2026 YMCA SA Awards for Excellence Recognises Champions of Community Development

Staff from across YMCA South Australia's recreation centres, gymnastics clubs, early learning centres, OSHC and allied health services gathered at Jacks on Squarelast week for the 2026 Awards for Excellence, a night built around something simple: their commitment to building local communities through the connections they make.

For Devan Seamans, awarded 10 years of service this year, along with a host of other engaged staff, that connection is what stands out most. "When I started it was five OSHCs, one gymnastics centre, maybe 500 staff," he said. "It's been rewarding to see that growth and the success that's come with it, knowing it's a net positive for our community." That progress was on display throughout the night, with winners spanning services and recognising the not-for-profit's reach across more than a dozen recreation centres and over 50 children’s service centres,  made possible through the care and dedication of nearly 1,300 staff.

Regional Manager for Children's Services, Bianca Humphries, accepted awards for two early learning centres recognised for the connections they build with children and families every day. Aldinga ELC won the Elevated Operations Team Award for its Flying Start program, while Riverbanks ELC won the Brighter Futures Team Award for embedding inclusion into daily routines, including AUSLAN. "These awards mean so much to our teams," said Humphries. "It's a true reflection of the work they put in for these children every day."

Cooper Martin from St Clair Recreation Centre took home the George Williams Impact Award, recognised for his success in bringing a team together around a shared purpose. "It feels like recognition of the culture we've worked so hard to build," he said. The award, he added, reflects the efforts of a team that has worked to create a meaningful culture. "It's resulted in major growth across all of our community-focused programs and events, which I'm immensely proud of."

On the night, State Sports Park Gymnastics took out the Active Excellence Team Award. "This recognition belongs to our whole team," said Haydn Bellamy, Recreation Development Manager. "It reminds us why we do this work. Building confidence and community, one child at a time, one class at a time, for everybody."

The celebrations continued with Whyalla Recreation Centre taking out the Connected Communities Award, with Chloe Hammond from the centre also receiving the Young Achiever Award, shared with Ella Vanehouse. "Winning the Young Achiever Award has shown me just how much working at the YMCA in Whyalla has helped me grow, especially in building my confidence." she said. "I love being able to contribute to my community, meet new people and make a positive difference."

Fifteen-year service recipients collected their awards beside staff from centres that have opened since. Ten years on from five OSHCs and one gymnastics centre, the room was full.

Head to our staff awards page to see a full list of award recipients and photos from the night.