The Corangamite University of the Third Age (U3A) officially launched in Camperdown last week and already has plenty planned for the region’s seniors.

U3A caters for retired people with a thirst for knowledge and the Corangamite group hopes to offer courses across the shire.

Publicity officer Donna Ellis said about 50 people attended the launch, which also helped shape what courses the group would offer.

“We had three presentations, or little tasters of what we could offer,” she said.

These were a history session focusing on World War I soldiers settlements, a look at wine appreciation with Susie Falk, from Newton’s Ridge Winery, and a garden design presentation from Ms Ellis.

“We then had a brainstorming session to see what people would like,” Ms Ellis said. “They came up with an amazing amount of stuff.

“More than half of those there also joined up on the day so we already have a whole lot of paid-up members.”

The steering committee will now collate the ideas and is planning to run a one-day workshop this month.

“We will run a few things before Christmas and then develop a timetable for next year,” Ms Ellis said.

“We’re very grateful to the Corangamite Shire, they have been very strong supporters.”

U3A Victoria’s Harry Dobson attended the launch and presented Corangamite president Eve Black with the group’s official membership, making Corangamite the 106^th U3A group in Victoria.