The Y Australia

10/06/2026

1,413 young people. 8 states and territories. A wide range of experiences shaping one national conversation.

In this year’s National Matter of Public Importance consultation, 38.2% of respondents identified as belonging to a cultural or ethnic minority, 37.3% as LGBTIQA+, 32.1% as neurodivergent and 9.7% as First Nations, Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.

These voices matter.

Each year, the MPI becomes the shared topic debated through Y Youth Parliament programs across Australia, giving young people the opportunity to bring the issues they care about into parliamentary spaces.

In 2026, young people told us what is shaping their lives right now; their priorities, pressures and hopes for the future.

Youth voice is a key part of our work, and Youth Parliament programs are a powerful part of that. Listening to young people helps organisations, communities and governments make better decisions today.

Stay tuned for the release of the MPI.

05/06/2026

Happy 182nd birthday to the Y.

The YMCA movement began with young people, for young people, creating a place of connection, support and a sense of belonging.

182 years later, the Y has grown into a global Movement working alongside communities around the world. From education and youth empowerment programs to recreation, wellbeing and community facilities, the Y continues to create spaces where people can learn, grow and thrive.

Today, we celebrate the people who make this work possible: the dedicated staff, volunteers and communities who bring the purpose of the Y to life every day.

Thank you for 182 years of impact, and for continuing to build a better future together.

This is our Y!

02/06/2026

Pride Month is a time to celebrate diversity, identity and belonging.

Everyone deserves to feel safe, accepted and valued for who they are. This month, and every day, we stand with LGBTIQ+ communities and continue our commitment to creating inclusive spaces where everyone belongs.

21/05/2026

What are young Australians asking us to pay attention to right now?

Over the past few weeks, 1,413 young people from across all 8 states and territories shared the issues shaping their lives through this year’s National Matter of Public Importance consultation.

The responses paint a picture of a generation under pressure; navigating rising costs of living, housing insecurity, mental wellbeing challenges and uncertainty about the future.

But they also reflect something else: a strong desire for safety, fairness, stability and systems that make adulthood feel possible.

Young people spoke about the interconnected pressures of school, work, climate, social media, belonging and trust in institutions. These aren’t just isolated issues, they are shaping how young Australians see their future and their place in the world.

📣 The 2026 National Matter of Public Importance will be released soon - Stay Tuned!

16/05/2026

Today is the International Day Against LGBTQIA+ discrimination or
.

Everyone deserves dignity, safety and respect. At the Y, we’re committed to creating spaces where everyone feels safe, respected and able to be themselves.

Today and every day, the Y proudly supports LGBTIQA+ communities.

13/05/2026

A different approach to learning can make all the difference.

At the in Epping, students are supported through smaller class sizes, tailored learning and a safe, welcoming environment designed to help young people thrive.

Operated by .ywhittlesea , the school is part of a national network of 14 Y School campuses helping young people reconnect with education.

Ahead of YMCA World Council in July, Y Australia is proud to share stories like this from across the Y Movement and celebrate the work happening in communities around the country.

🔗Watch the full video via the link in our bio

13/05/2026

At the Y Community School in Epping, students are supported to learn in a calm, safe and welcoming environment where curiosity, confidence and individuality are encouraged to thrive.

With smaller class sizes and tailored lesson plans that emphasise interest based learning and dialogue, theY Community School provides a supportive learning environment for students in Year 10 and above who may not thrive in the mainstream educational model.

Operated by The Y Whittlesea, the Y Community School is part of a national network of 14 Y School campuses helping young people reconnect with education through tailored learning and supportive classrooms.

At the Y Community School in Epping, students are supported to learn in a calm, safe and welcoming environment where curiosity, confidence and individuality ...

12/05/2026

Democracy does not only happen in Parliament House.

It happens when young people are given the space, platform and respect to speak honestly about the issues shaping their lives.

For more than 40 years, the Y’s Youth Parliament program has supported young people to step into civic life, debate the issues that matter and see themselves as part of Australia’s democratic future.

As Australia marks 125 years since the first Commonwealth Parliament met in Melbourne, we’re celebrating the young people continuing to shape what democracy looks like today.

Thank you to the Honourable@miltondickmp and Her Excellency the Honourable Samantha Mostyn AC for championing youth voice and civic participation.

.ynsw .ynswyp

06/05/2026

Last chance to have your say. Submissions close TOMORROW.

If you’re aged 15–25, this is your opportunity to help shape the national conversation in Y Youth Parliament.

Every year, young people across Australia debate a shared Matter of Public Importance, and in 2026, we want to hear what matters most to YOU.

Big issues. Local issues. The future you want to see.

ENTRIES CLOSE Friday 8 May 2026 at 11:59pm AWST

📣 Submit your idea now - link in bio and comments

Your voice deserves a place in the conversation.

03/05/2026

Every year, Y Youth Parliaments debate a shared national issue; the Matter of Public Importance (MPI). In 2026, we’re inviting young people across Australia to help choose it.

If you're aged between 15-25 we want to hear about the issues that matter to YOU!

If you're not - share this with the young people in your life!

🔗 Link in bio | submit your entries by May 8th, 11:59pm AWST