The YMCA is proud to celebrate 159 years of serving over 600 communities nationally and promoting happier, healthier lives during Y Week from 4-10 June.

Celebrating YMCA Founders’ Day today, the day marks the date the YMCA was established in London.

Founders Day is an opportunity to recognise the work of the Y in Australia and the impact it continues to have on Australian families and communities.

This year Founders Day also celebrates 168 years of the YMCA serving communities globally.

“The YMCA is an organisation dedicated to every member in the communities we serve in healthy living, developing young people, and families as well as assisting those less fortunate,” Phillip Hare, CEO, YMCA of Sydney said.

“We see Y Week as an important opportunity for program participants and members, as well as the broader local communities in which we operate, to connect with the history and good work of the Y while feeling positive about supporting us through their patronage,” he said.

For more information about the programs services and community engagement opportunities the YMCA offers please visit www.ymca.org.au or via this link

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Please find below a selection of rare archived historical photos depicting the YMCA throughout history including during Wartime.