YMCA centre eats healthily with local traders

THE new Torquay YMCA Early Learning Centre is holding an open day on Saturday, and has just announced it will purchase all its fresh food requirements from three local businesses.

Centre manager Adam Kavanagh said the quality and friendly nature of shops such as Peaches, Not Just Fruit, and Surfcoast Quality Meats was one of the reasons young families were keen to live in Torquay. Mark Petrie from Peach’s said the YMCA’s support was very welcome, with the store on track to reopen in December after a fire gutted the premises earlier this year, while Not Just Fruit manager Marty Hamer said it was great that the centre went to the trouble of searching out the local traders.

“We support local businesses because we’re part of the Torquay community,” Mr Kavanagh said.

“Every time we purchase fresh foods and food ingredients from Peaches, Not Just Fruit and Surfcoast Quality Meats, we’re helping the community to grow and remain strong.

“The local population is growing because more young families are realising what a great lifestyle you can have here. Our community connections mean we can help children and families who are new to the area get to know the best of the community.”

Torquay YMCA Early Learning Centre – located next to the Torquay North Primary School on Horseshoe Bend Road – opens on Monday, but will first hold a family open day on Saturday from 10am-1pm.

“Anyone in the community who’d like to see us in action is welcome to come to our Open Day,” Mr Kavanagh said.

“We’ll have lots of fun activities for children and families. You can also ask our team how the YMCA approach inspires children to develop a lifelong love of learning.

“Our Centre will draw on the best of the local Torquay community. We’ll use our YMCA networks to provide great outdoor activities such as BushKinder, as well as bringing in expertise from groups such as the CERES sustainability centre.”