One of the first YMCAs in NSW, the centre was officially opened on February 27 in 1971, however the birthday celebrations were delayed to ensure they could throw a party worthy of 50 years of memories and community connection.
A moving smoking ceremony by Dunghutti Jerrinjha Elder Aunty Margret Campbell, kicked off the Family Fun Day which also included a community market, jumping castle and a petting zoo.
Acting Y NSW CEO Bridgette Godden said the centre had always been a shining example of the grassroots power of the Y in empowering young Australians.
“In the past 20 years alone, more than 15,000 gymnasts and more than 11,000 families from the local community have come through the Y Bankstown City’s doors,” she said.
“In the early 1970s, parents, babies and toddlers met at the Y for playgroups and preschool. On one occasion, Gough Whitlam even turned up for morning tea.
“Later, Bankstown City’s Outside School Hours Care was developed and the 1980s saw the start of 25 years of Blue Light Discos for the teens.”
David George, who worked for the Y NSW for 28 years starting as a junior coach in 1986 and eventually managing the centre, said the Y’s impact on sport in the region was massive.
