CEO Report

Report for the Y Ballarat

Over the past year, there have been many reasons to celebrate and to acknowledge the commitment and dedication of our Y employees. Their passion ensures that local communities continue to have access to high-quality education, safe environments, and meaningful opportunities for growth.

In July 2024, we were proud to implement the new Y Ballarat Staff Agreement. This long-awaited update provides important support and security for our employees and will guide us over the next three years.

We also began preparations for the first stage of the Best Start, Best Life Reform, with the rollout of 30 hours of funded kindergarten across our six Ararat services. With over 150 children enrolled, this initiative has already created new opportunities for both employment with Y Kinders and has supported our families with increased ability to seek employment within the community.

At the start of 2025, Dorrington Child and Family Hub joined the Y Kinders, adding to our growing portfolio of 93 kindergartens. This incredible City of Monash facility continues our valued partnership with local government and local communities.

With further opportunities ahead as we commence the Best Start, Best Life Reform, the Board and Leadership came together in March to review our progress, consider future needs to deliver on the reform and to shape our vision towards growth of our Y Kinder portfolio.

The ongoing VECTEA bargaining process remains a key focus of our Workforce Plan, as we work closely with our teachers and educators to ensure their voices are heard. With protected action now underway, impacting all sessional kindergarten providers, our priority is to remain connected and aligned as we navigate this together.

Our OSHC services are also evolving with our program delivery continuing to expand and adjust to engage the young people who attend, and to ensure we have safe and fun programs that establish trust and confidence from our school partners and families. We look forward to a big 2025/26 where we will be welcoming two new schools to our OSHC portfolio.

Our Y Learn and Swim site continues to grow and establish itself within the community. The swim school has grown steadily, expanding classes, introducing adult swim lessons, and welcoming its first school swimming bookings. Importantly, the site also celebrated its first year of funded kindergarten, providing continuity for children moving from long day care. A special note must go to the team in establishing our innovative “Penguin Paddlers” swimming program that sees children attending kinder undertake a swimming lesson as part of their kinder day – providing welcome relief and efficiency for busy parents.

Finally, to all Y employees – thank you. I enjoy every opportunity I have to express my gratitude to our teams throughout the year. I thank you for your commitment and drive to ensure that children and young people across our services are accessing the highest quality programs and opportunities to thrive.

I would also like to thank our Board of Directors for their steadfast leadership, and our Executive and Leadership teams for the passion and energy they bring each day. Together, we are advancing boldly towards Vision 2030, and I am excited for the journey ahead.