Merger of Bendigo YMCAs will enhance local services

Two of the oldest YMCA associations in Victoria, Bendigo Regional YMCA and YMCA Victoria, have announced their intention to merge bringing more resources, skills and experience to YMCA’s service delivery in the Bendigo region.

The merger will include the children’s programs delivered at the Lightning Reef Early Learning Centre and eight Out-of-School-Hours-Care (OSHC) services, along with youth services and recreation management at the Peter Krenz Leisure Centre.

Chief Executive of Bendigo YMCA, Jane Robson, said the merger would bring growth opportunities to the region.

“As a national YMCA movement, we are all looking to work more closely together to better align our mission and impact.

“This is an exciting opportunity to integrate our local knowledge to achieve the YMCA’s vision in Bendigo,” Robson said.

YMCA Victoria Chief Executive, Peter Burns, said the commitment to the Y Service Clubs, staff, volunteers and the community would remain as strong as ever and that the new structure would better support YMCA’s national belief in the power of inspired young people.

“YMCA Victoria operates 30 children’s services and over 20 major recreational contracts across Melbourne and regional Victoria. 

“This merger will allow us to share our resources and talent better than ever before, and provide even more young people opportunities to develop both personally and professionally across our movement.

“I’m incredibly excited for what the future holds,” added Burns.

Image top: Bendigo YMCA OSHC services

Image above: Lightning Reef Early Learning Centre