​Our membership now stands at 466 and is still growing.

We have been fortunate to receive a $1,000 grant, which will go towards purchasing implements and equipment to be used with the new stove in the kitchen. This will be discussed at the next committee meeting to determine how the funding will best be spent.

It has been a busy month, beginning with an interview on Shepparton Radio ONEFM 98.5. It went very well, as the interviewer was easy to talk to. We discussed how U3A Benalla Inc. functions, our membership, the range of courses we offer, and how people can find out more information about available courses and join U3A.

I have requested a meeting with Peter Keane, CEO of Benalla Rural City Council, and have also arranged a meeting with Greg Robertson, Manager Facilities & Information Technology, on 1 July to discuss the Master Plan, the bi-fold doors in the Auditorium, and our lease. We are hoping for some positive outcomes.

Two new courses have now been finalised: Cooking Together and Planning for the Future.

Cooking Together brings together students from FCJ College and members of U3A. The program will begin with an orientation session at U3A on Friday 17 July, from 11.00 am to 12.00 pm in Room 2. The course itself will commence at FCJ College on Friday 24 July. Participants will need a current Working With Children Check. Wendy Dean (0407 109 094), who will coordinate the course, is happy to assist anyone needing help to apply for the check.

The second new course, Planning for the Future, will also commence in Semester Two. John Barry (0421 123 472) will conduct this course in Room 1. As mentioned last month, it will consist of five two-hour sessions. Numbers will be limited to 20 participants, allowing sufficient time for discussion and questions. The course will commence on Tuesday 7 July, from 9.30 am to 11.30 am, and conclude on 1 December.

In addition to the above, I attended the Age Friendly Benalla seminar. Students from FCJ College were also in attendance, and it was encouraging to see younger people engaging with the older generation. The morning covered the themes of Social Connections, Communication and Information, and Advocacy.

Looking ahead, the Seniors Festival will be held from 1–31 October, and the year is certainly slipping away. As usual, U3A will present the Being Connected session, with the date yet to be confirmed. We will also hold our traditional barbecue on the day. I will be able to advise the date following the next committee meeting.

Watch this space.

​
Anne Nelson
President
U3A Benalla Inc.

U3A Benalla now has 461 members and is continuing to grow. This is a credit to all Convenors and Members who value what we offer. While we are a small regional town, we provide a wide range of opportunities for older members of our community.
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An exciting new course, ‘Cooking Together’, is being offered in Semester 2 in partnership with FCJ College. To be held in the FCJ College kitchen, this intergenerational program will bring together U3A members, Year 11 students studying the Certificate III in Community Services and their teacher. Through shared cooking activities and conversation, participants will enjoy learning from one another while preparing and sharing meals.  The program will begin with an orientation session at U3A on Monday 13 July, followed by eight fortnightly sessions at FCJ College commencing on Monday 20 July. Participants should arrive at 10.45 am for an 11.00 am start, with sessions concluding at 1.00 pm. Chairs will be available for those who require them.  Numbers are limited to 10 participants, although a waiting list will be maintained.  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. For further information or to register your interest, please contact Convenor Wendy Dean on 0407 109 094.

Another course being considered for the future is ‘Artificial Intelligence (AI)’. AI is becoming increasingly important and is now widely used by organisations across Victoria and beyond. We are currently seeking a Convenor for this course, with the possibility of introducing it in the 2027 program.

The Committee is also preparing for the introduction of the membership management system Member Wizard later this year. Currently, membership administration is managed by Len Jeffers, who does an outstanding job. However, as our organisation continues to grow, the workload has become significant for one person. Member Wizard will help streamline many of these tasks and reduce the administrative burden.

Convenors and Members will receive guidance and support in learning how to use the new system throughout the transition period, with an initial meeting for Convenors scheduled for Tuesday 8th July at 9 am.  Further information will be provided over the coming months.

Sadly, during the past month we lost three valued long-term members: Brian Greed, David Palmer, and Bill Edgar. Condolence cards have been sent to their families.

We also received a lovely card from Past President Margaret Jenkins, who wrote: “It has been a privilege to be President of U3A Benalla Inc for the past four years.”  Thank you, Margaret, for your dedication and service. We are pleased that Margaret continues her involvement as Convenor for both “Singing for Fun” and “Community Singing”.

Our guest speaker at Meet and Mingle in May was Mark Beazley, a professional grave digger, retired Funeral Director, and engaging storyteller.  Mark delivered a fascinating and informative presentation. Further details can be found in the “Meet and Mingle” report.

For Meet and Mingle in June, I am currently arranging a guest speaker to present on the topic of ‘Hot Air Ballooning’.


Anne Nelson