New Y Women's Health Club 'more than a gym'

The YMCA of Sydney has unveiled a new Y Women's Health Club at the Morris Iemma Indoor Sports Centre (MIISC) in western Sydney - which is set to become a vital hub of community connection, social interaction and wellbeing for women in the local area.

YMCA of Sydney General Manager Recreation, Brendan Owens describes the new $50,000 facility as "more than a gym", filling a vital community need.

Owens explains "every Y is different, because every community is different. The Y consulted the local community who identified a real need for a separate, female-friendly facility that would encourage greater participation by its growing Islamic population as well as mums, grandmothers and any other group of women wanting to connect and lead happier, healthier lives. So we acted on that feedback."

According to 2006 Census data, 17,743 people living in western Sydney's Canterbury region, (13.7% of the population), identify as Islamic, compared to 3.9% of greater Sydney. Canterbury is also a big family area, with more than half the region's couples having children and a majority (11,266) having children under 15.

Owens added features of the new facility such as divided cubicles for changing rooms and showers reflected the community's cultural diversity, while the provision of a crèche on weekdays would appeal to busy mums.

He adds "we know that women, particularly mums, find it hard to make the time to exercise and many are craving social interaction outside the home and a connection with other women. As an organisation focused on family, we are dedicated to creating places for people, in this case women, to not only reach their health goals but feel confident, supported and connected along the way."

Every Wednesday from 8.00am a morning tea will be served at MIISC with the aim of connecting new and existing members and creating a "family" atmosphere.

To celebrate the official opening of the Y Women's Health Club a morning tea will be held at MIISC at 11am on 17th July.

The Y manages Morris Iemma Indoor Sports Centre in partnership with Canterbury City Council.

For more information go to www.ymcasydney.org/centre/miisc

25th March 2011 - MORRIS IEMMA INDOOR SPORTS CENTRE OPENING ATTRACTS THE CROWDS

2nd November 2010 - STAFF RESHUFFLE FOR A BIGGER AND BETTER SYDNEY Y