Throughout its rich history in Kalgoorlie, locals have come to depend on YMCA Goldfields as a community hub, with the venue being home to YMCA Before and After School Hours Care, a 24/7 Gym, community groups and a huge range of youth programs.
It is therefore no wonder they were nominated for the Corporate Citizen Award in the Shire of Coolgardie’s 2021 Australia Day Awards.
Each year, the Shire of Coolgardie recognises businesses and organisations that have made an outstanding contribution to the community in the Shire of Coolgardie. The youth workers make a weekly trip to Coolgardie to deliver two programs, Better Choices and Building Brighter Futures.
Better Choices engages young indigenous people to support them during the tricky transition period from primary to high school. Through a range of fun activities youth workers connect with the young people, who can then provide support through case management if and when it’s needed.
School attendance can be an issue in smaller regional communities, so YMCA Goldfields also work closely with local schools to provide incentives to young people with the Building Brighter Futures program. Students with over an 80% school attendance are rewarded with fun activities from wacky science experiments, to water balloon fights to a big sausage sizzle cook out.
“YMCA Goldfields was nominated for their ongoing support during 2020 and 2021 to the community. They continued right through the pandemic by dropping off activities to the kids in their homes and are a massive asset during the school holidays with their free program for Coolgardie Youth,” said The Shire of Coolgardie’s Director of Economic and Community Development, Mia Hicks.
To see just why they were nominated and keep up to date with what’s happening at YMCA Goldfields, visit our website or find the YMCA Goldfields Facebook page.