In the past year YMCA WA has delivered over 220 services, with almost 3 million participations, in over 50 communities across Western Australia to create impact and inspire positive change. This has been made possible by the 614 incredible, dedicated staff who provide opportunities for young people of today, and yesterday, to grow in body, mind and spirit.
On Friday 25 October, we hosted our annual YMCA WA Staff Awards on the picturesque banks of the Swan River at South of Perth Yacht Club, where staff from across the state celebrated their efforts made as an organisation, and what makes YMCA a great place to work.
This year’s ceremony saw staff come along for a night of dancing and socialising with MC Colin Ebsworth. We were very fortunate to have Shaun Nannup join us for an awe-inspiring Welcome to Country, with the whole room welcomed, connected and at one with the land.
Shaun Mauger, Executive Manager – Service Delivery, opened the night, congratulating the winners, finalists and most importantly every staff member for all that they do at the Y.
“There is such significant value in what we are creating. Across all of our services, we are stirring change and working towards our belief statement, believing in the power of inspired young people.” Shane remarked.
Now for what you’ve been waiting for…. Queue the drum roll. The winners are…
Leadership Excellence Award
The title of Leadership Excellence Award marks a great significance as it recognises the work of a YMCA WA staff member who demonstrated outstanding leadership qualities through a commitment to excellence and innovation in their approach to work.
This year Melinda Perry, HR Manager, was presented the honour of this award.
Melinda models the YMCA WA values in everything she does, intrinsically understanding what it means to work for the Y. She is a solution focused manager who applies the principles of equity and diversity to everything she does. Melinda has developed a very positive team dynamic and cohesiveness within the people and culture team.
Melinda is not only a leader in her team, she is a leader amongst her peers.
In her heartfelt acceptance speech, Melinda reflected the values of a leader and her gratefulness to her team.
“As a leader it’s not being the smartest person in the room, nor does it have to be, but it’s about listening loudly to your team, understanding the ideas, the inspirations that they have and making those things a reality. Standing back and letting the team be the best group of individuals that they can be.”
“Being a leader is not easy, it’s hard, you make mistakes, you have to be vulnerable, you have to be courageous, but it’s incredibly rewarding, incredibly inspiring and I am so fortunate and privileged to walk my leadership journey in this organisation along with all of you.” Melinda remarked.
Above: Melinda Perry poses with her Leadership Excellence Award certificate
Star Award
Danny Ireland, YMCA Goldfields Centre Manager in Kalgoorlie, stood out for going above and beyond in the past year. However, he was gobsmacked to hear his name read out when he was awarded the Star Award, which recognising the work of a YMCA WA staff member who has demonstrated a commitment to Service, Teamwork, Approach and Reliability and who embodies the YMCA values.
Danny stepped into the Centre Manager role at YMCA Goldfields in late 2018 and has worked tirelessly to upskill himself and develop the skillset required to be a highly functional manager at YMCA WA.
He has engaged magnificently with his teams and brought them along the journey, promoting openness, transparency and collaboration which has resulted in such an improved team culture all committed to the centre’s sustainability and success.
The community is taking notice of the YMCA again in Kalgoorlie and this is attributed to the energy, enthusiasm and work undertaken by Danny.
Above: Danny Ireland, Star Award winner (middle), with Kalgoorlie Youth Workers (left and right)
Mission Program Excellence Award
The Mission Program Excellence Award recognises a centre, program or service which, over the past 12 months, has achieved evident success in community engagement and whose activities reflect YMCA WA mission in helping people grow in body, mind and spirit.
This year, YMCA recognised Youth Parliament, who in its 24th year, took the award.
YMCA Youth Parliament is a leadership project which gives young people a chance to stand up in Parliament and have their voices heard. The program aims to educate, empower and encourage young people to take an active role in their community by contributing the views of their electorate at a state level.
Youth Parliament is a fantastic opportunity for young people to comment on government policy and make recommendations to the government on the change young people want to see. The program also gives young people the chance to develop their personal skills and learn about the political process.
Going from strength to strength, the program is run by a volunteer taskforce of young people alongside YMCA staff. A well-deserved win!
Above: Youth Parliament Taskforce members posing with Mission Program Excellence Award certificate
Service Recognition
We also recognised, two decades of service from Lorraine Musgrave who has contributed to the community in many ways and has created a family here at the Y.
Working with a close-knit team at Morley Sport and Recreation Centre, Lorraine’s colleagues remarked, “Lorraine goes out of her way to help in any way she can and always does it with a smile on her face.”
Above: Lorraine Musgrave (left) awarded 20 years Service Recognition by Shane Mauger, Executive Manager - Service Delivery