New computer software for U3AM

Member Wizard has been adopted by U3A Network Victoria as its preferred software. The State Government has provided financial support and so the software is free of charge to all Victorian U3As. Our Committee of Management has established a Steering Group to manage the transition, particularly for membership, enrolment and class management in 2026.

The Steering Group comprises Neville Cook (Project Manager), Doug Wallace and Foong Sim Chin. Supported by an Evaluation Team, the Steering Group will be putting the software through a thorough testing program before preparing user guides and a comprehensive training program. Our thanks to the Steering Group and their support teams for testing, assessing and planning for the gradual transition.

Documenting policies and procedures

Digital documentation of our policies and procedures is vital for continuity and succession planning, especially as committee roles can change unexpectedly. Our Policies and Procedures Documentation Subcommittee has been busy developing digitally accessible records to support future office bearers. The aim is to enable a smooth transition into leadership positions.

Thanks to subcommittee members Doug Wallace (Chair), Jillian Gange (Secretary), Milly Ching, Andrew Barnett, Robyn Buttling and Neville Cook for their work on this essential and ongoing project.

Oaks Day party

We’re excited to host our first Oaks Day celebration at U3AM! It will be held on Thursday 6 November from 2:00 to 4:00 pm. All afternoon classes will be cancelled for the event, which will include fun activities, prizes and refreshments. Dress up in Oaks Day style and enjoy the festivities.

Thanks in advance to Catering Manager Maureen Bowman and her team for their preparations, and to Graeme Mills for organising the entertainment. Due to limited space in the Pines Function Room, bookings (free) will be essential. Please look out for details on our website closer to the day.

Our attendance records

Despite the winter chill, it’s encouraging to see strong attendance across most classes. However, we’ve noted that a few members enrolled in yearlong courses rarely attend or miss entire terms. If your availability is limited, please consider enrolling in shorter courses. This will free up spots in yearlong courses for the members on waitlists.

Thank you to all our volunteers

When I pop my head into the various areas of our U3A, I find our volunteers working tirelessly to keep U3AM running smoothly.

Beyond our walls, the Multi-instrumental Group (MIGs) performs at retirement villages and aged care facilities. On 16 June they entertained the residents at Arcare Aged Care Templestowe. U3AM member Graeme Mills led the residents in a singalong session at the same event. Congratulations also to our MIGs on their recent interview and performance on 96.5FM radio. Thank you for promoting U3AM so well.

Closer to our U3AM base, we thank our Migrant English Program team: tutors, coordinator Felicity Cronan, co-coordinator Gabrielle Jang, and tutor training coordinator Ken Coleman. This program helps non-English speakers improve their English language skills and integrate into the community. We also thank former coordinator Foong Sim Chin for her continued support. If you’d like to make a difference, we encourage you to volunteer as a tutor.

My grateful thanks to all our dedicated volunteers for their commitment and hard work in creating the warmly welcoming and inclusive environment to which we all belong.

My best wishes to everyone for an enjoyable Term 3.

Shirley Fung
President