Thank you, volunteers
At U3A Manningham, our aim is to provide lifelong learning, social connection and mutual support for our members. As a not-for-profit organisation we rely on our members to volunteer their time for the many administrative and teaching tasks that keep our organisation operating effectively. We are very proud and grateful for the many members who contribute their time and skills to make U3AM the vibrant community that it is. To thank our volunteers a luncheon was held on 2 September (see Volunteers’ thankyou lunch in pictures). It was heart-warming to see such a wonderful turnout.
A matter of safety and security
When using the Pines Function Room (PFR), please enter only through the main internal entrance and exit via the door at the back of the PFR. This arrangement avoids congestion and ensures a smooth flow of foot traffic through the PFR.
Members using the PFR often keep their belongings in the back room, which is very close to the back door. For security reasons, the back door should be kept shut except when members are exiting.
Oaks Day
As well as providing opportunities for enjoyable learning, U3AM aims to bring members together through social and celebratory events. Our Oaks Day Celebration is one such occasion. This year’s celebration will be held on Thursday 5 November. Following last year’s highly successful event, organised by our wonderful Oaks Day coordinator Graeme Mills, we can look forward to another entertaining afternoon full of engaging activities. See Graeme’s article Oaks Day 2026 for preliminary details.
Artistic Showcase and uniFEST
Thursday 26 November will be a special day when our members can display and demonstrate the skills they have developed throughout the year. The Artistic Showcase, from 10 am to 3 pm, will proudly display the fine art and craft work of our members. From 12 to 4 pm, uniFEST will showcase our members’ outstanding skills in the performing arts and fitness routines. Luncheon will be served in between from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm.
We warmly welcome friends and family of members to attend. Members should wear their name tags and, for security reasons, accompany their guests when entering the U3AM building.
Our thanks to Liew Staras and her support team for organising the Artistic Showcase, and to John Liew and the Multi Instrumental Group for organising uniFEST. We are also fortunate to have our exceptional Catering Team, headed by Maureen Bowman, preparing luncheon for the day. Thank you, Catering Team.
Summer School
For those who would like to continue the year’s enjoyable activities into the New Year, Summer School provides a wonderful opportunity to connect with friends, keep active and enjoy a range of short courses. Our thanks to Summer School Coordinators Liz Haylock and Don O’Gorman and to the tutors for creating an exciting experience for members during the summer break in January 2027. Look out for more information in our next newsletter.
Membership registration and enrolment
The time for renewing memberships and enrolling in classes for 2027 is approaching. This year we’ll be using Member Wizard for both processes (see Membership renewal and 2027 enrolments for details).
New members are very welcome. Membership is open to people interested in engaging with others in sharing educational, creative, leisure and social activities to keep their minds active.
Enrolment dates for each priority level are listed in the Term 4 calendar. Initially, each member will be able to enrol for a maximum of 3 courses. This arrangement is designed to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to gain entry into some of the courses of their choice. The 3-course limit will be lifted in mid-January 2027, after which members may enrol in additional courses. Summer School is exempt from the 3-class limit.
New tutors welcome
As the New Course Coordinator, I have enjoyed recruiting new tutors who have delivered a wonderful range of interesting courses this year. I am always looking for tutors who would like to teach basic level languages, fitness, financial management, science topics, healthy ageing and other engaging subjects.
If you have a skill, interest or other area of expertise that you would like to share with our members, I would be delighted to hear from you. Please contact me through the U3AM Office.
Important dates in Term 4
Term 4 is always busy. For a listing of important dates, see the Term 4 calendar.
Year end
As we approach the end of the year, I would like to sincerely thank our many volunteers for their time and effort in keeping U3AM running smoothly and contributing to another successful year. A huge thank you also goes to our Committee of Management for their continued work in managing the day-to-day operations of U3AM and helping us achieve our organisational goals.
As we look forward to the end-of-year break, I wish all our members a happy and festive holiday season. I look forward to welcoming you back in 2027, refreshed and ready for another year of stimulating activities and learning.
With my very best wishes,
Shirley Fung
President