July 2022
All the latest news for Victorian U3As
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The second half of our U3A education year starts this month. And, although it is still two months away, Network has begun work on our annual report and on the Annual General Meeting on 21 September.
One of the strengths of our volunteer-based movement is our transparency and sharing of goals, planning and strategies. Network always seeks to plan in conjunction with U3As, and serving on the Network Committee is one pathway for Member U3As to communicate their ideas and contribute to the planning and work of Network.
Again this year, on 29 July, Network will hold an information meeting about its goals, structure, and work. This meeting is for anyone who is considering nominating for a role as a Network office bearer or committee member and also for those who would like to hear and discuss how Network operates. Nominations for a Network position will close on 29 August. The link to register to attend the session can be found in the Dates for the Diary below.
Another AGM milestone will be announcement of the Tutor Excellence Awards. I was delighted to see U3As taking up the opportunity to feature their tutors and leaders. The U3A Network panel assessing the nominations will be working over the next two months.
Finally, I also want to mention another U3A Network activity. Member U3As in the distance membership trial are using targeted Facebook advertising to advertise their online courses to potential U3A Members. These courses are also being advertised on Network’s website. This project is using modifications to U-MAS software to trial business processes to manage the enrolment of 'distance' or 'remote' members, a category of membership that restricts them to accessing online activities. The trial has two objects – firstly, to look at a new channel to grow membership and, secondly, to make additional online courses available to members of other U3As to broaden their individual participation.
I am excited by this trial and by the possibilities of using our online capabilities to share courses and to entice new members. As a member of the working group which is running this trial, I am looking forward to helping us develop new approaches to the public and new ways of sharing among U3As. If the trial with changes to U-MAS is successful, then Network will work with U3As that use other enrolment software.
Susan Webster
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Thursday, 7 July, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Marketers Meeting
Register in advance to attend the meeting.
Please contact Tracey Swadling if you would like any information about this meeting.
Wednesday, 13 July, 10:00 am - 11:30 am
U-MAS Masterclass
Details and links to attend this workshop are sent by the convenor to attendees in advance of the meeting.
Please contact Chris Charalambous if you would like any information about this workshop.
Wednesday, 20 July, 1:00pm – 3:00 pm
Technology Corner Presents… You Think Your Passwords Are Safe?
Find out how the ‘bad guys’ get your passwords without you knowing. Explore ways of protecting yourself, even if your passwords have been stolen. This session will help you appreciate the risks involved with poor passwords and give you some strategies for keeping your account logins safe. We will also discuss the best ways of generating and remembering your passwords.
Click this link on 20 July to join the session.
Please contact Nellie Collier if you have any queries about this session.
Thursday, 21 July, 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Advocacy Project Plans and Case Studies
- What are you trying to achieve
- Who are your targets
- What strategies will you use
Register in advance to attend this meeting.
Please contact Anne Grigg if you would like any information about this session.
Wednesday, 27 July, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Planning for 2023
Network will also be running a workshop specifically for smaller U3As on Planning for 2023. The contents will be determined by those U3As registering to attend, but could include topics on: Setting membership fees; growing membership; more activities and finding venues.
Register in advance to attend this workshop.
Please contact Martina Ryan if you would like any information about this session.
Thursday, 28 July, 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
IT How To… Canva Design
This introductory, drop-in workshop will look at how to get started with the free version of Canva, so you can start making images to be used in print or online. There will also be plenty of opportunity to ask questions.
Click on this link to join the session on 28 July:
https://u3anetworkvictoria.zoom.us/j/86318524223?pwd=aklNUXhMMFZBV0pPTVczK1pvcmcxQT09
Please contact Nellie Collier if you have any queries about this session.
Friday, 29 July, 10:30 am - 11:30 am
Information Session about Vacancies on Network's Committee of Management
Please register to attend this session if you are interested in learning more about U3A Network Victoria, or in upcoming vacancies on the committee.
Register in advance to attend this meeting.
Please contact Neil Head if you would like any information about this meeting.
Wednesday, 10 August, 10:00 am - 11:30 am
U-MAS Masterclass
Details and links to attend this workshop are sent by the convenor to attendees in advance of the meeting.
Please contact Chris Charalambous if you would like any information about this workshop.
Wednesday, 26 August, 10:00 am - 11:30 am
Website Template Workshop
Details and links to attend this workshop are sent by the convenor to attendees in advance of the meeting.
Please contact Chris Charalambous if you would like any information about this workshop.
Click here for information about the list of the upcoming events, workshops and training sessions for 2022.
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Network's Annual General Meeting
Network will hold its 2022 Annual General Meeting (AGM) at 10:00 am on Wednesday, 21 September via Zoom.
The AGM will be followed by the September Members Council meeting at 11:00 am.
Please note that you must register in advance to be able to attend both meetings. Click on this link to register.
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Nominate Someone Outstanding for a Senior of the Year Award
Do you know someone who should be nominated for a 2022 Victorian Senior of the Year Award? Nominations close on July 29.
The Victorian Senior of the Year Awards are the community's chance to celebrate the many senior Victorians who share their skills, experience, time, and energy with our state. The Victorian Senior of the Year Awards are presented annually each October as part of the Victorian Seniors Festival. For more than 20 years, the Victorian Senior of the Year Awards have recognised the volunteer work and community contributions of older Victorians.
By nominating a deserving person, you can help make sure the outstanding contributions of senior Victorians are recognised.
Many 2021 recipients were nominated for stepping up to support the community during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as for their long-standing volunteer roles. Three U3A members received awards in 2021: Lois Thwaites (U3A Healesville), Greta Vallance (U3A Murrindindi East) and Valerie Donlon (U3A Nunawading).
The Victorian Senior of the Year Awards encompass six award categories:
- Premier’s Award for Victorian Senior of the Year for an outstanding contribution by an individual to their local community and Victoria.
- Promotion of Multiculturalism Award to an individual for a significant contribution to promoting the benefits of cultural diversity in their local community or in the broader community.
- Healthy and Active Living Award to an individual for helping to create active and healthy communities through community involvement and as a role model.
- Veteran Community Award to an individual for an exceptional contribution to the veteran community. The recipient of the award does not need to be a veteran.
- Ageing Well Award to an individual who has worked to combat ageism, promote social justice and engaged with their community to support ageing well initiatives.
- COTA (Council on the Ageing) Victoria Senior Achiever Awards to up to 10 individuals for significant contributions to local communities and Victoria.
Find out more at this webpage.
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Seniors Festival 2022 News
Following the success of the Reimagined online events held over the last two years due to the pandemic and the lessening of COVID-related restrictions, for the first time, the Seniors Festival, held in October 2022, will be both in person and online.
Celebration Day also returns to Deakin Edge at Federation Square on Sunday, 2 October. Contact Seniors Festival Manager, Chris Reidy, if your U3A would like to host your own marquee on Celebration Day at Deakin Edge.
In other exciting new. the Seniors Festival Hub will return to the Melbourne Town Hall from Monday, 3 October to Friday, 7 October. The Hub features live performances as well as light refreshments. Network will host a stall on behalf of all Victorian U3As at the Hub.
Contact Tracey Swadling if your U3A would like to volunteer at Network's own marquee on Celebration Day, or at the stall Network will host at the Hub at the Town Hall. Your role will be to helping members of the public find their local U3As and their activities.
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2022 U3A State Conference
This conference will feature a unique style of attendee participation - an opportunity to help develop a whole-of-U3A statement of needs, wants and plans - as well as the many attractions of meeting in one of Victoria’s most picturesque and cosmopolitan cities. Building Back Better is the post-COVID theme, with U3As looking to the future. Network encourages every general member to be part of this conference. Imagine all 104 U3As represented at the conference! What a photo opportunity, and what an exchange of ideas and a development of friendships. Another bonus - the conference dates are early in Victorian Seniors Month, with free public transport available to and from Bendigo.
Registration for the conference is $180 per person, which includes the program, the welcome cocktail party on Sunday evening, lunch on Monday and Tuesday, and morning and afternoon teas on both days.
One Member U3A Discount Ticket is available for each Victorian U3A. To register for Discount Ticket, Member U3As should email president@u3abendigo.com with the name of their U3A and the name of their nominee. Price of the Discount Ticket is $80. The conference team will match U3A nominees with registration emails and invoice accordingly.
Free public transport is available during the time of the conference for Victorian Seniors Card holders. In addition, some help is available to assist with travel costs for U3A-nominated members of a Victorian region at 50 cents per kilometre or a tank of fuel, whichever is the lesser amount.
Check the conference's webpage for updates, and information about the entertainment program.
Please send the names of your U3A's attendees to president@u3abendigo.com. Should you have any questions, please email president@u3abendigo.com or call 0490 858 469.
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Not-for-Profit Treasurers’ Awards
Mycommunity.com.au and the Commonwealth Bank are accepting nominations for the Not-for-Profit Treasurers' Awards 2022 until noon on Friday 8 July 2022. This is a fantastic opportunity to recognise the untiring, painstaking, and efficient work of your U3A's Treasurer.
For more information please see: https://communitydirectors.com.au/treasurers-awards
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Ageing Well in Victoria Action Plan Announced
The newly appointed Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers, Colin Brooks, has launched the state’s action plan for ageing well. Ageing well in Victoria: an action plan for strengthening wellbeing for senior Victorians 2022-2026.
At the launch in Melbourne, he said:
“Our state is better off because of the significant contributions of senior Victorians. Through the action plan, we are ensuring senior Victorians are appreciated, respected and enabled to live well later in life. That means a high quality of living, the ability to spend time with loved ones, the opportunity to pursue hobbies and interests, and the financial stability and community support to achieve the things seniors want.
The action plan outlines the Victorian Government’s vision to support Victorians to age well, so seniors can participate and contribute to their communities while staying close to family – whether this is in their own home, with a family member or in aged care.”
Mr Brooks also thanked the Commissioner for Senior Victorians and the members of the Senior Victorians Advisory Group, including U3A Network Victoria, for their contribution to the Action Plan and their passionate commitment to supporting older people in Victoria.
To read the plan and find accessible versions, visit this website.
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Respect Older People: 'Call It Out' Campaign Launched
Respect Victoria, in conjunction with Gerard Mansour, Commissioner for Senior Victorians, launched the Call It Out campaign in June to raise awareness around elder abuse and all forms of violence against older women. Up to 14 per cent of older people in Australia experience elder abuse, with older women more likely to be victims.
Elder abuse is a form of family violence perpetrated against older people, usually defined as people over the age of 65. The forms that elder abuse can take include financial abuse, physical abuse, sexual abuse, psychological or emotional abuse, and neglect and is most often perpetrated by adult children or relatives of older people. Older people can face stigma, isolation, the removal of personal agency, and other barriers when seeking support or considering disclosing abuse.
Helen and Ollie's story features in the campaign. It can be viewed on YouTube here.
Click this link to view more information about the campaign and how you and your U3A can get involved.
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Tutor Excellence Awards Update
Nominations for the Tutor Excellence Awards have now closed with the process showcasing some of the great work done by U3A tutors. The selection panel, consisting of representatives from Network and U3As, will meet in July and the winners will be announced at Network’s AGM in September.
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Despite the vaccine mandate being lifted for most education staff, Network’s advice to U3As has not changed. We recommend that U3As keep their policy in place for next term, and then revisit it. Winter has brought a particularly nasty flu and the number of people contracting COVID and in ICU continues to create a challenging picture for our frontline health workers.
The decision on if and when U3As opens up classes to unvaccinated members lies with the individual U3A committees of management. It is important to ensure that whatever decision is made is communicated to all members, and COVID-safe policies are updated regularly. From feedback received, it seems most members accept the decision to maintain a vaccine mandate as they understand it has been made with their best interests at heart.
If your committee decides to open classes up to unvaccinated members, keep the following health guidance in mind: https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/staying-safe
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Network is seeking regional representatives for the Gippsland, Outer South East and Mornington Peninsula, Central and Southern Metropolitan and Western Metropolitan regions. The regional representative works closely with Network’s Member Services Manager to help support U3As in their region. Part of their role is to:
- Encourage all U3As to be active members in their region, such as sharing ideas and resources, problem solving
- Attend regional meetings for their region, usually two per year
- Attend two Combined Regions Committee meetings per year
It is a great opportunity for someone interested in learning more about the U3As in their region, and being the voice for their U3As. Please contact Martina Ryan if you would like more information: (03) 9614 2657 or msm@u3avictoria.org.au
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Planning Workshop for Smaller U3As Announced
Network is running a workshop specifically for smaller U3As on ‘Planning for 2023’ on Wednesday, 27 July, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm. The topics for discussion include:
- New courses
- Website and membership management
- Making community connections
- Growing and maintaining membership.
Click here to register for workshop.
Please contact Martina Ryan if you would like more information: (03) 9614 2657 or msm@u3avictoria.org.au
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Next IT How To Workshop Topic Notified
The next IT How To drop-in workshop will look at how to create images for a Facebook post or brochure using Canva.
This introductory, drop-in workshop will look at how to get started with the free version of Canva, so you can start making images to be used in print or online. There will also be plenty of opportunity to ask questions.
This drop in session will be held on Thursday, 28 July 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Click on this link to join the session on 28 July:
https://u3anetworkvictoria.zoom.us/j/86318524223?pwd=aklNUXhMMFZBV0pPTVczK1pvcmcxQT09
The IT How To drop-in workshops are practical, introductory workshops that step participants through one specific IT skill or concept. You do not need any prior knowledge on the topic to attend and there will be plenty of time for questions and answers.
If you have a topic that you would like explained in a future drop-in session, email epm@u3avictoria.org.au.
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Technology Corner Presents…
Whilst the IT How To workshops introduce participants to one specific skill or concept at a time, Technology Corner Presents… will be more in-depth presentation. The first session will be held on Wednesday, 20 July from 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm via Zoom.
Technology Corner Presents… Think your passwords are safe?
Hosted by Helen Smith.
Find out how the ‘bad guys’ get your passwords without you knowing. Explore ways of protecting yourself, even if your passwords have been stolen. This session will help you appreciate the risks involved with poor passwords and give you some strategies for keeping your account logins safe. We will also discuss the best ways of generating and remembering your passwords.
Click this link on 20 July to join the session.
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Sources of External Grants for Your U3A
A reminder that a list of external grant opportunities is available in the U3A Support Centre (USC) section of Network’s website. To set up your access to the USC, please follow this link: https://u3avictoria.org.au/invitation.
Information in the external grants section is updated regularly and is worth keeping an eye on.
Please note, the opportunities listed do not include grants offered by your local council or shire or from your federal or state member – it is strongly recommended you sign up for their newsletters so you will receive notice of their upcoming grants.
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Useful Resources for U3A Committees
The recordings and some accompanying resources for the each of the five topics from the ‘Leadership and Governance’, and the ‘Succession Planning and Recruiting Office Bearers’ workshops have been uploaded to the U3A Support Centre (USC) section of Network's website, in the events section. They can also be found in the U3A Committee Support Facebook group.
If your U3A would like help with any governance issues, Network would be pleased to offer any one-to-one support for your committee. Contact Martina Ryan.
Network has the following private Facebook groups which offer U3As a chance to ask questions, and offer or seek advice or support from other U3As. The U3A Committee Support Group includes resources like recordings, useful documents, and so on. Please click on the links to join:
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The Course Coordinators Catch Up Closed Facebook Group
The Facebook group is a place for course coordinators to get updates, chat with other course coordinators, get ideas, ask questions, and share and store relevant resources. To join or to get support on how to use Facebook, send an email to Education Program Manager, Nellie Collier at epm@u3avictoria.org.au.
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Contact Us
Network Administration and Operations Manager
and Network News Editor - Tracey Swadling
naom@u3avictoria.org.au | (03) 9614 2207
President - Susan Webster
info@u3avictoria.org.au | (03) 9670 3659
Secretary - Neil Head
info@u3avictoria.org.au | (03) 9670 3659
Member Services Manager - Martina Ryan
msm@u3avictoria.org.au | (03) 9614 2657
Education Project Manager - Nellie Collier
epm@u3avictoria.org.au | (03) 9670 3659
Technology Project Manager - Chris Charalambous
tpm@u3avictoria.org.au | (03) 7067 8713
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