YWCA NSW South Western Region

The Region’s History

The YWCA was established in Sydney in 1880. It achieved a presence in South Western Sydney in 1999 with its take-over of the Macarthur Training and Learning Centre (MTLC).

MTLC had been in operation for 22 years providing services to disadvantaged people in the Macarthur, Wollondilly and Southern Highlands areas through many labour market programs and community initiatives. The organization accepted a Job Matching contract at the beginning of the Job Network era (circa 1997) which proved to be a financial disaster. Subsequently all staff were retrenched in November 1998. Following careful consideration, it was deemed by exiting Job Network the operations could be reviewed.

Subject to negotiations over many months, initiated by Annick Leach from MTLC, the YWCA of Sydney agreed that MTLC wind the company up and that YWCA assume the legal responsibility for all MTLC’s business and that all assets be transferred to the YWCA.

From the outset, YWCA Sydney SWR was operated as a business with a total focus on employment and training services delivered on a fee-for-service basis. Industry partnerships were developed with aged care providers, transport operators and local employers. These partnerships have facilitated employment opportunities and training and traineeship opportunities for local clients. It has also provided a ready supply of work-experience locations allowing practical based training within all of our course offerings.

SWR now employ 49 people across 15 programs stretching from Macquarie Fields to Bowral.

Our Vision and The YITAV Guiding Principals

“To grow our business in a manner which will ensure sustainability whilst delivering social justice outcomes.”

Co-ordinate service provision across the community in response to community needs; identify gaps and duplications; work collaboratively to meet needs throughout the lifetime of an individual and their family.

Take the lead in breaking down barriers between service provision silos so that a mix of resources can be applied to address complex needs.

Provide services that assist babies and young children to make the best start in life and also provide services that increase the capacity and wellbeing of parents and vulnerable people as this will have positive and sustainable impacts upon children.

Consultation with and engagement of the community in program development is underpinned by guidance from an Advisory Committee representative of the community.

Locations

Campbelltown

Phone: (02) 4628 3300

Fax: (02) 4628 4219

Street Address: Level 2, 116 Queen Street Campbelltown NSW 2560

Postal Address: PO Box 998, Campbelltown NSW 2560.

Picton

Phone: (02) 4677 3940

Fax: (02) 4677 3948

Street Address: Suite 19, 150-158 Argyle Street Picton NSW 2571

Bowral

Phone: (02) 4861 7523