University of the Third Age groups meet to share tips for lifelong learning

REPRESENTATIVES of mid north coast branches of the University of the Third Age (U3A) gathered in Port Macquarie recently 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,” Ms Mulcahy said.

“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.

Ray Vale, Secretary of Gloucester U3A said, “Our membership was 150 pre COVID, then dropped dramatically, and is now 280 which is 9 per cent of Gloucester’s population.

“We run two semesters, with 38 activities, across the spectrum – cards, exercises, discussion groups, film groups and more.

“We’re always looking for new classes.

“We don’t actually have a home base and operate out of about five venues.

“We meet where we can, when we can and we do most of the work out of our homes with a committee of eight.”

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