YMCA celebrates success of its people and programs at 2015 National Awards

The YMCA’s 2015 National Annual Award presentations celebrated the Association’s people and programs that are reflect its vision and strategic areas of focus. 

Strengthen Our Movement – Volunteer of the Year
The Strengthen our Movement (YMCA Volunteer of the Year) seeks to highlight exceptional voluntary service over the previous 12 months.
Recipient: Lin Doust - YMCA WA 
Doust’s involvement with the YMCA dates back some 72 years, having joined the YMCA as a member at the age of 10, attending gym classes and holiday camps. By his late teens, he commenced his volunteering journey as a junior camp leader and has been in continuous, unpaid service to the YMCA nationally and internationally ever since. 

Extend our Reach – Program of Excellence 
This Award seeks to highlight the work of a YMCA Association which, during the previous 12 months, has developed or continued a program which is Mission driven and community focussed
Recipient: Belmont Youth Services - YMCA WA 
The Belmont Youth Services operates out of the Base @ Belmont which is a smoke alcohol and drug-free venue enjoyed by young people of all backgrounds and abilities. Young people engage in interesting activities and workshops throughout the week, as well as outings and outreach in the local community on Saturdays. The base is a safe place with trusted staff that young people can go to. 

Inspire our People – Staff Member of the Year 
The Inspire Our People (YMCA Staff Member of the Year) Award seeks to highlight exceptional service from our staff over the previous 12 months.
Recipient: Jacki Taylor - YMCA Victoria
Taylor has shown great career development over the last eight years and although she is a key part of the management team at Casey ARC, she continues to perform as an exceptional swimming teacher, mentor and role model to her team of 55 teachers.

Taylor believes teaching is a key part of her role and vouches ‘I will never leave the water’. Her passion as a water safety advocate who provides life skills to people in her community is evident every day.

The YMCA congratulates all award recipients and all who were nominated. The YMCA would not achieve the outcomes it does without the hard work and dedication of our people - over 12,000 employees and 3,700 volunteers across Australia.

The YMCA looks forward to continuing to create healthy, happy communities in 2016. 

Image: Lin Doust, YMCA WA, YMCA Australia Volunteer of the Year, 2015, pictured here with Naomi Gunton, YMCA WA staff member who nominated him for the prestigious award. 

7th December 2015 - YMCA AND HEALTH TEAM AUSTRALIA PARTNER TO PROVIDE EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY SERVICES

4th December 2015 - YMCA LAUNCHES 2016 NATIONAL SWIMATHON FUNDRAISER

2nd November 2015 - STUDENTS STRIDE TOWARDS AN INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY

23rd December 2014 - YMCA REWARDS EXCELLENCE, RELEASES NATIONAL BRAND GUIDELINES