U3A Benalla - News

Program News - Member Wizard Rollout to Convenors

9/8/2026

Member Wizard Training - Committee Members and Convenors

Noel Baumgarten and Robert Marston have been holding information sessions for committee members and convenors as part of the roll out of the Member Wizard On-line Enrolment system for 2027 enrolments. These will be followed by information sessions for general members later in the year.

Coming up:

Wednesday 12 August 2 – 4 pm in Room 1 - Orientation Session for Convenors (repeat)

Wednesday 9 September 2—4 pm in Room 1 – Review for interested Committee and Convenors

If these times don’t suit you, email us at [email protected] to set up a one-to-one appointment.

Program News - 'Online Family Research'

2/8/2026

On-line Family Research for Lifelong Learners

Are you thinking of working on your family tree and reasonably confident using your device and the internet? Family Research convenor Deb Saunders is presenting ‘On-line Family Research for Lifelong Learners’, on Friday 7 August from 2 to 4pm in Room 1. Deb will set you in the right direction for lifelong learning in family research. All welcome!

Upcoming Community Information Sessions

1/8/2026

Free Community Information Session – Energy and Water / Telecommunications

The Energy and Water Ombudsman Victoria (EWOV), in partnership with Waminda Community House and the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman, is offering a free community information session for Benalla residents. Drop in for free, independent advice about:

Electricity, gas, water, phone and internet bills.
Concessions, grants and checking whether you're on the best offer.
Complaints or concerns with your utility or telecommunications provider.

Bring your bills along!

Thursday 13 August, 10.00 am – 1.00 pm Waminda Community House, 19 Ballintine Street, Benalla. Enquiries: 0491 630 213 or [email protected]

Dementia Awareness Information Session

Dementia Training Australia are conducting a Dementia Awareness Information Session on Thursday 1st October from 10.00am – 11.30am at the Centre, 17 Chisholm Street, Wangaratta.    The session is free and is open to everyone in the Community.

Join us for a short, practical session to better understand dementia.    These sessions are perfect for families, volunteers, carers and anyone wanting to build an understanding around dementia.

Book now! Call 1300 843 236 or Email [email protected] by September 25.   Spaces are limited.

Closing date for FOBLs Writing Competition - Friday 31st July!

19/7/2026

A reminder to 'Creative Writing', 'As Time Goes By' writers and interested others - the closing date for the Friends of Benalla Library writing competition is 31st July. Click on the image, or on this link to the 2026 Writing Competion Entry Form for details.

Commences Thursday at 10! Demystifying Psychology Course

14/7/2026

Places still available - 'Cooking Together' with FCJ

10/7/2026

Program News - Semester 2

9/7/2026

Updated version - previous version 3/6/2026.

There is no need to reenrol in Semester 2, however you might like to enrol in one of the new courses on offer. Please contact the convenor (details below) or membership officer Len Jeffers [email protected] if you would like to enrol in one of these courses.

Cooking Together
An intergenerational program involving Year Eleven students who are completing the Certificate III in Community Services Work at FCJ College.

Convenors

U3A - Wendy Dean 0407 109 094
FCJ - Lorraine Edmonds

When

Orientation session at U3A - Friday 17 July 11am to 12 noon U3A Room 2
8x2-hour fortnightly sessions at FCJ - Fridays from 10.45 for 11 am to 1 pm session, commencing on Friday 24th July.

Where

FCJ College, Arundel Street, Benalla (Foods Department Classroom/Kitchen)

Are you adapting to — or simply tired of — cooking for one? ‘Cooking Together’ offers fresh inspiration for creating meals that are nutritious, tasty and easy to prepare.

You will gain hands-on experience in planning, preparing, cooking and sharing lunch in a relaxed and supportive environment. Along the way, you will build confidence in the kitchen, cooking with the students - exchanging tips, avoiding common cooking mishaps, and enjoying the social experience of cooking together.

Held at FCJ, this intergenerational course is being delivered in collaboration with the Year Eleven Certificate III in Community Services Work teacher and students, creating a warm and engaging opportunity for learning, connection and shared enjoyment.

A fee of $10 per session is attached to each fortnightly session. Participants will be assisted by U3A to apply online for a Working with Children Check, a mandatory requirement when interacting with young people in school settings.

'Demystifying Psychology' - Five Session Course

Convenor Jane Rushworth 0437 621 575
When 3rd Thursday 10am to 12 noon - commences Thursday 16 July
Where U3A Room 1

Curious about why we do the things we do? This five-session course takes a light-hearted look at psychology in everyday life. We’ll explore personality types and the different ways people cope, dip into how psychology is used in areas like parenting, drug treatment, assertiveness and topics suggested by you. We touch on social psychology such as power, group dynamics, obedience, and states of mind. We’ll chat about how all these concepts are displayed in our daily lives. No heavy theory just plenty of relatable examples and good conversation.

'Preparing for the Future'

Convenor John Barry
When/Where First Tuesday 9.30 to 11.30 am in U3A Room 1, commencing 7 July 2026.

John is offering five separate sessions relating to legal matters. “Planning the Future: 5 classes, 2-hour sessions, includes 1. Wills, 2. Power of Attorney, 3. AC Directive, 4. Estates, 5. Funerals.”

Commenced on Tuesday 7 July!

For more information, contact the convenor listed above or Course Coordinator Anne Nelson 0438 447 379

Member Wizard - 'Things are happening in our digital space!'

1/7/2026

Things are happening in the U3A Benalla ‘Digital Space’!

Our website address recently changed to https://u3abenalla.org.au. We still use Weebly for our website, but the new web address better suits our status as a charitable not-for-profit organisation.
Our trial of the Member Wizard Online Membership System is well underway. There is a lot to learn! Our ‘implementation team’ Robert Marston and Noel Baumgarten (pictured below), Len Jeffers and Bev Lee are on a steep learning curve & and enthusiastic about the possibilities Member Wizard offers. Thanks go to Beth Grant, who contributed so constructively to early meetings of our Member Wizard team.

One of our aims in introducing Member Wizard is to retain processes our members are familiar with. Paper-based enrolment forms will be used alongside the online registration system, and Enrolment Day will continue in mid-January. Website Manager Bev Lee is integrating the Member Wizard Enrolment System into our website. If you are interested in tracking our work on the website (remembering of course that it is a trial!), here is the link https://u3abenallamwtrial.weebly.com

Treasurer Gwen Mildren is looking into using the Member Wizard Finance Package to produce accounting reports. Gwen is pictured here talking with Robert about accessing the Finance Package.

The Member Wizard Implementation team will work with the Committee, Convenors and members to develop understanding and skills in enrolling, renewing and using the benefits the system offers to us.
Robert and Noel briefed the Committee of Management about progress to date on 30th June, and are meeting with Convenors on Wednesday 8th July from 2 to 4pm
Watch this space in the coming months for more news!

Member Wizard Team

'Getting more from your Photos' - all welcome to join in!

1/6/2026

Vale - David Palmer

31/5/2026

Many members of U3A Benalla were sad to hear that David Palmer passed away on 28 April 2026.

A former journalist and farmer, David had a mountain of skills and an easy personality that blended him into whatever group he was with. David will be particularly remembered for using his journalistic and farming background when convening the “Stock and Land” course, which he commenced in 2018. David was also a member of the “Sustainability” group. When David was unable to run “Stock and Land” in 2025 it was merged with “Sustainability” to continue to provide an option to interest members with farming backgrounds.

Another course that David was involved with was “Sky’s the Limit”. This course was started by Claire Rudolph in August 2022 and co-convened by David Palmer and Andrew McFarlane during 2023 and 2024. David also offered the Wise Guy’s Book Group in 2022. Although there were not a lot of members, it allowed the male members of U3A Benalla to discuss books of interest together.

A founding member of the “As Time Goes By” Memoir Writing group in 2015, David continued writing stories until he became unwell in August 2024, including a delightful story about his ‘Walk in Japan’ with his sons in May that year.

As the Publicity Officer for U3A Benalla from 2022 to 2024, David did an excellent job of getting articles published in the Benalla “Ensign”. He was also a member of the U3A Benalla Committee for the same period.

Thank you David for your huge contribution to U3A Benalla and to humanity in general.

*A Memorial Service for David is being held at the Moira Club, 1 Benalla Street Benalla
on Saturday 20 June from 2pm.
For more information and to RSVP, go to https://dizmemorial.com/

Vale - Singing for Fun members Bill Edgar and Joan Badrock

22/5/2026

Unfortunately, two members of the Singing for Fun group passed away during May. Bill Edgar and Joan Badrock were both over 90 years of age, and both enjoyed their Thursday mornings with the group.

Bill Edgar

Members of the Singing for Fun group were sorry to hear of the passing of Bill Edgar on 28 April 2026. Bill had been a member of the Singing for Fun group for 18 years and thoroughly enjoyed both the singing and chatting with members of the group.

Bill was a jovial person who always had a joke to tell you or showed how delighted he was just to see you. He had a great rapport with the other guys in the Singing for Fun group and will be remembered for choosing Book 3 Page 45, “The Holy City”, whenever the singers were asked for their favourite song.

This year Bill came along with the residents of Cooinda whenever they visited Community Singing and thoroughly enjoyed his visits to the Hub.

It was appropriate that “The Holy City” was sung at Bill’s memorial service at the Todd Funeral Home on 12th May 2026.

Thank you Bill for your friendship and participation in the Singing for Fun and Community Singing groups.

Joan Badrock

Joan Badrock was an enthusiastic member of Singing for Fun and Community Singing for six years and members of both groups were saddened to learn that she had passed away on Tuesday 19 May 2026. An avid card player, Joan was a founding member of Cards 500 in 2019 and was also a member of Chat’n’Chew.

Joan, who was 96 years of age and drove her car until a couple of months ago, was popular with the Singing Group and regularly attended the “girls morning coffee get togethers”. Her daughter Meredith requested that the song “Candle in the Wind” be sung in honour of Joan at our regular Thursday meeting, and it was.

Thank you Joan for your singing with our group and for your friendship. We will miss you.

Margaret Jenkins
Singing for Fun Convenor

'30 Years On and Still Growing' ... National Trust History Festival

21/5/2026

On Thursday 30 April, recently retired U3A Benalla President Margaret Jenkins presented '30 Years On and Still Growing' as part of the National Trust History Festival in Benalla.

"U3A Benalla has grown energetically over 30 years of serving the local community. What began with just a few courses now offers around 48, reflecting the curiosity and enthusiasm of its members. Early classes were held in private homes before moving to old school buildings. Today U3A operates from its current premises in Benalla. From geology in the early days to today’s wide mix—from Mah-jong and wine appreciation to exploring the universe—volunteer convenors share their knowledge and passion."

Click on the image below to view Margaret's presentation and learn more about the story of this vibrant journey, with highlights, venues and photos from the years along the way!

Reminder - End of month learning opportunities - All Welcome!

27/4/2026

We'd like to let you know about five open sessions and community presentations which you might like to attend later this week:

Wednesday 29th April -  Digital Upskilling for Lifelong Learners 'Fifth Wednesday' program - two sessions on the theme of 'Artificial Intelligence' presented by Melissa Antony from Community Business Connect:

10 to 12 -  'Using Artificial Intelligence for Authentic Communication - an Introduction to Artificial Intelligence'.   For members new to Artificial Intelligence who are keen to find out more about using Artificial Intelligence as a communication tool  This is a repeat session, however we think there are still lots of members keen to know more about AI.   Information - contact Bev on 0478 607 838.
2 to 4 pm - ‘Unlock your Planning Power with Artificial Intelligence’ - For convenors, committee and other members who haves some experience in using AI as a communication tool who regularly organise meetings, events, classes, courses. This session it could also interest members with some experience of AI who plan holidays and events such as a large dinner party for friends to celebrate an 80th Birthday! Information - contact Ruth on 0437 904 554

Thursday 30th April - National Trust History Festival in Benalla -  U3A Benalla: 30 Years and Growing - Margaret Jenkins 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM, U3A Room 1, 18 Fawckner Drive, Benalla
U3A Benalla has grown energetically over 30 years of serving the local community. What began with just a few courses now offers around 48, reflecting the curiosity and enthusiasm of its members. Early classes were held in private homes before moving to old school buildings. Today U3A operates from its current premises in Benalla. From geology in the early days to today’s wide mix—from Mah-jong and wine appreciation to exploring the universe—volunteer convenors share their knowledge and passion. Come and hear the story of this vibrant journey, with highlights, venues and photos from the years along the way.

Friday 1 May - Digital Upskilling for Lifelong Learning open session - 'Making a Short Movie on Your iPhone' - 2 to 4 pm Dawn Stephens is presenting what promises to be a delightful session. 2 to 4pm. Information - contact Dawn on 0418 552 932

Sunday 3 May - National Trust History Month - Cottage Hospitals in Benalla: 1890 – 1940 – Dr Meg Dillon 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM, 14 Mair St, Benalla
“Caught in a threshing machine? Broken, infected leg? Pneumonia? Giving birth to your sixth child? These are some of the problems ordinary Benalla district folk faced in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Cottage hospitals in private homes, staffed by nurses and charging modest fees, were one of the answers. Come and find out about these local innovations in health care and the indefatigable nurses who set them up and maintained them.” (Meg is a U3A member/convenor and will be incorporating some of Judith Borthwick's research into Benalla Hospitals and Nurses of the Early 1900's into her presentation).

Newsletter/Website Team

U3A Benalla and District Policies - Update

9/4/2026

In 2024 the U3A Benalla Committee almost completed a two-year process of reviewing the Policies of U3A Benalla, drawing upon Policy Guidelines developed by U3A Network Victoria and U3A Lakes Entrance: A new Heat Policy has been created dated 9/04/2026 and the Risk Management Policy updated on 9/04/2026

U3A Benalla Policies

Anti-Discrimination 
Bullying 
Code of Conduct 
Conflict of Interest
Grievance 
Health & Safety
Heat Policy - Added 9 April 2026
Privacy
Risk Management - Updated 9 April 2026
Sexual Harassment

U3A Benalla Inc. Executive Committee

Vale - Brian Greed

4/4/2026

It is with regret that we pass on the news that Brian Greed passed away in Wangaratta hospital last night. Brian was a very intelligent man who had a wide range of interests and many friends in U3A Benalla.

Brian had been an active member of U3A Benalla for 19 years. He was a Leader of Singing for Fun for most of that time, and introduced many new songs to the group, and also wrote harmony for several songs.

Brian was the person who saw the opportunity to commence Community Singing on the fourth and fifth Thursdays of each month. He played for Community Singing from its commencement about 5 years ago until a few weeks ago. He just needed the name of the song and the key it was in, and he would play the song. If someone mentioned it was too high, he just brought it down two semitones and started off again. His musical ability was incredible.

Brian also belonged to and enjoyed many other U3A Benalla groups including Wine Appreciation, Investment, Meet and Mingle, Music Appreciation, Armchair Traveller and Collectors.

Our thoughts are with his family at this time.

Program news from April President's Report

3/4/2026

John Barry is interested in holding five sessions relating to legal matters - Planning the Future: 5 classes, 2-hour sessions, would include 1. Wills, 2. Power of Attorney, 3. AC Directive, 4. Estates, 5. Funerals. It is a while since John held one of these sessions.

Another course recently put forward is Amateur Country Music/Folk Music Jammers.. This is not an instrument teaching class, just a get together of like-minded people. The instruments could be guitar, banjo, etc. If interested, could you please phone Lorna Boyd on 0427 281 423.

Anne Nelson

Vale - Judith Borthwick

3/3/2026

Judith Borthwick, an active member of U3A for over 18 years, passed away on February 3rd at Benalla Hospital after an extended illness. A passionate advocate for U3A Benalla, Judith was a member of the U3A Benalla Committee for many years, taking on roles including Publicity Officer and Newsletter Editor.

A trained secretary and highly regarded administrator at Dookie College before retiring, Judith brought those skills into her role as Newsletter Editor, editing the U3A Benalla Newsletter for seven years from 2009 to 2015. Judith enjoyed writing and had her finger on the pulse of what was happening at U3A - if a report was missing, she would often whip one up before the newsletter deadline. Judith’s husband John enjoyed helping Judith by taking the newsletter to Bill Syke’s office for printing each month.

Judith was the founding convenor of the Collector’s group. An avid collector of depression glass, kerosene lamps and more, Judith heard about a similar group in Melbourne, researched it and developed a proposal for Collectors, which commenced in 2016 and remains a popular course.

Judith was also a valued member of groups including Page Turners, Patchwork, Chat ‘n Chew, Politics & Current Affairs and Cards 500.

During the first year of Covid in 2020, Judith completed a project, ‘Benalla Hospitals and Nurses of the early 1900’s’, commenced in 2012 with John Avery’s Local History course and continued with Meg Dillon’s Stories of Benalla’s Past’ course the following year. Meg is presenting a session, ‘Cottage Hospitals in Benalla, 1890 to 1940’, drawing upon Judith’s research, at the upcoming National Heritage Festival in Benalla

Judith often spoke of many happy years spent living on the Dookie College Campus, where both she and John worked and raised their two sons. A gifted, graceful croquet player, Judith was an active member of Benalla’s croquet club until a back problem made it difficult for her to play.

Thank you, Judith, for the contribution you made to the life and development of U3A Benalla. Rest In Peace.

The first Collectors Group, February 2016--Judith at left (in white floral blouse).

This Friday - 'A Beginner's Introduction to Microsoft Office'

1/3/2026

Insurance

1/3/2026

The Committee of U3A Benalla Inc. have been discussing our insurance cover at the last two Committee meetings.

Through U3A Network Victoria, insurance for U3A Benalla activities is provided by VMIA (Victorian Managed Insurance Authority), which is the Victorian Government insurer and risk adviser. Public liability insurance is also provided by the Benalla Rural City Council for accidents within buildings owned by Benalla Rural City Council.

The VMIA insurance provides liability coverage for U3A Benalla Inc., its employees (none yet) and volunteers in relation to any liability to pay compensation where a third-party becomes injured or their property is damaged as a result of negligence. The Personal Accident policy provides cover for volunteers and Committee members and other eligible people, while performing their duty, for accidental bodily injury that results in loss of life, permanent or temporary disablement.

However, it does not provide cover for participants of U3A activities. Members recourse should be through Medicare or Private Health cover. Ambulance cover for members is highly recommended.

Margaret Jenkins
President

Annual General Meeting - Wednesday 18 March at 10 am

20/2/2026

Assistant Membership Officer Required

2/2/2026

For a number of years, we have been using a home-grown membership program originally designed by member Terry Dillon. The program was developed using Microsoft Access.

As our membership has grown to over 470 and it relies on one person to update the information it has become very time consuming.

The alternative is to move our membership records to a commercial program used by many U3A groups called ‘Member Wizard’. It is possible to move our records to this program. It is less time consuming as members can pay their membership and update other information online.

We are looking for a member who may be interested in taking on the role of introducing our club to this program.

If you are interested in assisting U3A Benalla in this role, please contact Len Jeffers on 0407 199 247 or Margaret Jenkins on 0424 454 313

Vale - Elaine Murphy

2/2/2026

Many U3A members were saddened to hear of the passing of Elaine Murphy on Wednesday 7 January.

A U3A member for nine years, Elaine enjoyed a wide range of U3A activities including Meet and Mingle, Patchwork and Craft, Garden Appreciation, and Exercises for Fun. A regular at Meet and Mingle sessions, she took a keen interest in the topics presented by guest speakers and always made a point of expressing her enjoyment of their presentations.

Originally a dressmaker, Elaine was a talented and creative member of our Patchwork and Craft group. She exhibited her paper-based works, including paper flowers and inspirational cards, both locally and in regional craft exhibitions.

Elaine was a founding and highly valued member of North East Artisans and, more recently, the Heart of Art Gallery. In September 2023, Elaine presented a Paper Quilling workshop for our Patchwork and Craft group, which was thoroughly enjoyed by all.

An optimistic and resilient person who loved her family deeply, Elaine never missed a dance performance by one of her talented granddaughters.

Elaine’s warmth, creativity and generosity of spirit enriched the lives of many, and her contribution to U3A and the wider arts community will be remembered with great affection.

It's not too late to enrol!

16/1/2026

Enrolment Day - 14th January 2026

14/1/2026

What a wonderful day we had at Enrolment Day this year. So many members and also many new faces coming through the door to find out about their courses for 2026. A huge thank you to all the Convenors for their time that day letting people know what they were offering in their course.

Car parking at the Benalla Seniors and Community Centre from Tuesday 6th January to the end of February

8/1/2026

This post is to advise you of a car parking problem which will particularly affect Enrolment Day next Wednesday 14th January 2026, so that you can park in the suggested area.

Construction work on the new Pump Track in the park near the Benalla Seniors and Community Centre commenced on Tuesday 6th January 2026. The project is expected to be finished by the end of February.

Benalla Rural City Council have constructed temporary fencing around an area which will be used by the construction company to house their site office and equipment.

Unfortunately, the area which is fenced off covers approximately half of the car park behind the Benalla Seniors and Community Centre where many U3A members park their cars.

The Council has suggested that our members use the car park between the Benalla Seniors and Community Centre and the Library.

We apologise for any inconvenience.

Margaret Jenkins

President

We acknowledge the traditional owners of the land on which we meet and pay our respects to their elders - past, present and emerging.

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Photographs - U3A members; Benalla Art Gallery website; Weebly 'Free' images;Travel Victoria and State Library of Victoria