For U3A, it’s a coming of age

UNIVERSITY of The Third Age (U3A) has grown so much in the Cardinia Casey region that it needs more classrooms.
Full marks to Monash University for making space available for some classes, but there seems a need for U3A to widen its horizons.
This follows from the enormous expansion of the Probus Club that also provides mental and physical interests and activities for retired people.
Gembrook MP Tammy Lobato has commended the U3A movement and said she asked the Minister for Education to consider more support.
“This is a wonderful organisation that provides enormous benefit to retired people of all ages.”
Ms Lobato said one option was to provide space in new school buildings for U3A classes.
“This would come into the concept of joint use programs and sharing public facilities.
“This sharing would also acknowledge the worth of U3A. All they need is a couple of rooms and they could share literacy programs with young children. We would have a relationship working between older people and young people. Many children these days do not have the benefit of grandparents and older family members.”
Ms Lobato said the Pakenham U3A needed a more suitable venue and the Casey U3A needed more space and that she was pleased that Monash University had made space available for classes.
“When I meet with U3A members they speak about being inspired by the movement and how they learn new skills. They also share their own skills. They become more educated and they educate and all this allows them to live healthier and longer. U3A provides a social hub where people can use their minds and increase their knowledge in a wide range of subjects.
“We must embrace this and look at partnerships in supporting U3A,” she said.
Ms Lobato’s statement brings the U3A, particularly at Berwick, of age.
I recall the days when the group began at Fiddlers Green Retirement Village as Berwick U3A to later broaden its realm to be Casey U3A.
Congratulations to those with the foresight into the worth of the movement and to those who persisted in developing U3A to this official government recognition.