Bass Coast Shire Council facilities and programs farewell the YMCA

The departure of The Y Victoria from delivering youth services on the Bass Coast, fitness classes for the over 50s and management of the Phillip Island and Bass Coast Aquatic and Leisure Centres marks the end of an era for the region.

As reported by the Sentinel-Times, effective from 1st July, the Bass Coast Shire Council has appointed Anglicare Victoria to manage the YES Youth Hub and Aligned Leisure to run the Phillip Island Leisure Centre and Bass Coast Aquatic and Leisure Centre.

Programming and services will continue throughout the transition period as normal.

Thanking the community for its past support, The YES Youth Hub team and Bass Coast Y advised "we are immensely grateful to the local community who have supported the YYH whether it be on the steering committee, partnering events and programs, or supporting the drop-in sessions to make the YYH the success that it is.”

The highlights for the YES Youth Hub have been building well-attended drop-in sessions, delivering three fabulous Pride Prom events, a brilliant Youth Arts event, a multitude of successful grants, reaching young people across Bass Coast through the Youth Hub school holiday program, and working with FReeZA to hold numerous music events featuring young musicians from the Bass Coast.

Senior coordinator Erin Johnson stated "the Youth Advisory Council has been a key part of our success and has shaped our work and the direction of the YYH,” said senior coordinator Erin Johnson.

“We are so thankful for their dedication and commitment to improving Bass Coast for young people and look forward to seeing the next chapter for the YES Youth Hub and keeping in touch with the many friends we have made over this time.”

YMCA Wonthaggi has been running fitness classes at Inverloch three times a week for 25 years and for many the group has been a vital point of connection.

Attendees ages range from 53 to 98 with many more attending social outings in local coffee shops after class, monthly lunches and birthday celebrations at local hotels and cafes across the Shire, and bi-monthly dinners. The program will now be supported by GippSport.

Community reaction has been mixed with one parent hoping Aligned Leisure can maintain the vacation care program, junior sport programs and youth outreach and community engagement projects which are vital to local families. Other members have suggested more evening classes and a crèche.

Image: Phillip Island Leisure Centre.