TRAWLING through YMCA Ballarat’s history, volunteer Holly Carter says, at the core, little had changed since an instrumental meeting in 1878 to establish the community organisation in the region.
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In appealling to Ballarat’s Mayor Williams and the Reverend J McNeil, according to minutes from the public meeting, a YMCA Melbourne association spokesman described the YMCA as “the desire to do good in the hearts of men” and to draw out the talents of young men.
Ms Carter said this was still key to the YMCA’s programs across the Grampians, only now for both men and women.
“Programs and events might have changed, but the heart behind it has stayed the same – the desire to help people,” Ms Carter said. “Looking through the history, these values have always been there.”
YMCA Ballarat started with a volunteer committee of young people amid the Gold Rush era and there remains a strong focus on inspired young people in the community 140 years on.
Ms Carter has been piecing together an exhibition for a milestone birthday celebration at Ballaarat Mechanics Institute next week. The display will feature a retrospective and future look at the YMCA’s Ballarat journey.
And some things are still in fashion. Ms Carter uncovered photographs of classic 1980s rollerskating style, including leg warmers, in Ballarat. The YMCA still runs learn to skate programs in its Delacombe site.
The historic display also features documents from a national convention discussing health and activity in 1905, among medal and photo treasures.
People have already started sharing their fond memories from the way the ‘Y’ has inspired and impacted on their lives across time.
YMCA Ballarat works in 45 communities across western Victoria with a variety of programs and services to build healthier, happier and connected communities.
Past and present members, staff, volunteers and supporters are invited to share in the 140-year celebrations at the Mechanics Institute next Wednesday, June 27, from 3.45-5.30pm.
Reply by Thursday via ballarat.projects@ymca.org.au or phoning 43 336 400.
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