News from Y Kinders

Announcement from the Y Ballarat (Y Kinders)

June 30, 2022 Announcements

The Y Ballarat is delighted to announce the appointment of Mr Craig Mathieson as its new Chief Executive Officer.

Craig has been part of the organisation for close to 5 years, most recently as Chief Operating Officer and during the CEO recruitment search, Acting Chief Executive Officer.

Craig has played a pivotal role in the development and growth of the Y Ballarat during this time, playing a key part in the merge of the Ballarat and Grampians Y associations and the transition of 35 kindergartens to Y Kinder Management whilst navigating the COVID-19 pandemic.

Y Ballarat President Colin Thompson, says of the appointment,

“On behalf of the Board, we are excited for Craig to continue to bring the vision and leadership that he has demonstrated in his journey with the Y to date and amplify that into the role as CEO.

The needs of young people are continuing to evolve, and we feel we are perfectly placed as a leader in Early Years Education and Care, Outside School Hours Care and our ongoing work and impact with youth and communities to head into this new phase full of optimism that we can deliver the solutions needed to give young people the brightest future possible.”

Craig will formally commence in the role as CEO on Friday 1st of July, representing the Y Ballarat at the World YMCA Council in Aarhus, Denmark from the 3-9th July 2022 where YMCA associations from across the world come together to collaborate, strategise and create solutions towards igniting the Vision 2030 of the YMCA’s.

Craig says, “It is a privilege to be appointed CEO and I thank the Board for entrusting me to continue the journey of leading the Y Ballarat into this new era.

I look forward to ensuring that the Y Ballarat continues to have a positive impact on its communities and the lives of the thousands of young people who attend our services and programs every week.

 I am committed to working closely with our teams to continue to deliver the opportunities that allow our young people to be protected, inspired and empowered.”


The Y acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to them and their cultures; and to Elders past, present and future.

View our full Commitment Statements here .

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