Speeches
Tuesday, 18 November 2025
Reception to mark YMCA South Australia’s 175th Anniversary
As Patron, I am delighted to welcome you to Government House to celebrate the YMCA’s 175th Anniversary – a significant milestone by any measure.
It is a matter of some pride that the Adelaide YMCA was the first to be founded outside Europe, with the original movement’s birth in London a mere six years earlier.
But through another lens it is perhaps not so surprising, because South Australia, since it’s European foundation, has been shaped by its commitment to building a community of opportunity and of encouraging people to explore their potential.
As a society, we have been trailblazers, innovators, and custodians of a caring society.
A sense of strengthening community through our young people has been at the heart of the YMCA since its genesis - with its mission to strengthen people in body, mind, and spirit.
That was originally manifested in its purpose to provide a safe space in London for young men drawn to the city during the industrial revolution where temptations abounded!
Since then, the “Y”, as it is affectionately known, has adapted and evolved to meet community needs.
On such a milestone occasion as this it is worth reflecting on some aspects of the Y’s legacy.
- During both World Wars the Y provided comfort and moral support to soldiers, and during World War 2 recreation and welfare services too.
- Young people over the years have found a team spirit and healthy activities at the Y’s sports and recreation facilities.
- After school, young people are provided with care and activities at a Y Outside School Hours Care (OSHC) program.
- Countless young people, myself included, have explored the world, staying at YHA hostels.
- And through the Youth Parliament, our bright young leaders of the future have explored and debated contemporary issues that matter to them and to all of us.
I have been delighted to meet many of the participants in the Youth Parliament here at Government House as part of their annual program.
It is great to see people aware that they have a role to play in strengthening our democracy by being aware of our institutions, how they operate and how young people can contribute through active citizenship.
This is also a message Rod and I strive to convey through our school visits program, and we are encouraged by what we see.
Through the youth parliament process, young people can learn for themselves how interacting with others with integrity, fairness, and respect produces more effective results.
I thank the Y for its role in enabling youth voices to be heard in this way.
Friends
While I have spoken today about the Y as an entity, it is of course, the people who make it the world-wide respected and trusted organisation it is.
I thank everyone who has contributed to the Y throughout its history – the staff, the leaders, the volunteers, the supporters.
You have grown into a charity that serves South Australian over 68 locations including multiple regional areas.
Thank you to those who run the camps, the gymnastics centres, the recreation centres, the various programs.
Because you are the lifeblood of the Y.
May like-minded people continue to do so as the Y evolves to meet our young people’s community needs.
I wish you all the best for the future. Thank you for what you do.