A University of the Third Age (U3A) branch is being established in Port Fairy with classes to be delivered from next year.
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Port Fairy committee president Kate Donelan has called for expressions of interest on Facebook and spoke to community members over the past couple of months to gauge interest levels and was pleased with the response from community members.
U3A provides lifelong learning for people no longer engaged in full-time work. Its programs enhance healthy, active and positive aging through social inclusion and engagement.
She said the third age referred to the third age of life after childhood and mid-life work and family commitments.
Dr Donelan said U3A was a worldwide not-for-profit education community. “Although the word university features in the title, U3A does not have any academic entry nor any entry assessment or exams and has a one only fee at the beginning of each year,” Dr Donelan said.
“We already have a vibrant and active community in Port Fairy and I am confident that U3A Port Fairy will kick off to a great start in 2019.”
The steering committee met on Monday to plan community information events, a membership drive, the branch’s official launch and its 2019 first term program.
The branch is being established with the support of the Port Fairy Community House and U3A Victoria.
Dr Donelan said Port Fairy Community House currently delivered childcare services and adult and community education courses and recognised the growing number of active and engaged retired and semi-retired people interested in continuing to learn. “U3A programs cover a wide range of disciplines and include cultural, creative, recreational and physical activities.
“Courses run by the new Port Fairy U3A may include history, literature, philosophy, science, current affairs, the environment and the creative arts,” she said.
Dr Donelan called for people who were interested in joining or running courses to get in touch.
She also called for community members with program ideas to make suggestions.
For more information or to register your interest go to the U3A Port Fairy Facebook page or email U3APortFairy@gmail.com
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