YMCA launches academy to develop indigenous sport managers

The YMCA has launched an Indigenous Management Academy that aims to develop Indigenous sport managers, not just sport participants, across NSW.

Launched today by NSW Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Victor Dominello, the YMCA NSW Indigenous Management Academy will, according to YMCA NSW Chief Executive Phillip Hare, "take the next step in ending Indigenous disparity by enabling Indigenous Australians to not only participate but lead and manage sport and recreation in their local community."

With the YMCA mindful of Australian Bureau of Statistics data that indicates 29% of Australia's Indigenous population is located in NSW, Hare adds that the Academy Trainees will become "the vital link between local Indigenous communities and local YMCAs in such areas as far west as Broken Hill, north as Macksville and south as Cooma as well as Greater Western Sydney; a place which has one of the largest Indigenous populations in Australia.

"We all know the statistics that strongly indicate that Indigenous Australians have a natural affinity with sport, recreation and the value they place on family and community and at the Y we have recognised the vital role we can play in ending Indigenous disparity due to our common values."

Through the Indigenous Employment Strategy, of which the IMA is a part, the Y recognises the importance of promoting and supporting Indigenous employment across YMCA operations including before and after school care sites, recreation centres and campsites. Not only will we be training the Indigenous leaders of the future through the IMA with participants obtaining necessary VET qualifications and other accredited qualifications such as First Aid and customer service training, but ensuring YMCA's across the state are more inclusive and reflective of our Indigenous communities.

Hare concluded "we are proud of today but recognise it is the first step in a long journey the Y is committed to enabling leaders and managers in local communities across NSW."

The YMCA NSW Indigenous Management Academy:

The IMA is a full-time and school-based traineeship program which sees participants gain a number of formal industry qualifications and paid employment at a nominated YMCA-owned or managed centre in NSW, as well as be supported and mentored over a three-year period. The program will launch with 40 trainees employed throughout YMCA recreation facilities, Before and After School Care sites and campsites.

The program is unique in both its structure and in the level of coaching and mentoring trainees' receive, which includes one-on-one access to an Indigenous mentor and regular visits from representatives of AFL SportsReady's Indigenous Mentoring Program and The Way Ahead for Aboriginal People mentor program.

For more information about the Academy please contact Shaun Hart, Indigenous Management Academy Coordinator, YMCA NSW on 0418 225 799, E: shaun.hart@ymca.org.au 

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