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About YMCA HQ - A World Class Youth Facility

YMCA HQ is a $3m+ multi-purpose youth facility which provides services and activities for young people in a safe environment. Our key areas of service delivery are skating, art, music and youth support  within an innovative youth development framework.

The facility had its formal opening on 23rd February 2002 as the result of more than five years work by the key partners – the Rotary Club of Heirisson, the Town of Vincent, LotteryWest and the Skateboarding Association of WA (SKAWA) and comprehensive consultation with over 600 young people regarding their  views, expectations and needs in relation to youth facilities.

The 1st of November 2004 marked the next stage of YMCA HQ evolution, when the Rotary Club of Heirisson, as members of the Headquarters Board, played a key role in the handover of the facility to the YMCA to enable YMCA HQ to grow and develop to its full potential.

Programs and Benefits

• provides innovative development programs for young people, including opportunities to: 
  • develop and showcase their art, dance, music, film-making and skating
  • organise events and performances including international-standard skateboarding competitions, exhibitions and concerts;
  • teach other young people e.g. skateboarders offering alternative sports programs for local schools;
• delivers a wide range of YMCA youth programs, services and advice relevant to the needs of young people;
• encourages a volunteer ethos in young people through involvement in community service activities at YMCA HQ and within the wider community; and
• creates a safe, drug and alcohol free, environment for a range of recreational and leisure activities, fostering a sense of ownership and belonging.

The outcomes are proving to be far-reaching as a result of developing the potential of young people and creating a positive image of youth. YMCA HQ is the first facility of its kind and provides a model for other facilities throughout Western Australia. It also provides an example of the way in which Rotary can work in partnership with others, leveraging the skills and networks of its members for significant community benefit.