Something for everyone
Bribie Island University of the Third Age is a remarkable volunteer organisation that offers 150 different classes on a wide range of topics each week. There are over 1900 Senior students and the whole thing is run by Volunteers. They might be classified as “Senior” but most of them certainly don’t behave that way, as it is all about Learning for Fun, with new friends and new interests. Most of them may be retired, but their brains certainly have not.
Featured image(above): New Committee 2019 -2020
Lifelong Learning is recognised as a key factor in the third stage of life, so if you have not yet discovered the delights of U3A, you should consider it. There is something for every interest including Art, Craft, Language, Health, Dance, Music, Computer, Sport, History, Culture, Games, Literature, Theatre …..and many more. Enrolment for new members in Term 2 will be held at U3A Centre in First Avenue on Monday 15th April between 9 am and 11 am. Many classes are already full, but there are several ongoing and new classes on offer that may be of interest.
You can find the Timetable at the Bribie Library, Visitor Information, and Neighbourhood Centres. Bribie U3A is closed for holidays from April 5th until Tuesday, April 23rd after the Easter holidays.
New Committee members
At the Annual General Meeting last week President Greg Sibthorpe was elected for another localyear, as were several existing Committee members together with four new ones. President Greg reviewed the many achievements of the past year and recognised and thanked the great contribution made by all Volunteer Tutors, Receptionists and Committee members.
With so many different classes and venues being used, plus Theatre, Functions and Insight presentations, the specific role of the 14 Committee members continues to challenge. Margaret Spooner will continue as one of two Vice President and will be joined by Juri Linins who replaces the long-serving Ann Brooks. Maree Mosslar will be the new Secretary and replaces Joan Hammersley, while Ian Corin continues as Treasurer with Assistant Shona Shergold.
The demanding role of Program Coordination will continue under Chris Clark and Robyn Connolly, and they will be joined by Rose Barnes who replaces Amanda Bronn. Reception Coordination continues under Ailsa Gaffy, and Barrie Boodle remains as Facilities Coordinator. Angela Boodle steps down as Functions Coordinator and will be replaced by Judi Irvine, while Roger Platt will continue as Technology Coordinator. Barry Clark continues as Public Relations and Publicity.
Growing Network of U3A’s
Annual Membership remains at just $10 and the introduction of EFTPOS and prepayment for all classes has significantly improved aspects of administration and management. The new Bribie U3A website has been launched and further improvements in communication and member services are being planned. www.u3abribie.org.au.
Bribie Island U3A welcomes four new members to the hardworking Committee and looks forward to another great year of rewarding work and satisfaction. New volunteers for Reception duties, or Tutoring in any new subject of your choice, are always welcome. There are so many newcomers to Bribie who have had interesting careers and interests, so if you would like to share that experience with others please let us know. You don’t need previous experience as a teacher, few of our Tutors have, it’s just about sharing your knowledge and interest with others.
We have also set up a couple of special groups of volunteer member as “Roadies” to help with special functions and “Adminkids” who can help out with the general running of our organisation and paperwork. Please let us know if you would like to be one of these special volunteer members.
The network of U3A’s throughout Queensland continues to grow, with Caboolture continuing to expand and the new Beachmere campus progressing to independence soon. Bribie U3A will be represented at the annual U3A Network Queensland Conference to be held this year in Bundaberg in May, with delegates from the other 35 U3A’s.