February kicks off Chinese New Year celebrations and another great year of activities and friendship at U3A. In February Snippets, we congratulate one of our own on his OAM; give you the lowdown on learning more about EVs; give you details of a great deal at Aqualink to focus on fitness; plus, there are three volunteering opportunities to consider.
OAM honour for U3A member
Congratulations to U3A member Emeritus Professor Chesney Romesh Nagarajah who was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the General Division for his distinguished service to tertiary education, as part of the Australia Day 2026 Honours List.
Professor Nagarajah was affiliated with Swinburne University of Technology during his career spanning nearly four decades, which was marked by major contributions to engineering education, research and innovation. You can read more about his remarkable achievements in this article.
EV information session
It’s short notice, but there is still time to register to attend an information session on electric vehicles (EVs) on Tuesday 10 February from 6.30 pm to 8 pm at Vermont South Library.
Seasoned EV expert Bryce Gaton will explain what to look for when choosing an EV. You can find out when it makes sense to buy an EV; how to choose a model that fits your lifestyle; and charging options at home and on the go. You’ll also discover how EVs can help reduce your household energy costs, especially when paired with solar panels or home batteries.
Attendees are welcome to stay after the presentation to check out some EV models and ask questions of local EV drivers with Eastern Climate Action Melbourne. Whether you’re actively shopping or simply exploring your options, this session will help you make an informed, confident decision. To register go to Humannitix (https://events.humanitix.com/ev101)
$28 for 28 days at Aqualink
Aqualink Box Hill and Nunawading are offering a special introductory membership for new members which provides 28 days of Total Fitness access for just $28*, with no joining fee (usually $150). This offer allows you to use the gyms, heated pools and group fitness classes at both centres, giving you time to see what suits you best and build a comfortable routine. It’s a great opportunity to get started or return to regular activity. Ready to find your routine? Learn more.
*This is a limited time offer and terms and conditions apply.
Three volunteering opportunities
Nursery assistance
Kevin Heinze Grow (KHG), a long‑established not‑for‑profit organisation providing therapeutic horticulture programs for people living with disability, mental health challenges, and social disadvantage is seeking volunteers. KHG operates a community nursery at Doncaster which raises essential funds through plant sales to directly support its therapeutic horticulture programs. Volunteers are needed on Fridays, possibly monthly, to assist with propagation, maintaining nursery spaces, and helping to build plant stock for annual plant sales. If you are interested in assisting, please contact KHG Partnerships & Philanthropy Coordinator Darren Sterling Ph: 0491 680 681.
Mindfulness research
Participants are wanted for an online survey to inform mindfulness-based interventions in people aged over 60. The study is conducted by Ranil Acharige, who is a PhD student to fulfill part of the research work requirements of his PhD program at the School of Applied Psychology, Griffith University, Gold Coast. The overall purpose of the research is to develop a mindfulness intervention with input from people with lived experiences. Participants will also have the option to express their interest for the future phases of the study.
For more information, please contact the student researcher, Ranil at: or Associate Prof. Kerryn Pike, the principal researcher of this study at
Fitness study
Deakin University at Burwood is seeking postmenopausal women aged 50-65 to participate in a research study which involves joining a 10-week supervised exercise program (two sessions per week) incorporating strength training and HIIT cycling. Participation in the program is completely free, and participants will receive a $100 Coles gift voucher as a thank-you for their time. The study has been approved by the Deakin University Human Research Ethics Committee. for more information, go to the participant screening page or scan the QR code above.