A Rich History. A Flourishing Future
The Y WA has a rich history in Western Australia, with activity dating back to 1869. The movement is recognised as being firmly established in Perth in 1908.
Since then, we’ve evolved to meet the changing needs of children, young people and communities across Perth and regional Western Australia including the Pilbara, Goldfields and Great Southern, without losing sight of our purpose:
To provide opportunities for children and young people to flourish and grow in body, mind and spirit.
1844
The Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) is founded by 22-year-old drapery merchant George Williams in London to help young men navigate social challenges and improve their overall wellbeing
1850s
The YMCA movement spreads across many continents with Australia’s first YMCA opening in Adelaide in 1851.
1902
The first YMCA arrives in Western Australia, opening its first location in the Eastern Goldfields.
1908
A second YMCA opens in Perth with temporary rooms in Hay Street, Perth.
1940 – 1950
Several small but significant suburban YMCAs opened across Perth. Including Fremantle YMCA, home branch of two-time Life Member and historian Lin Doust, Scarborough YMCA, Bentley/Southside YMCA (covering Victoria Park and South Perth), and Melville YMCA.
2015
The YMCA Perth changes its name to YMCA WA to better reflect the services offered across Western Australia.
2019
YMCA WA becomes the Y WA as part of an Australia-wide rebrand to reflect a more inclusive identity and a broader community focus.
Today
The Y WA has evolved to become a far more inclusive organisation that supports people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities across Western Australia. Much like George Williams back in 1844, the Y WA’s focus remains on delivering flourishing outcomes for children and young people across the state.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Y WA’s History
1902 in the Eastern Goldfields, with a Perth branch following in 1908.
The new logo, designed by a collective of Y brand leads across Australia, retains the triangle representing Body, Mind, Spirit and reflects a legacy of diversity and inclusion.
The new name reflects the legacy of celebrating and supporting diversity within all communities.
Today, the Y WA is a vibrant, safe and inclusive community focused on delivering flourishing outcomes for all young people in people Western Australia.
Our services and programs include:
- Childcare services – Early Learning Centres, Out of School Care, School Holiday Programs, and Family Day Care.
Our focus: the early years to build pre-literacy, pre-numeracy and positive behaviours.
- Youth services – Youth Centres and Youth Programs, including Youth Parliament.
Our focus – youth services to build life skills that enable connection and participation in communities.
- Y School
Our focus: schools and school support to help vulnerable students flourish using a curriculum based on the Science of Learning.
- Community Support services – Supported Playgroups, Child and Parent Centres, and School Engagement programs
- Recreation and Fitness Centres
Be Part of Our Story
Join us in building stronger communities for the next 100 years.