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Spring is here and the warmer weather means more fun events. In this edition, we have information about the gem show being held by the Nunawading Lapidary Club, our neighbours at the Hub; an afternoon of Christmas songs and carols coming up; advance notice of our Summer School and a My Aged Care session in January next year; as well as a reminder about Thunderstorm Asthma and how to be prepared if you are at risk.

There is also an opportunity, through U3A Victoria, to attend university classes at no charge and two research projects you may be interested in joining. And congratulations to our Pickleball team for a win in a friendly competition against U3A Knox! 

Summer School starts 18 January, 2027

2026 Summer School activities

Our Summer School program has been created to offer something for everyone — a lively mix of topics that are fun, fascinating and inspiring. You can explore everything from karaoke and facial massage to gut health, heart disease, contemporary music, and even the latest ’wonder drug’: exercise! And that’s just the beginning. Places fill up quickly, so be sure to enrol early!

Summer School Hub Classes AND Excursions: Monday 18 January – Friday 22 January, 2027

There is NO extra fee to attend Summer School, however, some classes do have a fee for materials or an entry ticket for excursions.

Summer School enrolments for current members open on Monday 23 November and for new members, enrolments open on Wednesday 25 November. You can choose up to five Summer School courses during the first week of enrolments. See the Key information for 2027 enrolments article in this newsletter for more details.

Carl Di Giovine
Summer School Convenor

Pickleball match against U3A Knox

On Monday 6 October, our Pickleball team of 17 players had a friendly competition against U3A Knox in Rowville Community Centre. It was a great day of fun followed by a wonderful afternoon tea. For some, it was an experience playing in a competition and against other people. Well done to our team for a convincing overall win!

Jo Wee
Pickleball Class Leader

My Aged Care small group discussion

Do you need support to understand My Aged Care? Join the Positive Ageing team at this workshop to learn about:

  • My Aged Care services
  • How to obtain a My Aged Care assessment
  • How to be connected to services
  • Ask any questions you might have about My Aged Care

Where: Nunawading Community Hub, Meeting Room 2
When: Thursday 28 January, 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Cost: session is FREE but bookings are essential
How to book: call us on 9262 6333 or email

Whitehorse Gem Show

Nunawading Lapidary Club is running their annual gem show at the Hub this coming weekend with sales and displays of members’ hand-crafted jewellery, rocks, minerals, fossils, gemstones etc. Jewellery demonstrations and club room tours.

When: Saturday 17 October, 10 am to 5 pm and Sunday 18 October 10 am to 4 pm (last entry 3:30 pm)
Cost: Entry fee $5, children under 12 free with a paying adult. No concessions.

Thunderstorm asthma

Every year, spring brings an upcoming risk of epidemic thunderstorm asthma in Victoria during grass pollen season (1 October – 31 December). For people with asthma or springtime hay fever, especially those who experience wheezing or coughing with their hay fever, thunderstorm asthma can be sudden, serious and even life-threatening. If you suffer from asthma or hay fever, you should be prepared.

From 1 October, Epidemic Thunderstorm Asthma Risk Forecasts will be available on VicEmergency – a three day forecast that is updated daily. If you are at risk:

  • Check the forecast everyday
  • Set up a watch zone through the VicEmergency app for automatic alerts in your area
  • Avoid thunderstorms and particularly the wind gusts that come before them
  • Take preventative medication as prescribed and carry reliever medication daily throughout spring and summer

Find out more about the Epidemic Thunderstorm Asthma Forecast and about  Thunderstorm Asthma on the Better Health Channel

Rejoice and Be Merry

Cantate Singers Melbourne are providing an uplifting afternoon of Christmas songs and beloved traditional carols. Cantate Singers and members of The Australian Youth Choir will bring warmth, energy and festive cheer to the season.
Conductor: Bill Simmons
Accompanist: Jane Matheson

Date & Time: Saturday 21 November 2026 at 2.00 pm
Location: Our Holy Redeemer Hall, York Street, Surrey Hills, Victoria
Tickets: are available now through TryBooking: www.trybooking.com/DITGJ

RMIT University + U3A Age-Inclusive Lifelong Learning (ALL) Program

RMIT University is offering its inaugural Age-Inclusive Lifelong Learning (ALL) Program, providing senior learners with the opportunity to experience university study alongside current RMIT students. Developed as a unique offering for the U3A Victoria Network, the program enables participants to attend face-to-face classes over a 12-week semester at RMIT’s Melbourne City Campus, where they will undertake a university subject free of charge.

The program is designed to foster intergenerational learning, with participants contributing their life experience while engaging with contemporary university study in a supportive and inclusive environment. Learn more about how the program will operate and explore the range of subjects available across business, law, technology and sustainability disciplines, from Marketing Principles and Personal Wealth Management to Economics of AI and Regenerative Futures, with many more options to choose from. 

Details of interested participants will be shared with RMIT, which will manage the selection process and support successful applicants through enrolment. Expressions of interest will be advertised next month!

Learn more at the upcoming Online Information Sessions. There are two dates to choose from. Register now:

Venue: RMIT Melbourne City Campus, Melbourne VIC
Dates: Semester 1, 2027 (March-June 2027)
Places available: 30

RMIT research call-out: Generative AI

Image by Ayush Kumar on Unsplash

RMIT researchers are interested in interviewing 5-10 older adult participants (65+) about how they use generative AI.

The interview will be in person in Melbourne. This is so the researchers can do a ‘walkthrough’ interview where you show them how you use generative AI apps on your phone, tablet or computer. It doesn’t matter if you use generative AI a lot or a little, they’re interested in diverse and varied perspectives. The interview will last no more than 60 minutes.

Please contact Dr Caitlin McGrane via email if you’re interested: . 

Neuropsychology research

It can be difficult to know whether changes in our memory, thinking and other mental abilities are simply part of getting older or if something might be worth paying closer attention to. Being able to recognise meaningful changes earlier could give people and their families more time to understand what’s happening, seek support, and plan for the future.

This Honours research project at Charles Darwin University aims to contribute to this understanding.

Taking part

The research team is currently looking for people aged 55-85 who speak English fluently to take part. The study is completely online and can be completed from home anywhere in Australia, with two separate $100 voucher prize draws.

Find out more and take part here: https://cdu.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1TtX7jRBBMPeS5o

For more information, contact Ayra Grewal ()

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