Category: Program News

'Cottage Hospitals in Benalla' - Meg Dillon - 16 September

12/9/2026

It's Meet and Mingle time - an early 'third Wednesday' this month - Wednesday 16th September at 10 am in Room 1.

At the beginning of each Meet and Mingle, news from the U3A Benalla Committee meeting held the previous week is given to those attending. This is followed by a guest speaker who will talk for about 40 60 minutes on an interesting topic, with Question Time often a lively feature.

This month, U3A member, historian Meg Dillon will speak about 'Cottage Hospitals in Benalla'. A fascinating topic for many, especially for retired nurses, other health workers and members with forebears who may have been born or treated in a cottage hospital in Benalla.

Stay behind to enjoy a cup of tea or coffee and a chat with the guest speaker and other members to complete the morning.

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Program News - Member Wizard Review for Committee and Convenors - Wednesday 9 September 2 to 4pm U3A Room 1

5/9/2026

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Program News - Member Wizard Rollout to Convenors

9/8/2026

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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.

Noel Baumgarten, Len Jeffers, Bev Lee and Robert Marston

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Program News - 'Online Family Research'

2/8/2026

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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!

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Commences Thursday at 10! Demystifying Psychology Course

14/7/2026

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Places still available - 'Cooking Together' with FCJ

10/7/2026

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Program News - Semester 2

9/7/2026

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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

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

1/6/2026

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Reminder - End of month learning opportunities - All Welcome!

27/4/2026

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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

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Program news from April President's Report

3/4/2026

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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

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

1/3/2026

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Insurance

1/3/2026

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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

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It's not too late to enrol!

16/1/2026

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Enrolment day - Wednesday 14 January - 9.30am to 12 noon!

2/1/2026

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Click on the image above to go to the 2026 Course Guide

For more information - go to our 'Join Us' page, or click on the course pages from the top menu to find out more about particular courses!

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New courses in 2026

22/11/2025

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Critical Thinking

We are increasingly confronted by misinformation and disinformation. This course helps us deal with it by improving our thinking skills, gaining a knowledge of basic science (no prior knowledge needed) and understanding what information to trust.

Convenor: Linda Tullberg 0439 678 950
Time and Place: 4th Tuesday 2 to 4 pm U3A Room 1

Digital Upskilling for Lifelong Learners

Stay curious and connected with Digital Upskilling workshops to be offered throughout the year designed to help you make the most of your devices. Topics being planned include using webinars and podcasts for learning and enjoyment; applying practical AI tools in everyday life; using Canva for marketing and publicity and creating simple videos using your phone.

You ll also hear about opportunities to join Fifth Wednesday short courses and train the trainer sessions for U3A convenors.

Convenors:
Bev Lee 0478 607 838 Ruth Jelliff 0437 904 554 Dawn Stephens 0418 552 932
Time and Place:
1st Friday 1pm to 4pm Room 1
5th Wednesday 9 am to 12 noon and 1 to 4 pm Room 1

Learning and playing traditional Celtic tunes

Do you enjoy traditional Irish and Celtic music? Come along and learn to play some tunes. The aim of this course is to learn to play traditional Celtic tunes and to understand the tradition and style of this form of music. It suitable for people who have at least a basic ability to play their instrument - it will not train musicians from scratch. Although learning from notation is accepted, there will be encouragement to learn and play by ear as that is the traditional way this music was passed on. The form of the course will be to choose and learn tunes together, using private practice reinforced by fortnightly U3A meetings.

The course will be of interest to people who have suitable folk instruments including violin (fiddle), Irish whistle, flute, mandolin, bodhran, concertina and similar, with a basic level of skill with the instrument and musical notation. It will not be a singing group.

Convenor: Tim Shirley 0417 268 073
Time and Place: 2nd and 4th Tuesday 2 to 4pm U3A Room 2

Poetry Appreciation

For members who might enjoy reading, listening to and discussing poetry. A chance to bring along your favourite poem to share. Participants may offer selections from poets or poetic works on agreed themes for general discussion a bit like a book group. Suggested themes will hopefully come from the group but may touch on some of life s big themes like birth, love, war and death, as well as more light-hearted topics - ballads, songs, nature, animals. While the focus isn't on writing poetry, if you have written poetry you would like to share on the themes discussed, you will be encouraged to do so.

Convenor: Mary Lou Keogh 0418 590 373
Time and Place: 4th Wednesday 2 to 4pm, U3A Room 1

Pickleball

After a successful trial in late 2025, Pickleball is commencing as part of our regular timetable in 2026. Pickleball is a paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. It is played on a court similar to a badminton court, using a solid paddle and a perforated plastic ball. The game can be played as singles or doubles, with players aiming to score points by outmanoeuvring their opponents and hitting the ball over a 34-inch-high net. Known for its simple rules and accessibility, pickleball is enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels.

Convenor: Jan Kennedy 0421 679 115
Time and Place: Mondays 10 to 11 am Benalla Indoor Recreation Centre, Ackerly Ave.

Social Golf

Looking for a fun way to stay active and meet new people? U3A Benalla's new Social Golf group offers gentle exercise, fresh air, and good company on Benalla s picturesque golf course. Whether you haven't played for years or play regularly, you're welcome to join us for nine relaxed holes followed by coffee or a drink together. Sessions follow the successful model used by other U3A groups - social, supportive and fun. Occasional outings to nearby country courses will add variety and enjoyment.

The cost is $15 per nine holes (a reduced rate as the convenor is a full member). You may walk the course or hire a cart for an additional fee. Clubs can also be hired if necessary.

While this is not a beginner's activity, lessons with the Benalla Golf Club's resident professional can help you improve your skills and the Club s driving range is available for practice.

Convenor: James Davey 0404 888 296
Time and Place: 4th Monday 2 to 4 pm Benalla Golf Club

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Pickleball update - next session Monday 10 November, 10 am!

3/11/2025

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Update 3 November - A well attended first session today is to be followed by weekly sessions finishing in mid December! Next session, Monday 10 November at 10am - playing from 10 to 11, with a chat over tea and coffee to follow if you are able to stay on.

Original Email - 29 October - Join our new weekly Pickleball sessions - Monday 3 November! U3A Benalla has been looking into running 'Pickleball' for some months, and is now inviting interested members to come along on Monday 3rd November at 10am to try out our new equipment and the courts we will be using at the Benalla Indoor Recreation Centre in Ackerly Avenue... we'd love to see you there! Contact Jan - 0421 679 115.

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'To run Cooking Solo, we need a Convenor!'

1/11/2025

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Ruth Jellif recently shared her knowledge of the stove with Margaret and Gwen.

With the installation of the new stove at the Benalla Seniors and Community Centre and a request from Age Friendly Benalla for a repeat of Cooking Solo, we had been hoping to run Cooking Solo in 2026.

However, to run this course we need a Convenor!

Gwen and Val, who ran Cooking Solo in 2024, are not available due to many other commitments. They have left a folder of resources and are happy to mentor if needed..

So, if you think you and a friend could run Cooking Solo, please contact Anne Nelson on 0438 447 379.

Margaret Jenkins

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'Getting More From Your Photos', Wednesday Oct 29, 1 to 4 pm

17/10/2025

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Upcoming ‘Digital Projects’ workshop

Getting More from Your Photos
Wednesday, 29 October 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM * U3A Room 1
Presenter – Melissa Antony, Community Business Connect

Whether you want to preserve memories, clean up your photo collection, or just feel more comfortable with digital images, this session is for you. No special skills needed — just bring along your smartphone or similar, a few favourite pictures taken on it, and leave inspired!

What You’ll Explore
• Take Better Photos Learn about lighting, composition & perspective to make your snapshots shine.
• Edit with Confidence Crop, colour adjust, apply filters, and use simple AI tools to improve your shots.
• Use & Share Your Photos Resize and insert into emails, documents, posts; attach images easily.
• Cloud Storage & Backups Understand OneDrive, Google Photos, iCloud; keep your photos organised and safe.
• Creative Ideas & Inspiration Be introduced to options like calendars, photo books, and more—see what’s possible and gain confidence to try them.

Interested? Please call or text Ruth Jelliff on 0437 904 554 to book your spot.

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Program News - Planning for 2026

31/8/2025

As you’ll notice in the August newsletter, changes are underway for some courses, with a new name - ‘Easy Bushwalking’ - replacing Bushwalking – Easy Walks – now in place. Meetings are also being held with Mon Boyd from the Benalla Indoor Recreation Centre, as we have already had nine or ten expressions of interest for Pickleball!

Our Program Committee will shortly be meeting in earnest to plan the program for 2026, so I’m keen to hear your suggestions for new courses. It’s also time for convenors to decide whether to continue offering their course next year or perhaps take a break; suggest a name change or put in a bid for a different time/venue change in the timetable.

‘Now is the time’ if you have an idea for a course you’d like to convene or co-convene; have heard of a course at another U3A which sounds interesting or have an idea for a course you’d like us to offer. There’s a downloadable Program Proposal form on the Program Ideas page on the website which may be helpful in pulling together your ideas.

An avid traveller (or travellers) could perhaps offer ‘Armchair Traveller’ now the Covid hiatus has passed. A look at archives of past courses on the website could give you some ideas, and we have access to course resources from U3A Network Victoria and ABC Online which can help you to get started.

For more information contact me on 0438 447 379, email [email protected].

Anne Nelson, Course Coordinator

Thank you, Alejandro and Peter!

7/8/2025

During July, President Margaret Jenkins thanked Spanish teacher Alejandro Diaz and Vice-President Anne Nelson thanked Exploring Writing Children’s Books convenor Peter Thompson, for their preparedness to teach courses at U3A and their enthusiasm when doing so. Both were presented with a celebratory U3A pen

Spanish convenor Alejandro Diaz with Margaret Jenkins and class members
at his final session on July 26

Exploring Writing Children’s Books convenor Peter Thompson with Anne Nelson

Program News - 'Apple Refresher Course'

17/7/2025

If you have an Apple iPhone or an Apple iPad and would like to feel more confident using either of these devices we are offering a four session refresher course.

We will go over some basics and each week explore different apps on your device.

Wifi vs mobile data
Settings
Using the Calendar
Notes Messages and Emails
Money (Bills and Buying)

The sessions will go for one hour with flexibility to extend another half an
hour for troubleshooting individual problems.
Bring:

Apple Device
Apple Username (your email) and Password
Pen and Paper

Apple Refresher 1:30 - 2:30pm
Friday 1st August
Friday 8th August
Friday 5th September
Friday 12th September

To enrol -
Sign up sheet outside U3A Room OR contact the Course Co-ordinator Anne Nelson on 0438 447 379

Digital Upskilling Short Course

3/7/2025

The Digital Upskilling Short Course is well underway, with participants describing enjoying and learning so much from the sessions with Melissa and Jackie. The final session is on Friday 11 July at 1.30 pm in Rm 1.

Program Update and Suggestions

3/7/2025

Although most people won’t be affected, the Membership Application, Course Guide and Full Timetable have been updated by Len Jeffers for Semester 2 and are now available on the Join Us page of the website.

While there are no new courses on offer at the moment, there are some other options to be aware of in the broader U3A community. If you're looking for something new you could, for instance:

Explore nearby U3As: Other U3As in our region—like Beechworth, Wangaratta, and Goulburn Valley (Shepparton)—offer interesting courses. Some of their members attend our groups as associate members. Associate membership fees are usually lower than full annual fees and vary between U3As.
Try U3A Online: A wide range of online courses is available through U3A Online.
Visit U3A Network Victoria: Browse online courses from other U3As across Victoria on the Network Victoria website.

If you would like to convene a new course, jot your ideas down on the Program Proposal form on the Program Ideas page of the website to assist when discussing your ideas with our Course Coordinator, Anne Nelson (M: 0438 447 379 | E: [email protected]). Anne will pass your idea to the Program Committee for consideration.

'Pickleball' - Expressions of Interest from members welcome!

1/7/2025

Course Coordinator Anne Nelson is currently following up adding Pickleball to our program and would like to receive Expressions of Interest from interested members.

Pickleball is increasingly appearing among U3A programs across Australia! To give you an idea about it - the photos are from the Pickleball event held at the Benalla Indoor Recreation Centre in Benalla in June 2023 - Victorian and NSW Teams were competing in in the 'Battle of the Borders'. (It was held in Benalla due to renovations being completed at the WISAC in Wangaratta).

Pickleball is played either indoors or outdoors as singles or doubles, including mixed doubles. It’s played on a court similar in size and markings to a badminton court, but players often use an actual badminton court or mark out pickleball lines on a tennis court. It would be flexible when numbers drop in winter as can work in groups of 4, 8, 12 for doubles, or 2, 4, 6 etc for singles.

Interested in finding out more (perhaps even helping a group to be offered in the program)?
https://usapickleball.org/what-is-pickleball/
https://www.u3a.org.uk/learning/subjects/pickleball
https://u3asunshine.org.au/newweb/pickleball-outdoors-tuesday/
Rules of Pickleball - https://youtu.be/4vHhZ03O0PI

If you are interested in joining a Pickleball Group, feel free to phone Anne on 0438 447 379 with your interest.

Program News - Keen to find out about Walking Football?

11/6/2025

Semester 2 is fast approaching and at this stage we are not introducing any new courses. However, we have had suggestions of Walking Football ‘and/or’ Pickleball which would probably be played at the Indoor Rec Centre. We are interested to know how many of our members would consider joining Walking Football or Pickleball. Please contact Anne Nelson on 0438 447 379 if you would like to know more about Walking Football or Pickleball. Keen to find out more about Walking Football? ...

Other U3A's are offering Walking Football - Highlights from the incredible Walking Football Tournament we hosted during Men's Health Week, alongside U3A Melbourne City, City of Whittlesea & Football Australia.

There's an active group in V/ictoria - Walking Football for Health Victoria - which has a website (https://wf4hvictoria.org.au/) and is on Facebook( https://www.facebook.com/groups/wf4healthvictoria/)

From a men's health perspective, this video discusses the benefits of walking football for older men and introduces the development of Walking Football in conjunction with the Men's Shed Movement in Ireland: -

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

'Demystifying Psychology' - Five Session Course

'Preparing for the Future'

Critical Thinking

Digital Upskilling for Lifelong Learners

Learning and playing traditional Celtic tunes

Poetry Appreciation

Pickleball

Social Golf

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Course Suggestions

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