REPRESENTATIVES of mid north coast branches of the University of the Third Age (U3A) gathered in Port Macquarie on Thursday 16 July to share procedures and practice with each other.
U3A is an international organisation founded on the belief that people in their third age of life still have much to learn and contribute.
Each U3A offers a wide range of courses designed to encourage lifelong learning and social connection.
Laurene Mulcahy, President U3A Network NSW, spoke about the importance of the organisation.
“We do the best thing for our community – we get people involved, we keep them active physically and mentally, and most importantly we provide a social network which helps to overcome loneliness.
“We need to be bold and known in our communities.”
The mid north coast is one of nine U3A regions in NSW and the network supports and provides service to each U3A.
The network gathering gave U3A representatives the opportunity to discuss membership numbers, details of public liability insurance, course licences and other issues such as succession planning, publicity, resources, technology and budgets.
“We are very proud of our centre here,” said Port Macquarie President, Chris Taylor.
“It is a very valuable part of our community, and our members are very motivated by both learning and the social aspects of what we offer.
“When we started in 2004 we had about 70 members and 11 courses and now have more than 500 members, with 14 new members in the last month.
”We run almost 50 courses here, offering a wide and stimulating program including history, languages, literature, arts, technology, health, philosophy, science and current affairs.”
Macleay Valley Kempsey U3A President, Joanna Hughes-Hallett, said that her branch had 470 members with 36 classes; some in Kempsey and others in South West Rocks.
“We use local halls and also have an arrangement with a local gymnasium and they run four fitness classes for us,” Ms Hughes-Hallett said..
“Our two kayaking classes are very popular because we have such great local waterways.
“We have a huge gardening class and a very large, meandering walking class.
“We are always looking for class tutors and we would love to hear any great ideas for getting people on board.”
The U3A State Network conference is in Armidale 13-15 April 2027.
If you would like to join your local U3A make contact and try a class this term or next.
By Pauline CAIN
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