September 27, 2021
A steering committee has been formed to nurture the establishment of a University Of The Third Age (U3A) group in the South Burnett.
Interested people gathered at the Council Chambers in Kingaroy on Monday morning at the invitation of their local councillors to discuss the proposal.
U3A is a not-for-profit network of independent incorporated associations that offer short courses and activities to its members at minimal cost.
Monday’s meeting was briefed by Rhonda Weston AM and her husband David, from the Toowoomba U3A group; and Margaret Cook, from the Dalby U3A.
Rhonda is president of the Toowoomba U3A as well as serving on the Queensland committee and the international governing board.
She explained that U3A was basically a self-help organisation where members organise and host courses that interest them.
Classes could range from physical activities through to language learning, darts, chess, music lessons etc.
There are no formal qualifications … the aim is to provide stimulating and fun activities for retirees.
Rhonda said there were 35 U3A groups in Queensland, with the smallest having just 41 members.
The University of the Third Age began in France in the late 1960s. The first group opened in Australia in 1984 in Melbourne.
U3A came to Queensland in 1986 and there are 23,000 members across the State.
The classes encourage social connection and lifelong learning as well providing opportunities for healthy and active ageing.
A public meeting to further the establishment of the South Burnett group, sign up members, discuss possible courses and appoint a management committee will be held before the end of this year.
No date for this meeting has been fixed yet.
[UPDATED with correction. The U3A team spoke to South Burnett councillors as part of a community engagement day in July. It was decided at that meeting to progress the conversation. All councillors were encouraged to talk with people in their divisions who could be interested in attending Monday’s session].
Hi, is the South Burnett U3A progressing? It is a great fun forum for retirees I am sure it would be welcomed.
As far as we are aware, the South Burnett U3A members are no longer meeting.
We live in Nanango. Where is the closest U3A?
Unfortunately, plans for a local U3A appear to have fallen through. We believe U3A is operating in Dalby.