Dawn Heffernan OAM: an icon of U3A Manningham

There is indeed much talent in and around the halls of our U3A. I have had the privilege of interviewing Dawn Heffernan.

I attended her Social Philosophy class. Every seat was filled, with over 60 enthusiastic members. Two screens were on the wall for videos to be played, while a telecam was recording for the 20 Zoom students. The attentive audience was spellbound by the dynamic presentation, which was sharp, informative and peppered with humour.

Dawn encourages class participation, leading to some stimulating conversations. Her humour and presentation skills are evident throughout her classes, for example: ‘I’ve got a couple of videos here, just to stir up the neurons.’

About Dawn

Dawn has taught at 5 U3A locations, including at U3A Manningham concurrently with U3A Box Hill for 20 years and U3A Deepdene for 10 years. Not surprisingly, 9 years ago Dawn was presented with the Medal of the Order of Australia for 34 years of dedicated teaching. Indeed, an impressive record.

Dawn’s background

As a student, Dawn had a passion for mathematics and a thirst for learning and became an educator. She was a primary and post-primary school teacher of 30 years and held leading teaching positions. At the age of 37 she began a philosophy degree, which she completed with a double major. This qualified her well for her teaching at U3A.

It is amazing that this community-minded Doncaster mother of 2 children and wife of Neville (U3A Manningham President from 1992 to 1998) found time to achieve so much. She was also a member of the local Lions Club amongst many other community commitments.

Dawn says:

‘I attempt to make philosophy relevant and accessible to a wide range of members.’

She pointed to significant changes in her teaching over time: ‘Initially I summarised books, photocopied and distributed relevant pages. I now embrace the assistance of modern technology.’

Regardless of the added advantage of modern technology, there is little doubt that her spontaneous, well-researched delivery is most definitely a crowd pleaser and worthy of outstanding recognition.

Class Representative Barbara Taylor says:

Dawn’s humour is contagious and evident in her deliveries.

‘I have been attending her class for more than 25 years and I am not the only one. Before COVID there were around 130 members in her class. Once we sign up, we seem to be there for life. I think that tells you how much she is loved.’

A woman of many talents

It was a unique experience to chat with Dawn. Within 15 minutes, it was clear that she is a person of diverse skills who possesses the ability to turn her hand to any given task or subject.

Her communication skills and energy as she moves quietly between three U3As, imparting her knowledge, are undeniably impressive.

Dawn is also a talented artist. Her watercolor paintings are something to behold. She also let it slip that she has her bus and truck licence, and one must wonder what other hidden skills she has.

Dawn hopes to continue her role in 2026; however, she stresses that age could become a barrier, with medical appointments and other commitments that may arise.

Dawn Heffernan is most definitely an icon within our walls. Thank you, Dawn. You are much loved by all; keep on keeping on.

Dawn Head
Editorial Team, U3A Manningham