The Y looks for new National Chief Executive following resignation of Melinda Crole

The Y is now looking for a new National Chief Executive following the resignation of Melinda Crole after 17 years with the Y, the last five as its National Chief Executive.

Under Crole’s leadership, the Y in Australia:

• Agreed to become the Y -changing their logo and name for the first time in 52 years - to be more modern, inclusive and representative of all young people and rolling out a new national brand.

• United all their member Ys around a single unifying belief that when young people are inspired they are powerful.

• Established a national safeguarding team now part of a new national harm prevention charity for the Y.

• Was among the first organisations to join the Federal Government’s National Redress Scheme for survivors of institutional child sexual abuse.

• Issued a public apology to survivors of child sexual abuse at the Y.

• Is well positioned to establish a new Y Careers Agency to support more young people into stable, meaningful careers in the caring sector.

On announcing Crole’s resignation National President the Y in Australia, Ben Hubbard noted “we are a better national organisation thanks to Melinda. Not only are we more collaborative and engaged, but we are more strategic and innovative. In some of the most difficult times in our long history, we have had thoughtful and measured leadership.

“And most significantly, our centres and sites are safer for children, and we are inspired by young people in all we do. This is a significant legacy to leave.

“Melinda was presented with an unexpected opportunity to develop her career further and work with a team in the commercial sector with a focus on the development of children and family services and we wish her well.”

Crole said she was proud of the ‘small part’ she had played in the Y’s long history and that it was now at a point in time where it needs to be “heroic and ensure young people are not left behind by the disruption of the pandemic but rather are inspired and empowered to lead us into a bright future”.

Commenting on the search for a new National Chief Executive, Hubbard notes “This is an exciting opportunity to lead an organisation into its next strategic phase in alignment to the global YMCA’s vision for a just, sustainable, equitable and inclusive world.”

The Y in Australia is united in its belief that when young people are inspired they are powerful and each year records 22 million participations in its programs and services at 600 sites around Australia from early learning and outside school hours care to community recreation and youth programs and services.

The Y has engaged People for Purpose to undertake a search process to assist us in identifying our next Chief EXecutive. The role, with a link to the Position Description, will be advertised on SEEK, Pro Bono and on the People for Purpose websites. Interested individuals with relevant skills and experience are encouraged make an application via those sites.

Crole’s last day with the Y will be 15th October and Ross Kyrwood has agreed to be Acting Chief Executive until a new Chief Executive commences, anticipated by February 2022.