February 2023
All the Latest News for Victorian U3As
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And so the 2023 U3A year starts!
January is the time many of us have a break to connect with family and friends in a way only holiday time allows. It has proven over the years that its also a time for U3A committees, tutors and members to think about the year ahead, plan for activities and get moving on enrolments and other preparation.
At Network we’ve had discussions and enquiries about many topics and have been really pleased to see members of our Closed Facebook groups asking questions of each other for responses to local issues.
Australia Day Honours
Each year we are thrilled to be able to acknowledge the awards received by many U3A members across the state. In this bulletin you will find 6 members who received OAM awards this year. We know that there are also local Civil awards that have been presented too. We are happy to acknowledged these in the Network News.
Copyright was one such discussion. As you know it is a complex area and we have a working group re-visiting the advice that Network provides to you. The working group has been in touch with all agencies to clarify the latest information and to answer some of the regular questions we receive from you. Once its complete we will update the information in the members section of our website. The information that is there is very dense so we aim to make it easy to navigate. In the meantime if you need any clarifications please contact Network office.
With online enrolments happening for more than half our U3As there has been lots of action from the U-MAS Support Team. I received some great feedback from U3A Mornington in praise of Jasmin Higgs, from Softsys the U-MAS supplier, who returned home from her beach holiday to provide support. The U-MAS volunteers on this team have also provided lots of help during enrolments. The efforts of all IT folk are greatly appreciated in managing our U3As! The 2023 program of support for U-MAS users can be found in the calendar section of this bulletin.
There are workshop dates and other articles in this bulletin that will be of interest to others in your U3A. It also contains a lot of administration information ie items relevant to many of your committee members.
I urge you to pass the information on to the people in your U3A who might be interested.
Closed Facebook groups; Digital Learning opportunities; workshops; research opportunities – they’re all here!
Tech Corner has arranged a range of workshops in conjunction with NBN. Great for techies and interested alike. Perhaps add them to your course offerings. We are working hard to provide things of relevance and being careful of not overloading the calendar!
Distance Education has been gaining traction amongst U3As. Many U3As see it as a way to provide more classes for their members. Many tutors and many members are very keen to be involved. Tutors are keen to share their classes with an audience across the state/country/world and to have people involved who cannot attend face to face classes for a range of reasons. Members are keen to attend but time, illness our mobility can be issues. There is a list of distance classes listed below so you can provide these to your members.
Our role at Network includes the provision of support to U3As (Committees, Course Coordinators, techies Marketers and so on) and support your local Networks. I can’t tell you how many time I’ve heard U3A members or committees say ‘I didn’t know Network helped with…..’.
Our over-arching goal this year is to improve communication to and from Network. We can only do this if we have your support in sharing information with your U3A!
Live Learn Enjoy!
Annie Grigg
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Key dates for Term 1 2023
Marketing 101 Training
Thursday, 16 February 2023
Investment Scams and How to Keep Your Financial Information Safe
Wednesday, 22 February 2023
Gippsland Regional Meeting
Tuesday, 7 March 2023
Course Guide Information Session
Wednesday, 8 March 2023
Western Metro Regional Meeting
Tuesday, 14 March 2023
Members Council Meeting
Wednesday, 15 March 2023
Marketers Meeting
Thursday, 16 March 2023
Outer Eastern Regional Meeting
Friday, 17 March 2023
Phishing Scams, how to protect yourself from those annoying texts and emails
Wednesday, 22 March 2023
Loddon Mallee Regional Meeting
Thursday, 23 March 2023
South Western Victoria Regional Meeting
Friday, 31 March 2023
North East Victoria Regional Meeting
Tuesday, 4 April 2023
Mailchimp Training
Thursday, 6 April 2023
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Australian Day Honours for U3A Members
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U3A Port Phillip member, John Craven, has received an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) in the Australia Day honours list.
The citation states:
Dr John Alexander CRAVEN, Middle Park VIC 3206 For distinguished service to food biosecurity and environmental safety, to veterinary science research, and to the dairy industry.
Agriculture • Director, Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority, 2011-2016.
• Director, Terip Solutions Pty Ltd, 1997-2016.
• Author, Craven Review of Veterinary Science Education and Registration Requirements, 2005.
• Farm Portfolio Manager, Dairy Research and Development Corporation, 1989-1997.
• Member, Chicken Meat Research Council, 1987-1991.
Food Standards Australia New Zealand
• Director, 2002-2009.
• Agricultural Representative, Victorian Food Standards Committee, 5 years.
Education
• Chair, Animal Ethics Committee, Swinburne University of Technology, 2012-2017.
• Chair, Veterinary Schools Accreditation Advisory Committee, Australasian Veterinary Boards Council, 2001-2006.
• Member, Peer Review Panel, NZ Tertiary Education Commission, 2012, 2006, and 2003.
• Academic Associate, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Melbourne, c1974- 1985.
Department of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Victoria
• Regional Manager, 1986-1989.
• Officer in Charge, Attwood Veterinary Research Laboratory, 1971-1986.
• Member, Board of Enquiry, Australian Dairy Industry, 1975-1976.
Professional Associations • Foundation Member, Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists, since 1971.
• Life Member, Australian Veterinary Association, current.
Awards and Recognition include:
• Doctor of Veterinary Science, DVSc (honoris causa), University of Melbourne, 2017.
• Dairy Research Foundation Award in Dairy Science, NSW Dairy Corporation, 1999.
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Garry Fabian of U3A Glen Eira has received a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM).
The citation states:
Mr Garry FABIAN, Caulfield South VIC 3162 For service to the community through a range of organisations.
Jewish Community
• Board Member, Victorian Association of Jewish Ex and Servicemen and Women Australia (VAJEX).
• Volunteer, Jewish Holocaust Centre, since 2021.
• Former Chairman and current member, B'nai B'rith Victoria.
Writer
• Journalist and Editor, Courage to Care (Victoria) Incorporated, since 2005.
• Autobiography, 'A Look Back Over my Shoulder', 2002.
• Senior Partner, RealWrite Media Consultants, since 2000.
Community • Former President, Rotary Club of Glen Eira. •
Member, University of the Third Age.
Ex-Servicemen's Organisations
• Volunteer, Shrine of Remembrance.
• Member, Monash sub-branch, Victorian Branch, National Serviceman's Association of Australia.
• Member, Royal Australian Naval Reserve,1956-1960.
Awards and Recognition include:
• Order of Merit, Federal Republic of Germany, 2021.
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U3A Euroa and District member, Judi Hanlon has received a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the Australia Day honours list.
The citation states:
Ms Judith HANLON, Shepparton VIC 3630 For service to the communities of Euroa and Shepparton.
Community
• Secretary, Euroa and District University of the Third Age, current.
• Member, Shepparton Moira Red Cross Emergency Team, since 2017. Team Convenor, since 2020.
• Member, Kiwanis Club of Shepparton Sunrisers, since 2016.
• Volunteer Manager, Euroa Community Cinema, 2008-2016 and Volunteer, current.
• Volunteer, Vision Australia Radio, 2022.
• Volunteer, People Supporting People, Shepparton.
• Member and Volunteer, Australian Red Cross, current.
• Volunteer, Kids Helpline fundraising, 2000-2004. •
Member, Community Committee, Shepparton Kids Town, 1990s.
• Volunteer and Committee Member, Citizens Advice Bureau, Shepparton, 1970s.
• Board Member, Shepparton Driver Training Complex, 1980-1986.
• Committee and Secretary, Longwood Community Centre, 2000-2013.
• Trustee, Queen Victoria Womens Centre, Melbourne, 1995-1999.
Career
• Executive Officer, Strathbogie Shire Council, 2006-2011.
• Personal Assistant, CEO Euroa Health, 2002-2004.
• Circulation and Promotions Manager, Shepparton News, 1989-2001.
• Promotion of Adult Education Centre (CAE), 1984-1989.
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The Late John McDonald, the founding President of U3A SurfCoast received the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM).
The citation states:
The late Mr John Reid McDONALD Formerly of Torquay VIC 3228 For service to the community through a range of roles and organisations.
Rotary Club of Torquay
• Treasurer, 2018-2019.
• Secretary, 2016-2017.
• Assistant Secretary, 2015-2016.
• Community Service Director, 2012-2013.
• Immediate Past President, 2011-2012.
• President, 2010-2011.
• Member, since 2001. Rotary Club of Mulgrave
• President, 2001-2002.
• Former Vocational Chairman. • Member, 1988-2002.
Barwon Water
• Chair, Audit and Risk Management Committee, 2009-2011.
• Member, Executive Renumeration Committee, 2009-2011.
• Deputy Chair, 2004-2011.
• Board Member, 2003-2011.
Other
• Board Member, Corangamite Catchment Management Authority, 1997-1999.
• Chief Executive Officer, Southern Rural Water, 1988-1995.
• Chairman, Parents Association', Haileybury College, Keysborough, 1980, 1983.
• Former Chair, Lions Village Torquay Incorporated.
• Former Chair, University of the Third Age.
• Former Member, RSL ANZAC Day Coordination Team, Torquay Sub-Branch, Returned and Services League of Australia.
• Former Committee Member, Torquay Book Fair.
• Former Volunteer, Torquay Food Aid.
• Former Member, Environmental Advisory Committee, Surf Coast Shire.
Awards and Recognition include:
• Paul Harris Fellowship, Rotary International, 1992.
• Avenue of Service Award, Rotary International.
• Local Legend, Surf Coast Shire, 2020, 2021
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Reuben Urban of U3A Glen Eira received a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM).
The citation states:
Mr Reuben URBAN, Brighton East Vic 3187 For service to the Jewish community.
Progressive Judaism of Victoria
• Coordinator, Men's Group, since c2017.
• Volunteers' Coordinator, Meals Program, Sacred Heart Mission St Kilda, since 2010.
• Founding Member, approx. 1990. Temple Beth Israel Inc
• Board Member, circa 1979-1988.
• Past Chair, Planning Committee.
• Editor, Temple Time monthly magazine, c1980-1990.
• Member, since 1974. Community • Volunteer Guide, Scienceworks, since 2010.
• Volunteers Coordinator, Impact for Women charity, since 2006.
• Teacher / Mentor, Glen Eira University of the Third Age (U3A), since 2006.
• Area Manager, Neighbourhood Watch Glen Eira, 1989-2005.
• Treasurer, City of Glen Eira Brass Band, since 1990 and Musician, since 1968.
• Founder and Coordinator, Biology Teachers Network, 1980-2005.
Awards and Recognition include:
• Ner Tamid Award, Union for Progressive Judaism, 2015.
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Douglas Wright of U3A Bendigo received a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM).
The citation states:
Mr David Douglas WRIGHT, Strathdale VIC 3550 For service to the community of Bendigo.
Bendigo Chorale
• President.
• Choir Member.
• Board. Bendigo Trust
• Chairman.
• Administrator, since 1993.
• Life Membership, 2020.
• Board Member, 1993 - 2020.
Bendigo Volunteer Resource Centre
• Treasurer.
• Member, Advisory Committee, since 2002.
Bendigo Easter Fair Society
• Chair, Easter Fair Committee.
• Chair, Way of the Cross Committee.
• Life Membership.
• President, 2011.
• Producer, Passion Play.
Capital Theatre
• Establishing Member, 1991.
• Committee Chairman.
• Life Membership.
• Fundraiser.
Eaglehawk Community House
• President, 2018.
• Treasurer.
• Member, Committee of Management, 2001-2021.
• Volunteer, 2009-2021.
• Life Membership, 2019.
Uniting Church •
Choirmaster/Organist, Several Uniting Churches, current.
• Chairman, Church Council.
Health
• Board Member, Amicus Disability Service, 2012-2016.
• Board Member, Boort Hospital.
• Member, Bendigo Health Volunteer reference committee, since 2015.
Arts
•Organiser, Music 81 Committee, 1981.
• Establishing, Bendigo Symphony Orchestra, 1981.
• Founder, Foundation for the Bendigo Community Theatre and Arts.
• Choir, University of the Third Age. Sport • Independent Chairman, Lords Raceway, since 2020.
Community
• Boort Progress Association.
• Member, Regional Archives Advisory Committee.
• Volunteer coordinator, Skilled Volunteer Group.
• Chairman, Kennington Primary School Council, 1978-1981.
• McIvor District Scout Association, 1981 - 1985.
• Treasurer, Relay for Life Bendigo.
• Volunteer, University of the Third Age.
Qualification
• Justice of the Peace
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Technology Community of Practice
The collaboration with NBN Co Community and Stakeholder Engagement team has expanded to provide support to the U3A Digital Literacy Support program. The expanded support will be in the form of provision of co-ordination support to the U3A Technology Community of Practice (TCP), access to resources and facilitation of a monthly forum.
Whittlesea U3A collaborated with NBN Co to successfully develop and implement the expanded Digital Literacy support program during 2022 and supported U3A Geelong to collaborate with nbn and the Geelong Regional Library to successfully trial the expanded program in the Geelong area.
Access to the additional resources will be via the Tech Corner Facebook group. Chris Charalambous in the Network Office can assist members wishing to join Tech Corner.
The TCP will facilitate a monthly series of forums to provide Technology Mentors and Interested Members hear topic experts provide updates on cyber safety, use of smart devices, management of digital legacy, data breach awareness as well as share their experiences and discuss solutions to issues they may have.
Bernardo Figueiredo RMIT (Shaping Connections RMIT – U3A Research Project) has also agreed to arrange access to relevant content in posts to Tech Corner to promote participant discussion and assist them access support resources.
The 2023 monthly series of TCP forums will commence on Wednesday, 22 February from 10:30 am to 12:00 pm. The access links to participate in the forum will be posted to Tech Corner.
The format of the monthly Forums and the schedule of topics to be covered are:
| 2023 MONTHLY TCP FORUM |
| Moderator |
Glen Wall, Network Collaborations snd Digital Partnerships |
| Webinar Facilitator |
NBN TCP Support Coordinator |
| AGENDA |
| ITEM |
TOPIC |
| 1 |
Introduction news update |
| 2 |
TCP Coordinator introduces subject expert who introduces the webinar topic |
| 3 |
Run webinar |
| 4 |
Subject expert leads a discussion Q&A |
| 5 |
TCP Coord promotes technology support hub program |
| 6 |
Participants share experiences |
| 7 |
Summary and close |
The themes for selected for each Forum and the dates scheduled are:
| 2023 MONTHLY TCP FORUM – WEBINAR TOPICS |
| Date |
Time |
Topic |
| Wednesday, 22 February |
10:30 am to 12:00 pm |
Investment Scams and How to Keep Your Financial Information Safe |
| Wednesday, 22 March |
10:30 am to 12:00 pm |
Phishing Scams, how to protect yourself from those annoying texts and emails |
| Wednesday, 26 April |
10:30 am to 12:00 pm |
Other common scams you may be receiving and how to protect yourself |
| Wednesday, 24 May |
10:30 am to 12:00 pm |
What are data breaches, how to secure your online accounts and set strong passwords |
| Wednesday, 21 June |
10:30 am to 12:00 pm |
How to stay safe while shopping online and on social media |
| Wednesday, 26 July |
10:30 am to 12:00 pm |
Tips to secure your smart devices and personal information |
| Wednesday, 23 August |
10:30 am to 12 |
ScamWatch website tour, general scams tips, and open Q&A |
| Wed 13th September |
10:30 am to 12:00 pm |
Your digital legacies what to know and keep in mind |
| Wednesday, 18 October |
10:30 am to 12:00 pm |
How to do speed tests and optimise your Wi-Fi connection across your house |
| Wednesday, 8 November |
10:30 am to 12:00 pm |
Scams Awareness Week 2023 – How to protect yourself from the common scam trends happening today |
| Wednesday 13 December |
10:30 am to 12:00 pm |
Common smart devices that people are now using |
There is flexibility built into the program to include the concept of “Tips and Tricks” and all sessions will be recorded for Tech Corner members.
Please contact Glen Wall, U3A Network Collaborations and Digital Partnerships Co-ordinator for further information.
Email glen.wall@u3avictoria.org.au or mobile 0403 428 892.
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Mentoring May
Network supports U3A members to have a go at running a new class at their U3A by providing guides to popular U3A courses. The course guides have step-by step instructions on how to run the class, including discussions, slides and links to resources. Mentoring, including demonstration of activities and teaching tips, is also available to Members wanting to run the course at their U3A.
Mentoring programs will be run in May for the following course guides:
- Understanding Friendship in Later Life
- Scribblers (art)
- First Nations
- Curious About Science
If there is someone at your U3A who might like to participate in course guide mentoring in May, they can register their interest at https://forms.office.com/r/xT487dNWdK
An information session will be held on the course guides and mentoring program on Wednesday Mar 8, 2023 at 12pm. Join Zoom Meeting on the link below.
https://u3anetworkvictoria.zoom.us/j/82259710121?pwd=Um1xMUs5LzJBblA4RmQ5ZG4xSk1BZz09
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Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the University of the Third Age Movement Worldwide
The U3A Network Queensland State Conference 2023, hosted by U3A Rockhampton from 8 to 11 May 2023, will celebrate 50 years of U3A worldwide. The U3A Rockhampton organising team have arranged an impressive line up of guest speakers and events that will make this conference an event to remember. The theme for the Conference is ‘U3A Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow’.
This Conference will attract international guest speakers including Professor Francois Vellas, President of AIUTA (Association of International Universities of the Third Age) and Professor Maria Chester, Secretary General AIUTA .
For further information about the conference, please click on this link.
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Research Opportunity with RMIT
Are you an older adult and animal lover who shares stories online on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram?
Do you love sharing stories and images?
We would love to talk to you!
You are invited to take part in this research project called Ethnographies of Rituals and Sharing of Animal Images Online by Older Adults. You have been invited because you are an older adult pet owner and member of the Cherished Pets community.
This study investigates whether the sharing of animal images online by older adults represents their feelings and experiences of animal companionship, towards understanding the value of these “more-than-human” relationships in their lives. This study builds on previous work with the Cherished Pets Foundation which explored the values and meanings of companion animals in older adult lives with observational research of animal companionship. This study will capture insights into what the sharing of pictorial vignettes of companion animals online says about the everyday rituals and routines of older adults in a datafied world. The findings will be published in a research paper.
If you are interested, please contact Larissa Hjorth: larissa.hjorth@rmit.edu.au
Image credit: Peta Murray.
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Changes to the MOU with La Trobe University
U3A Network Victoria President, Annie Grigg, received a communication from the Deputy Vice Chancellor - Students of La Trobe University, regarding recent changes to the auditing policy that affects U3A member participating in La Trobe subjects. The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) (2016) supported U3A members to undertake learning as audit students. The university is no longer able to offer this to students not enrolled at their university. This has resulted in the decision to rescind the auditing policy as of Semester 1 2023.
La Trobe University hopes to be able to identify a list of subjects for Open Access in a range of disciplines in the future.
Click this link to read the letter in full.
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Expressions of Interest Now Open for Pickleball
Is your U3A interested in being part of U3As running a Pickleball program? The purpose of the group would be for U3As to support each other, share ideas, future plans and upcoming events. This group would also be helpful to support U3As that are just starting to get involved in the program. Meetings would take place via Zoom and would be supported by Network.
The initial meeting is really to get a sense if this would be useful, and decide how often meetings will take place etc. The meeting is on Thursday 16 February 2023 at 4:00 pm and the link to register for the meeting is here.
If you are unable to attend the meeting, but would like to find out more – please complete this form and Network will be in touch: https://forms.office.com/r/tLyVRkchbY.
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Walking Football Opportunity
If your U3A is interested in finding out more about the Walking Football program or is interested in being part of the Walking Football support group or community of practice, please complete this form: https://forms.office.com/r/PT6s2buHtu.
To see Walking Football in action – see this short video.
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The first round of regional meetings for 2023 start in March. The dates for each meeting are in the ‘Events’ section of Network’s website and listed in the ‘Dates for your Diary’ section of this newsletter.
Please send a representative from your U3A ready to share ideas on how you do things at your U3A; what is working for you; what support you may need, and have them report back to your committee on what others in the region are doing. Whether you are the largest or the smallest U3A in your region, your input to the meetings can spark ideas and make a huge difference to other U3As.
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Distance education courses open to U3A Members.
U3A Mornington has several courses that are available via Zoom for members of other U3As to join. To enrol they will need to join U3A Mornington as a Restricted Member for an annual membership fee of $10.00.
23LIF03: Journey to Tranquility
23LIF04: Buddhism-Ongoing Insight
23LIF08: Intro to Buddha’s teaching – weekend retreat (F2F)
23LIF09: Living younger longer-Tuesday
23LIF10: Living younger longer-Friday
U3A Darebin are opening their course to members of other U3As, at no charge. You can use the overview to advertise the course to your members.
Sometimes Readers U3A
This group is the result of an experiment during Lockdown where a group of readers decided to read Dostoevsky's Crime and Punishment as a Facebook Group. We were to read slowly - a half an hour each day. Over time we have read ten books in this way. It has been great fun and in 2023 it is being offered as a distance class to U3A members.
How it Works: The Convener will set up a schedule for the reading comprising about 15 pages a day. She will start each day with a few observations on the Facebook Page and others can add their thoughts and ideas as they see fit. The suggestions for how this will work will be on the Facebook Page instructions. Members of the group contribute as much or as little as they like. If the group wishes, a zoom catch up will be held at the end of each book.
We will start in Feb 2023 with the classic Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck. This is available on-line free or very cheaply, from book shops and libraries and as an audio book for those who prefer this medium. The link for the group is https://www.facebook.com/groups/5559797564069433.
U3A Geelong are opening two of their online courses to members of other U3As, at no charge. You can use the overview to advertise the course to your members.
Laughing - early movie comedy and invention
An enthralling mixture of presentations, discussions, pictures, film clips and films, this series sets out to bring about a re-appreciation of Laurel and Hardy. Please join me – I love their work and have always loved it. What is the appeal that still draws people to them so warmly?
Class 955-01 Tutor: Dr Bruce Watson
Monday 1.30 – 3.30pm
Start date: 31/1, 6/2, 13/2, 20/2, 27/2, 6/3, 20/3, 27/7
Living Science for non-scientists
How are we alive? Biochemistry helps us understand the mechanisms that occur in cells and organs. Some basic concepts of biochemistry. Lots of examples of real life No prior knowledge is assumed. A relaxed and flexible approach to suit the group.
Class 1029-01 Tutor: Dr Bruce Watson
Wednesday 1.30 – 3.30pm
Start date: 1/2, 8/2, 15/2, 22/2, 1/3, 8/3, 15/3, 22/3, 29/3, 5/4
U3A Members will need to join U3A Geelong online through the website. They will need to register in the CARER category which is free. This will provide Bruce with their email address, and he will contact them directly.
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Contact Us
Network Admin and Operations Manager - Tracey Swadling
naom@u3avictoria.org.au | (03) 9614 2207
President - Anne Grigg
annie.grigg@u3avictoria.org.au | 0408 638 151
Secretary - Neil Head
secretary@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) 9602 2033
Technology Project Manager - Chris Charalambous
tpm@u3avictoria.org.au | (03) 7067 8713
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