New National President for YMCA Australia and New Board Members

Andrew Smith has been elected as YMCA Australia’s new President, taking on the role immediately following the Annual General Meeting of the National Council of the YMCAs of Australia in Darwin on 29th November

Smith, Vice President of Engagement at Swinburne University, is one of two co-opted members of the National Board. 

He replaces Graham Kent as National President, who stepped down from the Board after two years of service as President, and several years on the Board, and prior to that on the Board of YMCA Victoria.

At the recent YMCA National Convention, Smith spoke of "the privilege of having in our Movement CEO’s, staff and volunteers from across our Movement.

"You are the people who live our vision and values every day.

"You are the people who bring first hand experience of the communities we serve and I invite and encourage you to share your experience and insights for the betterment of our Movement.”

Smith had earlier addressed the Convention on the topic of changing communities, wherein he stated “(we) are not immune to the challenges facing our partners and the communities we serve.

“There will be areas where difficult decisions will need to be made at national and local level as community expectations around governance, compliance and commercial performance are increased.

“Our Movement will need to adapt to remain competitive and to deliver on our Mission. Innovation, collaboration and commitment will continue to shape the changing face of the Movement.

“Throughout its history the YMCA has demonstrated commitment, resilience and fellowship in pursuing our mission.

“It is attributes, underpinned by our values, that are why we remain central to the development of healthy, happy and connected Australian communities and why we will be so for decades to come."

Long-serving Board Directors Peter Malone and Bruce Harris, were elected YMCA Australia Vice-President and Treasurer, accordingly while five vacancies on the National Board were filled by Alan Morton  - re-elected; Debra Patterson (YMCA Whittlesea); Robert Prime (YMCA SA) , Pierre Huetter (YMCA ACT) and Christopher Lewis (YMCA Manningham) 

For more information go to http://ymca.org.au

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