US Senator, Gaylord Nelson, was inspired to take action after witnessing the damage caused by an oil spill in California in 1969.

He realised there was a need for humans to become more environmentally aware and active in preserving our planet.

Earth Day has quickly become a global phenomenon with more than 1 billion people participating globally in events across 193 countries.

‘Invest In our Planet’

This year, the theme for Earth Day is ‘Invest In Our Planet’.

This year's theme highlights the importance of dedicating our time, resources and energy to solving climate change and other environmental issues.

Investing in our planet is necessary to protect it and the best way to pave a path towards a prosperous future. When we ‘Invest In Our Planet’ together, we are supporting healthy, happy, and wealthy communities worldwide.

Want to learn more? You can check out the official Earth Day website here.

Fun fact: You can also check out all the events happening globally on the website too!

Autism Camp Australia at YMCA Camp Wyuna!

Launched in 2020, Autism Camp Australia (ACA) was created to fill a critical gap in services to autistic young people and their families.

Passionate about driving life-changing outcomes for autistic people, they are leaders in the evolution of a balanced and respectful relationship between autistic young people, their families and all Australians.

The goal of ACA is to help young autistic people develop confidence and independence, increase their social connection, develop new and lasting friendships and celebrate their autistic identity.

They also work towards the parents/carers and siblings building increased resilience, enhancing their social networks and having a greater ability to maintain informal support for their young people.

The Camps

ACA’s first location opened in New South Wales in January 2020, with a second location opening on the Sunshine Coast shortly after. Their third location, (and our favourite), YMCA Camp Wyuna, opened in December 2021.

These programs work as a stepping-stone to mainstream inclusive social and community participation and help young autistic people form an initial engagement and works as a stepping-stone to mainstream inclusive social and community participation.

At the camps, neurodiversity, embracing differences and nurturing individuality are all celebrated.

Hundreds of autistic young people and their families are already benefitting from this amazing program.

Learn More

• Want to learn more about camps at our very own Camp Wyuna? Hit the link here!

• You can also check out what's on offer from ACA at Camp Wyuna here.

• Want to find out more about Autism Camp Australia?  You can check them out on their website here.

• Gymnastics 
  • For all ages and abilities.

• Rookie Sports
  • Book during April using code ACTIVEAPRIL23 for a free session!

• Basketball
  • Kids want to play but don't know the sport? Join our Aussie Slammers program first and learn the skills and rules while making new friends.

• Judo
  • Did you know our very own YMCA Judo athlete, Jake Bensted, recently competed at the Commonwealth Games?!

• Netball
  • For ages 14+

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