YMCA’s new facility fast-tracked

THE YMCA Logan City Youth Services’ new facility at Mary Street, Kingston, will be fast-tracked courtesy of a $100,000 grant from Logan City Council and support from the estate of the late Dr Clem Jones.
With the lease at the YMCA’s current premises, “The Shed” at Allgas Street, Slacks Creek, quickly running out, the new funding will ensure the organisation can continue its programs supporting marginalised and at-risk youth at a purpose-built facility.
Thanks to the shed, hundreds of Logan youth have been able to find gainful employment in a range of industries, Community, Sport and Customer Services deputy chairperson, Councillor Sean Black, said.
This is an organisation that fills a crucial need in our community and council was keen to provide this money so that they can keep up the great work.
Cr Black said young people were able to get training and qualifications in a range of areas, including certificate courses in automotives, lessons in welding, woodwork and fitness and operate the popular YMCA / Foodbank Queensland Schools Breakfast program.
The council funding was subject to the YMCA achieving external funding for the project, which has been achieved through a $1.3 million grant from the Clem Jones Estate.
Dr (Clem) Jones was involved in many charitable organisations, but his partnership over long years with the YMCA and, in particular, with Mr Ross Melville (former CEO of the YMCA), gave him a special joy, Trustee of The Clem Jones Foundation, Dell Townsend said.
Dr Jones chose the Logan community to be a pilot area for youth development and education and we are honoured, as trustees of Clem’s estate, to support this new venture.
YMCA CEO, Alan Bray and president Toolah Olsen, said they were extremely appreciative of the support provided by both Logan City Council and the Trustees of the Clem Jones Estate, and the contributions were the turning point in making the $3 million project viable.
The YMCA is hopeful construction of their new premises will begin in March for the organisation to be able to deliver programs out of the new centre by July.

The picture above is an artist impression of the completed facility.

Construction is expected to commence in March with a completion date in July 2009. The facility is located in Mary Street Kingston next to Boy’s Town and will enable Y-Care to deliver existing programs and expand the curriculum to provide a wider choice of vocation and educational programs.

Floor plan lower level Click here.
Floor plan Upper level Click here.