YMCA Geelong Inc Ge… · The Vacation Care program continues to offer a high quality program with much positive feedback from . families utilising the service. This program has also

YMCA Geelong IncAnnual Report 2012/2013

2 YMCA Geelong Annual Report 2012/2013

Message from the President 03

YMCA CEO’s Report 04

YMCA Finance Report 05

Gymnastics 06

- Launchpad 06

- Gymnast ics Programs 07

- Competitve Gymnastics 08

- Where to f rom here 09

Camp Wyuna and Y Lodge, Queenscliff 10

YMCA Bannockburn 12

Community Programs 14

Treehouse Aspyre Program 16

YMCA Judo Club 17

YMCA Basketball Club 18

- Financial Overview 19

- Junior Basketballer of the year 20

- Senior Basketball of the year 21

- The year ahead 21

Y Service Clubs 22

- Y Serv ice Club 22

- Geelong Ladies Serv ice Club 23

CONTENTS

Thank-you message:

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank my board colleagues who have supported me and have contributed their time and talent to ensure good governance of our Association.

To our CEO, Colin Hunt and his management team who have worked under considerable pressure for a period of time, we recognise your efforts and thank you for your commitment to ensuring the Geelong community has a place to belong; feel connected and provides opportunities healthy communities to grow and thrive.

- John WeiglYMCA Board President

3YMCA Geelong Annual Report 2012/2013

PHOTO OF THE BOARDROOM

Board President, CEO& Finance Report

YMCA of Geelong

President’s Report:

As President this is my second report for YMCA Geelong Inc.It is pleasing to see that the work commenced by the board, and supported by staff and volunteers, in seeking to turn around the financial viability and sustainability of the Geelong YMCA is now beginning to come to fruition.

Significantly there has been a turnaround from repeated losses to a surplus after adjustments. The board acknowledges that the turnaround has come about as a result of some difficult decisions, the effects of which no doubt caused some pain to some of the Geelong YMCA. The former position was neither sustainable nor responsible. I am confident that with the reforms and changes undertaken, together with the commitment to consolidate the work undertaken so far, the financial viability and sustainability of the Geelong YMCA will only improve. In turn this enables the Geelong YMCA to engage more fully with the community and stakeholders, building stronger people, stronger families and a stronger community.

In particular some of the changes have involved the relinquishment

of The Lodge near Camp Wyuna, the exit from the Winchelsea area and a review of the gymnastics programs. The lease of the Arena at North Geelong from the City of Greater Geelong was due to end at the end of the financial year and whilst we are committed to delivering programs to the northern suburbs, negotiations are continuing with the City of Greater Geelong to assist in maintaining a viable service in this area, but in circumstances that do not impact adversely on the Geelong YMCA.

Luke Humphries retired from the board during the year and it would be remiss not to acknowledge his efforts. Luke put in a very substantial effort in the Fundraising Committee, but more importantly from my point of view, was excellent in his diligent approach and input at board meetings. This then leads me to the board as a whole. Almost without exception the board has been exceptionally hard working and committed. Without the extraordinary efforts of this talented and committed board, the significant turnaround would not have occurred. I am extremely lucky to have the support and commitment of such a skilled set of board members. Having said that, one of the priorities of the board in the coming year is to

build the board with some additional members for both succession and for the additional skills and experience this brings to the organisation. The down side of the board’s focus on turning around the financial position of the Geelong YMCA is that the hardworking but at times unseen and unheard staff may well have felt forgotten or worse still, abandoned. The staff should not be disheartened by this as the changes implemented have always had the intention of making their place of employment better. It is acknowledged however that the board does need to focus more on this aspect.

As for the coming year, I suspect that again real and significant advances will be made in the operations of the Geelong YMCA. I would expect that the car park redevelopment will be realised and finalised, the financial viability will be increased, the staff will more readily see the advantages of a more viable and sustainable organisation and hopefully, when the next report is prepared in a year from now, many of the goals and some of the dreams of the board will have come to fruition.

- John WeiglYMCA Board President


CEO Annual Report

During the 2012/13 financial year YMCA Geelong has shifted focus to concentrate on consolidation of core activities. After the financial performance of the previous year, much effort has been made to increase the profitability and long term viability and sustainability of each activity and venue.

The process of investigation, analysis and instigating necessary changes has at times been an arduous and taxing task. The much improved financial result this year ($241K turnaround) reflects not only the initiatives put in place by the Board but the wonderful commitment and hard work of all staff.

In the words of Charles Darwin; ‘it is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent that survives. It is the one that is the most adaptable to change.’ We have made some difficult but necessary decisions throughout the year, to ensure YMCA Geelong is enjoyed by our community for many years to come.

GymnasticsThe year has seen a significant review of gymnastics operations to improve the quality and program offerings at both Newtown and North Geelong centres. The review has resulted in a number of new initiatives including centralisation of gymnastics enrolments and a clear delineation of each gymnastics stream and the associated income and costs. The process is ongoing, with continued research of gymnastics best practice and fine tuning of our programs and their delivery to ensure that YMCA Geelong delivers the highest quality recreation and competitive programs in the state.

Camping and AccommodationCamp Wyuna has continued to grow and develop. This year has again seen a pleasing financial result from camp operations, despite the significant challenge of industrial action in the education industry in term four 2012 and terms one and two 2013. Our withdrawal from operations at YMCA Lodge has allowed key staff to have renewed focus on Camp and the ability to offer and deliver a wonderful camping experience for all who pass through the gates.

Community ProgramsThe Vacation Care program continues to offer a high quality program with much positive feedback from families utilising the service. This program has also not been without challenge, with increased regulatory and compliance requirements putting pressure on limited resources. With this in mind, we will continue to pursue our range of Out of School Hours services to improve our economies of scale.

Consolidated operationsIn addition to our withdrawal from YMCA Lodge, 2012/13 also saw us return operations of the Winchelsea Health Club to Surf Coast Shire. Winchelsea offered wonderful possibilities but unfortunately despite our efforts, it placed unnecessary pressure on YMCA Geelong resources and funds. Conversely, Bannockburn Recreation Centre continues to grow both in visitation and the variety of programs offered. We thank Golden Plains Shire for the opportunity to partner with them to develop and improve healthy lifestyles in the community.

Our ever present challenge is adequately resourcing our programs to ensure quality, whilst balancing our resources effectively to ensure long term sustainability. Thank you to our Board of Directors for their valued input and their professionalism and commitment to take YMCA Geelong to the next step. To our staff and volunteers, we thank you for your unwavering dedication throughout challenging times and your positive attitude to change and the possibilities and opportunities it brings to us all. Progress seldom comes without change but through this change we continue to demonstrate our commitment to Geelong and build strong people, strong families and strong communities.

- Colin Hunt - Tamara Allan YMCA CEO Deputy CEO


active management, particularly during leaner times of the year. Given the pleasing result and significant turnaround, we go into 2013/14 with a better understanding of our core business and the tools to create further change. Coming years will continue to see us consolidate our financial position and continually evolve our systems and processes to ensure we develop sustainable and financially sound businesses, led by capable staff and guided strategically by the Board.

- Tamara AllanCorporate Services Manager

After presenting a loss of $228,068 in the 2011/12 financial year, it is with much pleasure that YMCA Geelong announces the audited financial results of 2012/13. Following a detailed and thorough review and the instigation of numerous changes across all operations, the resulting an operating deficit of $14,610 a modest surplus was reached after income adjustments for Asset Revaluation Reserve resulting in a $13,428.00 surplus. The ability to deliver a turnaround of $241,496 is indicative of the thorough analysis of each part of YMCA Geelong’s operations and the commitment of the Board and staff to make the necessary but sometimes difficult decisions to ensure we remain a viable and sustainable business and asset for the community for many years to come.

Most notably during 2012/13, turnover across all venues has increased by $61,161 (2%) and despite this increased turnover, expenses have not only been contained but further reduced by $152,297 (5%) in comparison with the previous period. As indicated by the enclosed financial reports, most venues have produced a pre-depreciation ‘cash’ surplus and we continue to make improvements to sharpen this further. The review resulted in the decision to cease operations at YMCA Lodge and Winchelsea, to better concentrate our resources on our operations with less risk and exposure, and the ability to produce improved margins. Camp Wyuna continues to achieve performance forecasts and add to the bottom line, justifying the $2.5 million investment to redevelop the facilities five years ago. As the ‘cash cow’ for YMCA Geelong, its continued success will be reliant on maintaining, upgrading and expanding facilities to ensure we can continue to meet the growing demands of camp users.

The financial position of YMCA Geelong remains strong with net assets of $2,843,384. As a YMCA with much of our capital invested in fixed assets, this affords us some peace of mind of our permanence and long term stability but also presents some challenges. With current assets of $211,581 forming only 5.5% of total assets, balancing and maintaining adequate liquidity is an ongoing focus and area for further attention. Throughout 2012/13 our working capital ratio has improved from a challenging 0.23 to 0.37. Whilst any improvement is a welcome change, cash flow still requires

Finance Report

“The significant financial turnaround is indicative of the commitment of the YMCA Geelong board and staff”- Tamara AllenCorporate Services Manager


PHOTO OF Newtown Gymnastics

Gymnastics Report:

Rhian Jamieson- Newtown Centre Manager

Kerri MacDonald- North Geelong Centre Co-ordinator

General overview:

Newtown and North Geelong Stadiums have enjoyed a successful year of consistently steady enrolment figures exceeding 1000 gymnasts at any one time and a further 100 participants in Newtown’s stadium sports. Gymnastics remains our primary business and contributes to 80% of income at Newtown, with the remainder made up of YMCA run stadium sports programs and venue hire, and 100% at our North Geelong venue.

A number of changes have been implemented over the last two years following a review of the gymnastics program to improve financial performance and operational efficiency. The most notable being: the review of fees charged for our gymnastics programs and subsequent increase, the centralising of enrolments to one venue and the move to eradicate both payment plans (that are not direct debit) and deposits to avoid unrecovered and outstanding debts. As a result Newtown and North Geelong combined have experienced a significantly better financial result for the 2012 – 2103 year than previously. There is still work to be done improving the operational

efficiency of our processes within our gymnastics team. The challenge we face is balancing operational requirements and financial performance with the need for strategic growth and improvements.

General gymnastics: The LaunchPad initiative

Introduced by Gymnastics Australia, Launchpad aims to boost the participation of children between the ages of 0 and 12 years in recreational gymnastics and educate the community and schools about the benefit of fundamental movement to a child’s learning and academic potential as well as to the physical, social and emotional development.

Program coordinators have worked hard to review Geelong YMCA programs to incorporate these ideas in all the recreational, preschool and school programs and all are now Launchpad certified. Launchpad demonstrates our commitment to children having access to great sporting programs that recognise individuality and offer opportunities for children to grow in mind, body and spirit.

School Gymnastics:

Our school gymnastics program caters to the needs, time frame and availability of specific schools. The winter months consistently experience high demand from schools at both venues. This year has been no exception with schools throughout the Geelong region utilising our school gymnastics program extensively, resulting in higher income than anticipated. The requirement for staffing remains a constant challenge for the school program due to the inconsistent and variable demand throughout the year and the majority of our staff team being casual with limited availability to be able to assist during daytime.


Gymnastics Programs

Inclusion

During 2013 Geelong YMCA were invited by Gymnastics Victoria to become a “Leader Club” in Inclusion. A working group of staff has been formed to progress inclusion at our venues, at this point focusing specifically on the disability component, working towards meeting guidelines and developing partnerships with organisations such as Leisure Networks. With the introduction of the National Disability Insurance Scheme, there are many opportunities for Geelong YMCA to provide disability services within its programs. We continue to strive for Geelong YMCA to be recognised as a provider for all in our community by further developing our All Abilities classes and delivering inclusion training to our staff.

Pre-school programs

Geelong YMCA preschool programs remain consistently successful with the preschool program team proactive in attending community events, creating community awareness of YMCA programs and dynamic in seeking out new ideas and opportunities.

Specific highlights within the year have included:

• Children’s week 2012: The Preschool Program Team was successful in obtaining a Children’s Week Grant to provide 6 extra free classes of EdGym and Little EdGym classes to specific organisations in the community servicing marginalised families.

• National Playgroup Week Launch: The Preschool Programs Team attended and participated in the National Playgroup week Launch in March 2013 at the SteamPacket Gardens by providing a mini gymnastics circuit and supplying potential new clients with promotional materials.

Enrolment numbers within preschool gymnastics programs have been positive with word of mouth feedback encouraging new and repeat clientele. Preschool programs currently comprise approximately 20% of our client base.

Maintenance

The expense of maintaining an aging Newtown venue remain a constant challenge that needs to be carefully managed, balanced against providing a safe and comfortable environment for our staff and clients. This year we have made significant repairs to the roof in addition to general maintenance. In coming months we will see the addition of LED lighting (kindly donated by the Y Service Club) and work beginning on the car park redevelopment. Extreme weather conditions continue to pose health and safety concerns in both venues. The lack of climate control on hot days, within the Newtown courts area specifically and at times the gym, has resulted in loss of income 2 to 3 times annually. Extremely cold and wet days at Newtown result in water on the hard surface of the courts creating a serious slipping hazard. The North Geelong venue struggles to retain enrolment numbers in their preschool programs during colder winter months when the lack of climate control in their recreation room is considered unpleasant for some clients.


Competitive Gymnastics

The competitive program is integral to Geelong YMCA to cater for those capable and interested in further developing their gymnastics potential and providing inspiration for those new to the sport. The competitive program also allows us an avenue to recruit and train junior coaches with many of the older gymnasts wishing to pursue a career in coaching.

Geelong YMCA is experiencing great success within the Victorian competitive community and subsequently greater recognition for Geelong YMCA gymnastics as a result. Exceptional mention goes to three gymnasts: Emily Ramsay, Elly Bayes and Emma Lundin and two coaches: Rachel Crawford and Brenda Kent, who were all successful in earning positions in teams representing Victoria in inter-state and National competition. This has brought positive media attention to Geelong YMCA, raising the profile of both gymnastics and Geelong YMCA within the region. Our results over the past year include;

Victorian Championships 2012 - Women’s Gymnastics (National 4 & 5 and State 4 – 10):

• Elly Bayes (National 5) –Gold overall and on all apparatus, bronze team medal• Maddy Bell (National 4) – Bronze overall and 2nd place beam• Lily Dawson (State 4) – 2nd place on Vault

Women’s Gymnastics National Clubs 2012:

• National 5 team: Bronze medallists

Victorian Championships 2013 - Women’s (National 6 - 10):

• Emily Ramsay (National 9) – Silver medallist overall, at Victorian Championships, Gold medallist overall at National Championships• Elly Bayes (National 6) – Gold medallist overall at Victorian Championships, Gold medallist overall at Tasmanian Trans-bass challenge • National 6 team – Gold medallists

Men’s Gymnastics Victorian Championships 2013:

• MG level 2s Under: Ethan Bauzon - Silver overall and apparatus placings on all apparatus • MG level 3s Under: Owen Costin – Gold overall and placings on all apparatus, Mason Cahoon – Gold overall and on all apparatus• MG level 3 & 5 Open: Apparatus placings for Clancy Hehir (Pommel) and Devon Wells (Vault) in their respective divisions.

Women’s Gymnastics State Pennant level 1- 3:

• Level 2: Bronze team medalists • Level 3: Silver team medalists

We were again approved by Gymnastics Victoria to host a number of events this year.

These are a great opportunity to showcase Geelong YMCA gymnastics and its facilities. Driven by the Gymnastics Coordinator, the hosting of such events gives Geelong YMCA an opportunity to engage in fundraising. The assistance of volunteers from the Geelong YMCA competitive families ensure these events run smoothly and at minimal cost to the YMCA and as a result we have raised over $8K throughout the year. This fundraising is essential to purchasing large equipment which, without this addition, we would be unable to replace at the required rate. Participants from the cheerleading and trampolining programs have also further pursued their sports competing around Victoria. These programs are less popular within our client base than our traditional gymnastics classes but provide some diversity and variety for clients.


Geelong YMCA gymnastics department has worked to improve process, operational efficiency and financial performance of its programs this year. The emphasis on getting the business model right is a work in progress and obviously an ongoing concern for the security of the Geelong YMCA future and the 70 plus people it employs across both venues.

Newtown and North Geelong Venues are effective in providing recreation services to over 1100 clients within its programs contributing significantly in the nationwide effort to increase participation in physical activity and improvements to health as a result. Whilst gymnastics is the primary area of participation, Stadium Programs also provide further options for children to participate in sport and recreation activities. We welcomed a new Basketball Coordinator, Gavin Williamson this year and are pleased to see the renewed focus on grassroots basketball. Newtown stadium is also home for a number of sporting groups and organisations also dedicated to developing participation in sport and physical activities such as netball, general fitness, Tae-Kwon Do, pilates, dancing and karate. In addition to hire income, these local providers bring diverse options

YMCA contribution and where to from here:

to our clients and increase visitation and visibility of our centre and programs.

Resourcing all that needs to be achieved operationally, whilst growing our business, is an ongoing challenge. We need to further develop our presence on the internet to attract new clients and communicate more effectively with existing clients.

Thanks to all coordinators and staff who have worked hard throughout the year to enable Geelong YMCA to exist for future years to come and help cement our place as the primary provider of gymnastics programs within the region.

- Rhian JamiesonNewtown Centre Manager


Camp Wyuna andYMCA Lodge, Queenscliff- Report

Andrew KiddCamp Manager

YMCA Camp Wyuna

What a journey it has been for the Geelong YMCA from the days of the Vikings, through the 70’s and 80’s with the strong presence and efforts of the Y’s Mens club to keep this beautiful camp alive and well.

We credit the board of the YMCA Geelong in 2004/2005 for keeping the camp in the Y family and we are now in a stronger than ever position both financially, operationally and camper numbers.

During the 2012/2013 financial year we had our ups and downs. As indicated we had a period of poor staff retention with our catering coordinator of 4 years resigning and then seeing 2 new catering coordinators last a matter of weeks each. This was also the case with the new program team having staff leave during the summer period. This resulted in a lot of pressure on the current camp staff.

With permanent staff low we carried through many casual staff in term 1 with the threat of schools cancelling due to the industrial dispute with the state government. This threat did come to fruition. During April and May of term 2 this year we had 500 school children

cancel from 5 different schools. With a loss of an estimated $98,000 in income for the YMCA, this was a huge impost on ourcamp, our staff, our local suppliers and our local community. Fortunately the camp during the month of May performed with efficiency and frugality to offset the loss for that month.

A very big thank you to the Camp Wyuna staff who accepted with grace the lack of employment for casuals, permanent staff taking leave and also all permanent staff standing down and graciously taking leave without pay. Thank you.

In light of the many challenges that have faced the camp over the 2012/2013 financial year a huge positive is the returning business that tells us we are going in the right direction with programming and the catering delivery for campers.

We look into 2014 and 2015 with very strong bookings and an excellent outlook for the continued growth of YMCA Camp Wyuna.

“60 years on YMCA Camp Wyuna still amazes the campers that come through the gates”- Andrew KiddCamp Manager


YMCA Camp Wyuna

The Queenscliff business arm of the Geelong YMCA for 2012/2013 had an excellent year considering the pluses and minus’ of our camp operations.

Noticeable Pluses: Noticeable minus’:

• Excellent numbers of campers • Staff retention• Improved Camp Facilities • School Cancellations• An excellent safety record • Loss of the Y Lodge• Continued Customer Satisfaction• Better efficiency

Overall projections

YMCA Lodge Queenscliff

In April 2012 the Y Lodge Queenscliff ceased operation. Following a National Y review, it was not seen as positive both financially and from a staff resourcing perspective.

Despite efforts by staff to increase the profitability of operations, the lease was not renewed. Subsequently the Y Lodge sits vacant to this date.

Whilst the lodge was a great assistance to us at camp it was a lot of work with the current staffing structure and Camp Wyuna’s financial position.

- Andrew Kidd Camp Manager

Campers Bednights

Camp Wyuna continues to strengthen both in camp numbers and its ability to provide a good surplus for YMCA Geelong. The Camp itself is continuing to improve its appearance, the provision of excellent programs and the operations of the camps daily life.

Campers Bednights

Church - 192

Community - 4269

Corporate - 543

Family - 1120

Primary School - 5617

SecondarySchool - 3592

Sport & Rec - 763

Tertiary - 622


YMCA Bannockburn

Participation numbers at Bannockburn have grown along with programs and new user groups coming on board. Overall, participation across the centre for the financial year has been 21,425 visits.

We are currently providing opportunities for the community to access a variety of netball and basketball competitions for children and adults, as well as sporting skill programs and a variety of alternative programs provided by other community based groups. Our centre was unfortunately affected by a spate of break-ins around the local area. As a result, we have stepped up our security measures and will continue to monitor this.

We are actively planning new programs, particularly Gymnastics to increase our offering to Bannockburn and surrounding areas.

Term Based Programs

Rookie Sports has become a big hit within the community. Numbers continue to grow and we continually retain our numbers until

they progress onto primary school. Term one we struggled with numbers, as we lost our core group from the year before. This will likely be an ongoing challenge, however with some planning we hope to manage this and lessen the impact.

Netball

Throughout 2012/2013 netball has continually grown via new and old teams returning. Our Netta competition continues to provide new teams for our junior competitions, along with teenagers graduating into our senior competitions. We have also introduced Net Set Go; this program is designed as a skill clinic and will provide a path for players to progress into our Netta competition and beyond.

Basketball

2012/2013 has been a year of growth for the Golden Plains Basketball Club under management of the YMCA. This past year, all competitions have grown in teams and the quality of basketball continues to grow. This is evident by the YMCA introducing 2 new competitions.

YMCA Bannockburn- Report

Brad NeurathCentre Co-ordinator

“Overall 21,425 participants have visited the centre throughout the year”- Brad NeurathBannockburn centre co-ordinator


ranks. Along with the possibility of introducing a Representative team into the Geelong Basketball Association.

The future

Bannockburn YMCA in 2013-14 looks forward to the following items:

• Gymnastics becoming sustainable and allowing us to offer more programs such as gymsafe 1-4

• The introduction of holiday programs

• The possibility of multi sports expanding out to Bannockburn (currently advertising for enrolments)

• Indoor soccer clinics and competitions

I would like to give a huge thank you to the staff who have worked at YMCA Bannockburn each week. Each YMCA team member helps to make Bannockburn Recreation Centre a welcoming facility for Bannockburn and the surrounding Community.

- Brad NeurathCentre Co-ordinator

Bannockburn

Basketball continued...

These are a Men’s’ Competition and an All Girls competition. Both competitions have 4-5 teams in each and are continuing to grow as people become aware of it.

The YMCA in the past year has successfully introduced a new payment system for our junior competitions on Friday night. This is a ticket system where the patrons purchase a $7 ticket from reception to allow them to participate in their game. This has taken the hassle out of coaches rounding up money from parents to cover the game fee. Although this takes up more man hours, we take home an increased profit margin on Friday nights. We are currently looking to introduce this across all basketball teams.

On another note, we have introduced a training program for junior and senior basketballers on a Wednesday night. This continues to grow especially with the new teams coming into the competitions.

Looking to the future of the basketball club, we look to introduce an under 18s competition to allow our older players to have a pathway into senior


YMCA CommunityPrograms Report

Kimberley MaherCommunity Programs Coordinator

Community Programs

Over the past 12 months our Community Programs have seen some variations to that of the previous year. The Healthy Parks program has shifted to work directly with Camp Wyuna, and Vacation Care Programs suffered early on due to operational changes aimed at improving the collection of fees.

This initially saw a decline in attendances but program policies and procedures have since been thoroughly communicated to families and program numbers are increasing each school holidays. The Teenage My Ability program began receiving valuable feedback and an increasing amount of interest. Our Fundraising Committee put together a succession plan for fundraising events to assist in program development as well as OpenDoors funding for the Geelong YMCA.

Aquatic Education

In addition, Aquatic Education programs haven’t seen the success that was anticipated due a number of factors, including; swimming lessons being scheduled outside of school hours, therefore students

motivation to participate was lacking; female students unable and unwilling to participate at the same time as the males (for cultural and personal reasons), and inability to participate in overnight camps. That said, there was an overwhelming interest in Aquatic Education from MacKillop Family Services clients who are also considered New Australia Residents. Program participants from MacKillop were enthusiastic and present for each week of swimming lessons and enjoyed a camp at the conclusion of their lessons for an Open Water Learning Experience which feedback indicated they all thoroughly enjoyed. This year will see Aquatic Education continue on a smaller scale again, due to the lack of interest and inability to schedule appropriate times from participating schools. It is hoped that YMCA can encourage schools to include lessons as part of the curriculum for their New Australian Residents and schedule lessons during school times for maximum participation. Currently there are New Australian Residents from Northern Bay Colleges engaging in swimming lessons at Norlane

Waterworld for whom Geelong YMCA is providing support for lessons as well as for appropriate swimming attire.

Fundraising Committee

The Fundraising Committee have been busy collaborating and developing a number of ideas throughout the year. This past year the committee achieved a Trivia Night, Christmas Hamper, Annual Giving Letter, a Gymnastics Sponsorship, Bunning’s Warehouse BBQ and the viewing of Gymnastics movie ‘A Second Chance’. The committee continue to develop further ideas for the next financial year and hope to see even more success in the coming months.


Vacation Care programs

As previously mentioned, Vacation Care Programs saw an initial decrease in numbers. It has taken some time, however, families have come to accept new payment methods and numbers have begun to significantly increase. Families suffering from financial hardship were and are encouraged to contact the Community Programs Coordinator or CEO to discuss possible payment plans.

By comparison, 2012 had a slightly higher attendance rate with approximately 159 visits more than that of 2013.For the calendar year of 2012 the Vacation Care program saw a total of 3,432 visits over the course of 11 weeks. In 2013 there will be a total of 3,273 visits over the course of 10 weeks. However, the September/October program in 2012 had a total of 563 visits. For the upcoming September/October program in 2013 there are an anticipated number of 908 visits – significantly more than that of the previous year.

Teenage My Ability program

The Teenage My Ability Program has received a great amount of positive feedback with an increasing amount of participants utilizing access and benefiting from the activities provided. The program has introduced a wider variety of resources and offered training to staff to help build on the quality of the program provided. In conjunction with regular feedback from the families this has assisted in continuing to develop this program to suit the needs of each individual child currently attending, as well as those who may attend in future.

Challenges of the program still remain the ability to find suitably qualified staff and retain them due to the casual nature of positions. This is an ongoing issue which can hopefully be amended if on the opportunity arises for Geelong YMCA to take on other children’s services such as Outside School Hours Care programs, or Vacation Care programs at other sites around the Geelong area. As our programs continue to grow so, too, do the staff who are dedicated to working on them. When we receive feedback about our programs we also receive feedback about our staff.

Vacation Care

Dear Kimberley

As always your program was highly appreciated. The boys love Jamie and since they have no male role model in their life at the moment you can’t understand how important it is for them to be able to bond so well with him during this program.

He seems to be very gentle and lots of fun and they can’t stop talking about him at home. I highly recommended your program to a couple of people and they were blown away by the activities and excursions you are doing.

Please keep up the amazing job you are doing and see you next holidays.

CheersS*

Below is a testimonial written by a parent from our recent Vacation Care program in relation to the Coordinator working on the program with their children:


Treehouse AspyreProgram Report

Sharon DemopolisTreehouse founder and parent

ASPYRE

Aspyre is a social group for Teens attending mainstream secondary school who have an Autism Spectrum Disorder. YMCA Geelong have been proud supporters of this program since its inception 5 years ago.

This volunteer program is run by YMCA staff member Sharon Demopoulos and her husband John. Aspyre has become a great success over the years bringing teens and their families together and providing much needed support and friendship. However once these teens turned 18 and started leaving school it was clear they had nowhere to go to continue with their social needs so Young Adults was created, a social group for those ages 18-25. Aspyre teens transition into Young Adults during their last year at secondary school. After the success of Aspyre and Young Adults, there was a need to cater for many other Geelong ASD families so other new social groups have been created such as Clubhouse and Pink Musketeers, for Primary school aged children, Lego Club, Chess Club, Aspiwoman, a group for adult woman with Aspergers and a Dads monthly support group.

Many other fun days and events are put on throughout the year. All these groups have been brought together under the umbrella name ‘The Treehouse Geelong’, this group is auspiced by Geelong YMCA making it possible to succeed as a well known and respected support service receiving constant referrals from Geelong’s own disability support services, doctors, youth workers and others in the field. The Treehouse is also included in the City of Greater Geelong’s International Day of people with Disability and Poppykettle Days.

The Treehouse was very fortunate to have been provided with free office space by the Bendigo Bank Ryrie street which is used for weekly open house support and playgroups and as a base for the social groups. The Treehouse is extremely appreciative of the support of the YMCA and all the men and woman of the service clubs over the years.

- Sharon DemopoulosTreehouse founder

“What an amazing Support Service The Treehouse is. The first place in 18yrs for us that supports not only young kids with ASD but teenagers AND parents! I only wish we had a place like this when our son was diagnosed, but I am very happy that families in Geelong have one now!”

- One appreciative mum


YMCA Judo Club Report

Paul BenstedSecretary

YMCA Judo Club

We are still having good number of kids training on Friday night and numbers on Wednesday night are a bit up and down. We are active with the after school program. This year we had 5 competitors compete at the National Championships, bringing home one gold and two bronze medals. We are hoping to get 2 of our senior junior members graded to black belt this year. Our biggest success has been Jake who has

spent a lot of time overseas training and competing with the best in the world. He will compete in the world juniors later this year and still hopes to make the Commonwealth games next year.

- Paul BenstedYMCA Judo Secretary


YMCA Basketball Club- President’s Report

Craig HerbertPresident – YMCA Basketball Club

YMCA Basketball Club

As is always the case with most committees such as ours, we unfortunately lost a couple of very hardworking committee personnel during the year, but were very lucky to pick up a number of new members. Particularly pleasing was the fact that the new members have involvements in our junior teams which have been a little bit lacking in the past and therefore gives us greater focus and communication at the lower age levels within the club.

We sincerely thank Kasia Quail and Dy Tattersal for their work on the committee over many years, and were very pleased to welcome Jodie Reid, Ash McDonald and Sam Buckby onto the committee for 2013, all of whom immediately took up very prominent positions in our junior programs as age level coordinators.

The 2013 Committee was as follows: Craig Herbert (President), Craig Barnes (Treasurer), Ann Van Parreren, Adam Lamont. Jodie Reid, Sam Buckby and Ash McDonald

This is without doubt one of the strongest committees I have been involved with since my time as President and the influx of new committee personnel will prove to be very beneficial for our overall basketball program.

This is my 8th year as President of the club, and again Adam Lamont fills the role of Vice President. Ann van Parreren after countless years as our junior girls’ coordinator has taken a well earned step back from that role which is now being filled by Sam Buckby. Ash McDonald has taken on the role of junior boy’s coordinator which is an ongoing challenge given the increase in teams and participation rates being seen in basketball particularly in the boys area.

Jodie Reid takes on the role of uniform coordinator, as well as assisting in the Under 10 program and Ash McDonald along with his role as a junior coordinator has also taken over the club newsletter which has gone from strength to strength.

“Without doubt one of the strongest committees I have been involved with...”

- Craig HerbertYMCA Basketball Club President


Financial overview

Costs in running the club continue to grow, but the club has remained in a very sound financial position due to some fantastic support that the club receives from a number of areas, including generous sponsorship arrangments and support from the Y3P foundation.

Collection of membership fees continues to be the major source of revenue for the club and in the current very tight financial climate it is an area that requires continued effort and time. This year the club took up a merchant banking facility through the Bendigo bank allowing families to pay memberships via eftpos and credit facilities which has been of significant benefit to the club and our families particularly in terms of collection rates. As always there is a certain percentage of fees that continue to remain outstanding and require chasing up, but as we don’t like to prevent any kids from playing the sport the club takes a conservative approach in most instances, and gives families a number of options to pay.

Operational costs continue to increase with participation costs at Geelong basketball increasing as well as costs associated with running the club.

We again were very fortunate to have the extremely generous support of Roderick Insurance Brokers who again contributed significantly to the financial running of the club as well as tremendous support in all club functions and activities. Keith and Louise Roderick are more than sponsors of the club and in fact Keith was involved in a number of social and fundraising events during the past 13 months and is a previous multiple winner of the basketballer of the year award.

The club is acutely aware of the financial burdens on all its families and the imposts through schools and other organisations for ongoing fundraising, so the basketball club has maintained its position of not asking families to fundraise to support the club, which is something that has been in place for a number of years. Feedback we have received from families is that they are very pleased and appreciative of the approach of the club.

Again the club had fantastic support of the Y3P foundation which is a group of past and present members of the club who make a financial contribution to the club each year. Traditionally this support has covered the entire cost of the junior presentation day which is a fantastic financial support to the club. Thanks again to Keith Roderick for all his work with the Y3P.

Whilst not purposely setting up the function as a fundraising event, the club again ran another successful night at the greyhounds. It is an event we ran for the first time in 2012 and again another successful event was run in August this year. Whilst the end result may result in a financial assistance to the club, the purpose of the night is a social get together. This year saw about 80 past and present people involved with the club turn up on a cold August night for what turned out to be a very enjoyable night and something we hope to have on the social calendar for years to come.


YMCA Basketball

Basketball Operations

Basketball in Geelong continues to go thorough significant growth and this year the YMCA Basketball club has entered 30 teams in the 2013/2014 summer basketball season, with a 7% increase in participation levels. Obviously whilst growth like this is fantastic for the club and the support of basketball it has meant additional challenges with additional coaches and managers required not only for the new teams coming on board but also to replace the inevitable turnover of coaches who move out of the program. In the summer season for 2013/2014, the YMCA will have 10 new coaches involved at both junior and senior level, which is great for the club.

Again our club continues to follow the trends in basketball in general with most of the growth being in the boys programs, however this year for the first time for many years the club has entered two teams in the Division 1 women’s competition which is fantastic for the development of our young female players. If anything our club has managed to go against the trend in keeping girls in the older or upper age groups with this season fielding 6 female teams in the Under 20 age group and above, which is a fantastic achievement. In the boys program the growth has been in the younger age groups with 10 boy’s teams at Under 14 and below. Our top age boys program continues to struggle a little bit at the moment but with growth in the lower age groups we are hopeful this will turn around in coming years.

On a regional level, the amalgamation of the 2 main basketball bodies in Geelong, being Geelong Basketball and the Geelong Supercats has continue with some major challenges, particularly with turnover of staff, and some financial pressures adding to the challenges ahead. Naturally these issues can have an impact on the competition, but it appears that some changes that have been bought in will provide some stability thought the next 12 months and beyond.

Junior Presentation & Junior Basketballer of the Year

Our junior presentation day was again held in September and again a very good turnout witnessed the presentation of medallions to all junior players to Under 14 level as well as MVP and Coaches Awards to the older junior age groups. This year we had Trish Fallon attend the junior presentation day to not only present the medallions and trophies, but also speak to the junior players and parents about her time at the YMCA and the path she travelled through to captaining the Australian women’s basketball team at the Olympics.

The afternoon culminated in the awarding of the junior Basketballer of the year, this year won by a very

deserving Emma Wilkinson, who has played with the YMCA since Under 12’s, playing representative basketball every year since Under 12, and participating in numerous country cup events, NITP programs and Vic country representative teams.

As with previous recipients of the Junior Basketballer of the Year award Emma has shown great leadership in all the teams she has participated in, and no doubt she will have a long and distinguished career with the YMCA.


YMCA Basketball

Senior Presentation Day and Basketballer of the Year

A little bit late this year due to clashes with other events, the senior presentation were held in October with presentations to all senior teams. Lewis Varley won the Ken Price medal for the Division 1 MVP, and Kathy Mallon the Division 1 Women’s winner for 2013, both very well deserving winners.

The senior presentation also saw the awarding of the basketballer of the Year for 2013 which went to the most deserving of people in Anne van Parreren. Anne, has been a tireless worker for the club over many years. Unfortunately Anne was not at the presentation due to a well earned holiday overseas but her son Kris, a member of the Division 1 men’s program accepted the award on her behalf.

Special Events from the Year

As mentioned earlier the club held a very successful social event at Beckley Park in conjunction with the Geelong Greyhound club, and a special thanks to Adam Lamont for all his fantastic work in getting that organsied and such a successful night.

During the year there was also another reunion of the YMCA Division 1 men’s teams that we so successful in the 1990’s and early 2000’s a great opportunity to catch up and relive some of the great memories.

In late 2012 the club ran a 50th anniversary dinner at the Geelong Arena for the presentation of the Basket-baller of the Year. Almost 100 people attended the night which incldued 19 or the living 25 recipients of the award, all of who were recognised and presented with a celebratory gift on the night. Special thanks to Ron Dawson and Keith Roderick for all their fantastic work in putting the night together.

The Year AheadA primary focus for the club in the next 12 months will be in the area of coach development. As mentioned previously with a number of new coaches coming into the program each year, a number of which are parents with little or no structured basketball experience, it is important that we try to give them as much assistance as possible. Our issues are no different to most of the other clubs, which is something recognised by Bas-ketball Geelong in the appointment of Bruce Hultgren to the position of pathways and development officer for Geelong Basketball, which will hopefully give clubs such as ours more support in the future.

- Craig HerbertPresident – YMCA Basketball Club


Y Service Club & Geelong Ladies Service Club- President’s Report

Jaryd DeBeer & Glenda Odwyer

Y Service Club

First of all I would like to thank all our members for a challenging year. With no bbq’s anymore our main fundraising is our Carols By Candlelight which we continue to do a superb job led by Noel Hooper. I would also like to thank our YMCA Board and staff for a job well done, and look forward to working more closely with you this coming year. We have committed to contribute funds to the YMCA for the car park/ drive through, which we look forward to completing this coming year.

In the new 2013/14 financial year, we will also assist financially with the changeover of the gymnasium lights to new L.E.D ones, which will make a massive difference in the power bills. We extend a special thank you to Noel Junk for the installation. It would be amiss of me not to give a massive thanks to my hard working team, Allan Knott, Phill Bainbridge, Theo DeBeer, and Alvys and John England, it was a pleasure working with you, and I look forward to working with my new team.

To Rod Dinse, and Theo DeBeer thanks for a very entertaining year with programs. To the Y’s Menettes thanks very much for your

assistance throughout the year, you are always there when needed. To Noel and his Carols by Candlelight committee, thanks again for a great night and we can’t wait for this coming Christmas. To the City of Greater Geelong, thanks again for your encouragement and financial support, it is greatly appreciated.

On a sad note this year has not been without hospital visits, tests, operations and check ups for some of us, so I’m very happy to see those in question are on the mend and wish all of them well.

Valued member David Kovacic, last year contracted meningitis which left him completely blind and with virtually no hearing. Now, with a lot of hard work David has been given a cochlear implant which is working well with about 90% hearing in one ear. David is able to read and write braille and is also able to read and write SMS messages thanks to a very clever device. Our members assist with transport for David’s appointments to Vision Australia. Throughout this really tough time for David andClaire, David has not lost his positive attitude or his sense of humour and is an inspiration to

us all. We also acknowledge the education scholarship for David and Claire’s son, provided by South Pacific Area. We will continue to offer our support and best wishes to David and Claire in the future.

Jaryd DeBeerPresident, Y Service Club

Pictured above: Geelong Y Service Club President Jaryd DeBeer holding one of the old stadium lamps and electrician Noel Junk holding one of the new LED lamps recently installed in the Newtown Gymnastics Centre at a cost of almost $12,000 donated by the Y Service Club.

“I would also like to thank our YMCA Board and staff for a job well done, and look forward to working more closely with you this coming year.”

- Jaryd DebeerPresident, Y Service Club


Geelong Ladies Service Club

It is time to do a report for the year which has gone so fast. We had a reasonable year and welcomed some Ballarat Girls to our club. We hosted the Regional AGM in July at the YMCA, participated in the YMCA Geelong Fundraising BBQ at Bunnings and also attended several Trivia nights. Some members attended Y Service Club Movie Night Fundraiser on two occasions at St Mary’s Hall.

Our Outings this year included;

• The Shrine of Remembrance, Melbourne

• Geelong Botanical Gardens for lunch and a wander

• High Tea at “Sail’s” on Lake Wendouree (Ballarat) with our Ballarat members

• Movies at Readings Cinema, Waurn Ponds

• Floral Art demonstration by Barry Culcutt held at

the YMCA

Our club did the co-ordinating and roster turns for Glaucoma Australia at the Geelong Combined Charities Card Shop for which we received 8% of their total sales.Thanks to Nancy for organising this.

Geelong Ladies Service Club

We also participated for our own YMCA in the Geelong Card Shop. Once again thanks to Nancy for her work and choosing and doing rosters for this. We organised the Biggest Morning/Afternoon Tea for the Cancer Council at YMCA Newtown and raised $211.75. Thanks to CEO Colin and the staff for their co-operation and assistance. Donations

• All Abilities Netballer- Lisa Hampson $100

• YMCA Camp Program - $200 On a sad note Regional Director Rachel Cooke passed away during the year. Thank your fellow members for your support during the year. - Glenda O’DwyerPresident, Geelong Ladies Service Club

YMCA GEELONG INC.

25 Riversdale Rd, Newtown, VIC 3220Phone: 03 5223 2714

Email: [email protected]

110 Victoria Street, (Level 1 Baxter Road Entrance) North Geelong, 3215Phone: 03 5277 9364

www.geelong.ymca.org.au

Mission

YMCA Geelong works from a base of Christian values, to provide opportunities for the whole community to grow in body, mind and spirit.

Documents

YMCA Geelong Inc Ge… · The Vacation Care program continues to offer a high quality program with much positive feedback from . families utilising the service. This program has also