Policies and Procedures Coordinator
Doug Wallace is an important cog in the U3A wheel and one of those quiet achievers who work tirelessly behind the scenes to keep our organisation running smoothly. Policies and procedures may not be the most visible part of U3A, but they are essential. They provide the framework, guidelines and processes that enable an organisation as large as ours to function effectively. Without dedicated volunteers like Doug, U3A simply would not be the thriving organisation it is today.
Doug’s background
Born and raised in Ivanhoe, Doug attended East Ivanhoe Primary School before moving on to Heidelberg Technical College. At the age of 14, he left school to join the family business, beginning a long and successful career in the plastics industry.
Later, Doug joined Ford Motor Company, where he became part of the team responsible for establishing its plastics plant. Over the next 20 years, his skills and expertise took him around the world, including assignments in the United States, Europe and Japan. He eventually became Manufacturing Engineering Manager and Materials Manager.
When asked about his greatest achievements, Doug’s answer is both simple and heartfelt: ‘Marrying my wife, Margaret, and watching my children grow to adulthood.’
Professionally, he is particularly proud of his role in designing the tooling, manufacture and production of Australia’s first plastic fuel tanks and bumper bars.
Despite his busy career, Doug continued studying at night, gaining further qualifications and ultimately completing a Master of Business in Manufacturing Management.
After leaving Ford, Doug worked for a Melbourne-based company before being head-hunted by a Perth company to become Supply Manager. In 2000, Doug and Margaret decided to return to Melbourne, taking the scenic route home and enjoying a memorable 4-month caravan adventure.
A Setback and Remarkable Resilience
In 2001, Doug was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer and underwent 12 months of chemotherapy. Another serious cancer diagnosis followed in 2016. Thankfully, Doug is currently in remission and continues to contribute generously to U3A.
Joining U3A
Doug and Margaret joined U3A in 2009. Doug quickly immersed himself in classes including writing, family history, drawing, golf and German. He also became an associate tutor in Strength Training.
Doug credits strength training with helping him maintain his health, while family history sparked his creative side. Since joining U3A, he has written 2 books on the Wallace family history, 2 books on the history of Ford Australia and Ford USA, as well as several unpublished novels.
Roles at U3A
- 2012: Enrolments Manager
- 2022: Data Manager and Enrolments Manager
- 2026: Policies and Procedures Coordinator
- Committee of Management member since 2022
With the introduction of Member Wizard, Doug has handed over the Enrolments Manager role to Lyverne Newson and the Data Manager role to Foong Sim Chin and is now undertaking the enormous 18-month task of updating U3AM’s Policies and Procedures. It is a job that perfectly suits Doug’s meticulous nature and unwavering commitment to our organisation.
Doug is one of the many volunteers who quietly give their time and expertise without seeking recognition. They are the foundation upon which U3A is built and the reason we are one of the largest, well-organised and efficiently run U3As.
When asked about his next project, Doug simply says: ‘Who knows?’
Whatever lies ahead, U3A Manningham is deeply grateful for Doug’s dedication, resilience and countless hours of service.
Thank you, Doug Wallace.
Dawn Head
Communications Team