Greetings, all. I’d like to introduce myself as the new President of U3A Nunawading. I look forward to the privilege of leading this wonderful organisation for the next 12 months.
A quarter of a million hours!
Did you know that the number of hours attended by members of U3A Nunawading in a year is this large? And all delivered by a volunteer team and Class Leaders totalling about 350 members. Every single hour is a gift from our incredible volunteers and Leaders who pour their hearts into keeping our community vibrant, affordable, and welcoming. They are the backbone of everything we do. Next time you visit our U3A and enjoy a class, please take a moment to share a warm smile or a simple “thank you” with the volunteers who make it all possible.
AGM elects new President and three new Committee Members
On Wednesday morning 19 August 2026, we held our Annual General Meeting. Gary Walker stood down as President after four years as required by our Constitution, and I was elected as the President for the next 12 months.
Thanks to Gary for his leadership
As the new President, I wish to acknowledge Gary’s excellent stewardship of the Committee and the organisation over that time. Gary’s trust in the Committee and volunteers’ capabilities, accepting mistakes, and working towards resolving problems is a leadership style I plan to emulate. Gary will be pivotal in organising a new Strategic Review over the next 12 months.
Other Committee positions
Gary and Bronwyn Hughes were duly elected as Vice Presidents. Sue Ebert was elected as Secretary. Teresa O’Brien was elected as Treasurer.
Committee Members re-elected were Carl Di Giovini, Elsie Mutton OAM, Gita Hickman, Helen Smith, Huah Eu, Ken Briscoe, and Russell Baird. Their contributions have been very important during the year.
We welcomed three new members to the Committee of Management: Alison Jansz-Senn, Anne Crisp, and Kathy McCure. I am pleased to welcome them to the team.
Thanks to retiring Committee members
Four Committee members stepped down during the year: Paulina Chong, who was our Events Co-ordinator (but will still be looking after this important role and reporting to Course Administration); Marlene Fernandes, who has been a committee member for four years and has done a magnificent job in our Member Liaison role; Linda Hammond; and Michelle Loh (in late 2025).
To round off the morning, there was a light lunch of sandwiches, fruit, tea and coffee, and I thank the Social Committee for their planning.
See the photo gallery of the AGM here
Life Membership
At the AGM, it was my pleasure to present Ken Briscoe and Paulina Chong with Life Membership.
Ken Briscoe
Ken has been awarded Life Membership in recognition of his extensive contributions, expanding his initial weekly volunteering into a four-days-a-week commitment. During the pandemic, he served as the “Zoom Master” to keep over 80 weekly classes operational online and spearheaded the transition to the Member Wizard membership system. In addition to managing the organisation’s Facebook page and serving as Vice President, he actively represents the U3A Nunawading externally to support regional technology goals.
Paulina Chong
Paulina has been awarded Life Membership for her dedicated service and advocacy as a Leader and Committee Member. She has coordinated diverse community events, festivals, and celebrations, while championing healthy ageing as a longtime Zumba and Empowerment Class Leader. During pandemic lockdowns, she kept members physically active and socially connected by hosting chair-based Zumba and a virtual café on Zoom. Her leadership, community liaison efforts, and inspiring example of positive ageing have had an immense impact on the organisation.
Membership fee for 2027
At the AGM, it was announced that the membership fee for 2027 will be $70. The increase is to offset anticipated significant rent increases for our use of the Hub.
Tutor awards
Congratulations to French Class Leader Brigitte Ciurleo who received a Tutor Award from U3A Network Victoria at Parliament House on 30 July. Awards were presented to Class Leaders from U3As across Victoria. Gary Walker and Elsie Mutton represented U3A Nunawading at the event. Congratulations Brigitte!
Grand Opening of the Whitehorse Seniors Festival
The Grand Opening of the Whitehorse Seniors Festival will be held at the Hub on Thursday 1 October from 10 am – 3 pm. Bring your family and friends along to watch our talented members perform, as well as view our crafts, creative arts and science. More details are in the Seniors Festival article in this newsletter.
Put this date in your diary!
Term break coming up
Term 3 finishes on Friday 18 September and Term 4 commences on Monday 5 October after a two-week break. Enjoy your holiday!
Until next time
Colin