You’re never to old to learn a new skill, and U3A Toowoomba is here to help that become a reality! U3A is the University of the Third Age, an organisation focused on providing opportunities for semi-retired and retired over 50’s in the Toowoomba area with the opportunity to learn new, valuable, or just plain fun skills in a huge range of variety. President of U3A Toowoomba, Rhonda Weston, caught up with My BT’s to discuss just what U3A is all about, and how you might be able to get involved.
Q: With U3A Australia forming in 1984, and the Toowoomba branch forming in 1990 and currently boasting over 1700 members, how has U3A Toowoomba changed in 25 years?
A: The change has been subtle. Our current committee has been heavily focused on keeping current with the changing needs of it members. Retirees, in 2017 expect to have 20-25 years of ACTIVE retirement. They fully expect to keep taking on new challenges, widening their horizons, and enjoying a Healthy and Active Ageing. Under our current committee, in 6 years our membership has gone from 750 to just under 1800. This is also due to the rate of “baby boomers” retiring as well as our efficiently run organisation.
Q: How long have you personally been involved in U3A, and in that time what has your contribution included?
A: During my 6 years as President, I spent 3 years as the Queensland State President and 2 years as the Australia Alliance Chair. I am also in my 3rd year as Chair of the U3A Asia Pacific Alliance. In 2016 I was invited to be a Guest Speaker at 3 International Conference, Singapore, Reims/France and Osaka/Japan. I have been amazed at the number of countries around the world that are embracing the need for Lifelong Learning, acknowledging the important role that Seniors play in society and working hard to providing avenues for Healthy and Active Ageing for all.
Q: With your motto being ‘New interests – New friends’, there is obviously a heavy emphasis on the social aspects of having like-minded individuals involved and interacting with each other. Do you find that most people are involved for the social aspect with the new skills being of secondary importance, vice-versa, or are they equally important to your members?
A: Learning outweighs the Social aspect of U3A, however the need for social inclusion is extremely important for retirees and for some, meeting new people and making friends is important also.
Q: Currently there are over 150 courses on offer to members at U3A Toowoomba ranging from history, financial, languages other than english, and computers and technology. What courses do you find to be the most popular amongst your members?
A: Technology courses are very popular. Likewise any physical activity. (eg: We now offer swimming/aqua aerobics 6 mornings a week to try and fulfill the need). Groups that offer courses/activities that challenge the mind are also popular. Our most polular group is Dynamic Life Lecture Series. A different Guest Speaker each week, covering a diverse range of topics, this group has a roll of 160 with 130 attending each week. Other classes on offer have also increased. For the last two years we have put some 200 members a week through ipad/iphones/tablets/smart phone classes.
Q: How does U3A differ from conventional, or more traditional universities besides being aimed, and exclusive accessible to those over the age of 50?
A: U3A in Australia is open to all ( over 50s) regardless of their previous education level. There are no entry levels and no exams. Learning is entirely for pleasure.
Q: As all of the offered courses are very affordable, with some even being completely free of charge to partake in, how does U3A continue to keep the doors open and have such a huge amount of people undertaking studies?
A: All Management Committee and Tutors are volunteers, therefore with no large salaries to pay, overheads are kept to a minimun. U3A in Toowoomba has a very efficient committee, who have over the past 6 years managed the growth in membership well. We do not receive any government funding and our income is entirely from our memberships and the small fees payable to attend classes. The large amounts that we pay for leasing premises and all other operating costs are met from this.
Q: With all tutors being volunteers, do you often find yourself in a position of needing, or at least wanting more people to help educate your members in their spare time?
A: Absolutely. Our Tutor Co-ordinator is always on the look out for new Tutors. This and suitable, affordable venues are always our challenges.
Q: How could someone get involved if they would like to become a tutor at U3A?
A: Contact Tutor Co-ordinator, David Weston on 46136559 or email kintyre15@bigpond.com
Q: Are tutor positions available for those under the age of 50, or is it strictly over 50’s only?
A: To be a Tutor only, you do not have to be a member or over 50. However we only offer courses/activities Monday to Friday 9am to 4pm, which restricts full time working people assisting.
Q: when is the next lot of enrolments, and how should interested future students get in contact to ensure that they don’t miss out on their desired class?
A: You can join at any time. Some courses/activities run for a term, some run all year. We are up front and advise that we do not guarantee that you will be instantly able to enroll in the course of your choice. You may be placed on a waiting list if the class is full. Our website www.u3atoowoomba.com has all of the additional information that you might need to help you make an informed decision.
Introduce the neighbourhood to someone you think is special by asking them a series of questions. Send the answers to us via toowoomba@brisbanetimes.com.au.
