MYRTHA POOLS
Founded in 1961, Myrtha Pools® quickly became Italy’s première swimming pool company, and has since grown into one of the world's leading swimming pool construction…
read moreYMCA Australia has issued a public apology to “anyone who has experienced sexual abuse as a child in the care of the YMCA.”
Issued in the wake of the ongoing Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, during which the YMCA has been the subject of investigations, YMCA Australia interim Chief Executive Melinda Crole, made the public announcement, stating “the YMCAs of Australia apologise and express our sincere and deep regret to anyone who has experienced sexual abuse as a child in the care of the YMCA.”
The statement, also released via a YouTube video, continues “as a community organisation that has provided services for children and young people for over 160 years in Australia, we have a profound responsibility for the care and protection of the children and young people we serve. We know that in the past, some children experienced sexual abuse while in the care of the YMCA by the very people entrusted with their care and protection.
“The YMCA considers any form of child sexual abuse to be intolerable and inexcusable.
“We wish to say to anyone who has experienced sexual abuse at a YMCA program or service, or by a YMCA employee or volunteer – we are deeply sorry.
“We acknowledge the long-term pain and suffering caused by child sexual abuse, not only for those directly affected but also for their partners and families – and for this suffering, too, we are deeply sorry.
“We would like to encourage anyone who has experienced sexual abuse within the YMCA, no matter how long ago, to come forward to the YMCA, police, or the Royal Commission – wherever you feel most safe and comfortable.
“If you choose to come forward and share your story, we are committed to listening to you, and working with you, with your confidentiality assured
“While the YMCA supports a Federal Government Redress Scheme, we know that many survivors are seeking assistance today. So with all that has been learned through the Royal Commission about how to best support survivors, we have developed an approach to redress that is available to survivors of past abuse in the YMCA. We also understand that some people may not wish to come forward, and we respect your wishes, too.”
The YMCA Australia has provided the following contact information, 1800 981123 (9am-5pm Monday to Friday EST), E: redress@ymca.org.au​.
Those wishing to speak with an independent person can call 1800 809 505 9am-5pm Monday to Friday EST), E: redressinformation@gmail.com.
The YMCA adds “please be assured that any communication with the YMCA will respect your right to privacy.
“Alternatively, we also encourage you to contact the police and/or the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse on 1800 099 340.”
Further information about the YMCA's approach to redress can be found at ymca.org.au\redress.
Crole concluded “all YMCAs in Australia have a deep and abiding​ commitment to providing a safe and nurturing environment for children and young people and while we know we cannot erase the pain experienced by abuse in the past, YMCAs are doing everything in their power to ensure that children and young people are protected from harm, today and in the future.”
5th April 2016 - ROYAL COMMISSION TOLD THAT CRICKET COACH ABUSED BOYS FOR YEARS
17th February 2016 - RON MELL TO LEAVE YMCA AUSTRALIA
5th December 2014 - SWIMMING AUSTRALIA TO CONDUCT SEXUAL MISCONDUCT REVIEW
3rd July 2014 - YMCA NSW APOLOGISES FOR FAILING TO PROTECT CHILDREN
22nd January 2014 - YMCA NSW DEFENDS MANAGEMENT AND CHILD PROTECTION POLICIES
Asking a small favour
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?
The news we publish at www.ausleisure.com.au is independent, credible (we hope) and free for you to access, with no pay walls and no annoying pop-up ads.
However, as an independent publisher, can we ask for you to support us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine - if you don't already do so.
Published bi-monthly since 1997, the printed Australasian Leisure Management differs from this website in that it publishes longer, in-depth and analytical features covering aquatics, attractions, entertainment, events, fitness, parks, recreation, sport, tourism and venues management.
Subscriptions cost just $90 a year.
Click here to subscribe.
The Complete Guide to Leisure Industry Products & Services.
Founded in 1961, Myrtha Pools® quickly became Italy’s première swimming pool company, and has since grown into one of the world's leading swimming pool construction…
read moreClubware’s online gym software is not your run of the mill management system. It has been carefully designed to incorporate all the elements that a fitness club would need. How did we do that?…
read moreAt easyemployer we've come up with a software solution that manages one of your most important, and often most costly, business resources - your staff. We are helping 100s of clients to…
read moreA leading designer and manufacturer of innovative waterslides and attractions, Australian Waterslides and Leisure (AWL) is also able to advise clients in the areas of concept and design, feasibility…
read moreProSlide is the global leader in water ride design and manufacturing, supplying high-performance water attractions to new and expanding water parks around the world. For over three decades, ProSlide…
read moreHidroplay welcomes you to the exciting world of children's Playscapes, waterslide's and Water Attractions. Appealing to families, Hidroplay increases patronage in your facility during those…
read moreSLE Worldwide Australia is a Managing General Underwriter specialising in insuring risks in the world of Sports, Leisure and Entertainment. Be it relaxing, playing, organising or watching sports,…
read morePolin was founded in Istanbul in 1976, and has since grown into a leading company in the waterparks industry. Today Polin is one of the world leaders in the design, production, and installation of…
read moreGet your business noticed in our targeted directory. Viewed by 10,000 industry professionals per week!