U3A MANNINGHAM INC
ANNUAL REPORT 2022
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
12.30PM WEDNESDAY 15 MARCH 2023
THE U3A MANNINGHAM VISION
To ensure that lifelong learning is a real and essential part of later life.
THE U3A MANNINGHAM MISSION
To promote the intellectual, psychological, and physical benefits of learning in later life and to achieve this through a programme of self-help learning.
THE U3A MANNINGHAM COMMUNITY FOCUS
To make appropriate and health-enhancing activities available to retired and semi-retired people in the local community regardless of ethnic status, background, gender, or educational attainment.
COMMITTEE OF MANAGEMENT
PRESIDENT DAVID McNAMARA
VICE PRESIDENT SHIRLEY FUNG
TREASURER BRYCE NORMOYLE
SECRETARY LYN DAVIES
MEMBERS ROBYN BUTTLING
MILLY CHING
RUTH FOXWELL
DAVID JENSZ
TERRY SMITH
WARWICK WRIGHT
CO-OPTED
MEMBERS TANYA GORGOROSIS
GRAEME MARTIN
DOUGLAS WALLACE
OVERVIEW
2022 commenced with great enthusiasm after 2 years of limited face-to-face interaction. While we were still confronted with QR codes, checking of vaccination status and a special cleaning regime, we were back to some level of normality. Members were magnificent in their support for each other and the organization while facing all challenges with good humour and grace.
Thank you all.
While there has been a reduction in membership, it is minor in comparison with other volunteer organizations. A one-off reduction to $50 in our annual membership fee assisted with this retention. This special reduction will not be sustainable in the future.
It was a great relief to complete the year without any closures. We were able to present the traditional highlights of our “Artistic Showcase” and “Uni-Fest” and welcome our families and friends to enjoy the festivities with us to celebrate the outstanding talent of our members.
Recent enrolment data now shows well over 50% of our members were born overseas and this has enhanced our diverse range of cultures and languages. This is also reflected in the number of new programs we have been able to introduce.
Ours is a volunteer organization in the finest sense of the word with well over 900 volunteers working in a formal capacity. These volunteers range from our Tutors, Class Representatives and Deputies, Office Staff, Catering, Equipment Repairers to Sub Committee Members. A profound “thank you” to all who assist in any way, we do not exist without your input.
COMMITTEE OF MANAGEMENT
COM members are to be congratulated for the enormous dedication exhibited over extremely difficult times. They have continued to enable this unique body to thrive.
Several COM members have served for some time, and they want it known that their positions are not sacrosanct. They would welcome any newcomer to join us and provide the energy and input of new ideas to continue the development of our U3A. Despite any problems faced, the sense of satisfaction gained is immense. A very special thanks to Ron Wilson, our Treasurer who retired in January. Ron worked tirelessly in developing a treasury team to spread the load while still maintaining the strict control of our finances, including our audit process. We are so fortunate to have Bryce Normoyle volunteer to continue Ron’s groundwork.
MANINGHAM CITY COUNCIL
2022 saw the preparation of a new lease for the Pines facility. We are fortunate that the Pines Function Room (PFR) is now part of our lease arrangements for 3 days a week. This change gives us a substantial saving on rental charges.
U3A Manningham continues to receive outstanding support from Councillors and Officers of MCC and we have no doubt that this collaborative relationship will continue well into the future. We are extremely fortunate to have a similar fruitful relationship with our co-tenants, Pines Learning Centre, and are lucky to have this organization, with like values, sharing with us.
U3A NETWORK
The U3A Network continues to provide invaluable support and guidance to us. They have recently undergone a transitional period and are now our formal link with the State Government. Also, they are in the process of establishing an Australian U3A Network which will offer us a broadened access to all levels of government.
U3A EASTERN METROPOLITAN REGION
This group comprising 14 U3A’s meet face-to-face once a term to share information and support each other with ideas/knowledge. Meeting with this group shows how beneficial it is for us to have such a supportive local Council, some U3A’s are not as lucky.
FUTURE
We can face the future with great confidence. We are financially stable, have a proven sustainable system and talented people willing to share their expertise.
2022 has seen the formation of an Information Technology Sub Committee which has undertaken research into our future IT needs in both hardware and software. We do need to streamline our process and plan for future purchases in this area of rapid change. Given our size and complexity, we also need to ensure reliability, continuity, and security. This is essential for both teaching and administrative purposes. One specific area that has been a frustration is in sourcing appropriate hearing assistance equipment for use with discussion groups. This is an ongoing search for a quality solution.
During the year we have implemented a new website. We now have a system that enables us to update information immediately. It is modern and simple to use and will allow us to expand its content. Our webmaster, Neville Cook, is to be congratulated for the smooth transition.
In conclusion, I thank everyone for their support during the past year and look forward with great anticipation to an exciting year in U3A Manningham’s continuing challenge to maintain our community focus and growth for all senior people. The future is in our own hands.
David McNamara
President
March 2023