YMCA’s new facility

THE YMCA ‘s new facility at Mary Street, Kingston commenced operation on the 13th July. The facility Clem Jones Campus includes Logan YMCA, the YMCA Vocation School and warehouse storage for the YMCA Schools Breakfast Program.

Thanks to the YMCA ‘The Shed’, hundreds of Logan youth have been able to find gainful employment in a range of industries. The project was supported by The Clem Jones Trust, Logan City Council and the YMCA of Brisbane. 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 greatwork.

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, 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.
Construction commenced in March and was completed within time commencing operation on the 13th July 2010. The facility is located in Mary Street Kingston next to Boy’s Town and will enable Y-Care to deliver long established 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.

The YMCA Vocational School was officially opened on the 21st February 2011 by Ms Dell Townsend Patron of the Clem Jones Group of Companies and the Clem Jones Foundation. The YMCA Vocational School is named in the honour of Dr Clem Jones, AO. Ms Townsend spoke of Dr Jones vision for youth including the YMCA Breakfast Program. Ms Townsend unveiled the plaque and a bust of Dr Jones which she presented to the YMCA.

Local Member for Waterford Evan Moorehead MP spoke on behalf of The Education and Training Minister Geoff Wilson.  Other dignitaries included The Member
for Woodridge Ms Desley Scott MP, Dr Grant Watson General Manager, Qld Independent Schools Block Grant Authority, representatives from Education Queensland, Police, Sponsors, Supporters Staff Volunteers and students.

• The Clem Jones Group, contributed $1.3 million to the total cost of more than $3.6 million.
• The YMCA of Brisbane contributed almost $1.6 million.
• Logan City Council contributed $100,000 plus invaluable in-kind support.
• The State Government contributed $530,000 through the Independent Schools Block Grant Authority.
• It has also contributed recurrent funding of more than $96,000 in 2010
• The Jupiter’s Casino Community Benefit Fund provided grant funding of $90,000