Our History

The Y Canberra had the good fortune to be born in 1941, during an era of gradually changing social attitudes and when Canberra was a young city in the early stages of developing its own particular style and personality.

At the time, Canberra’s population was barely over 10,000 and our capital more closely resembled a semi-rural town than the vibrant city we know it as today. So quite literally, Canberra and the Y have grown side-by-side since then.

The Y’s initial programs in Canberra were designed to introduce much-needed recreation and physical activities into the lives of the predominantly young male workforce who had relocated here to construct the new city. As the city became more diverse the Y adopted its programs while maintaining its commitment to ‘building strong people, strong families and strong communities’.

Few, if any YMCAs worldwide, have been integrally involved in building the social and leadership fabric of a planned and purpose-built national capital city. YMCA Canberra has that unique honour.

LEN GOODMAN AO