Each year the Chisholm Electorate provides an opportunity to its community organisations to acknowledge members who have contributed to their organisations and the community they serve.
This year it was our pleasure to nominate Bert Lopes for a 2021 Chisholm Community Award in recognition of his service and we were delighted with the subsequent success of his nomination.
Bert became a member of U3A Nunawading in 2013 and soon become a vital member of what subsequently became known as the Support Team to recommend, purchase and install audio visual setups and our IT network at our Silver Grove and Forest Hill facilities. This project was facilitated by a State Government grant which became the backbone of our expanding organisation and greatly improved our class delivery options.
Whilst our long-anticipated move to the new Community Hub in late 2020 promised many improvements there were significant challenges for the team charged with the responsibility of decommissioning, removal, re-distribution of our then surplus equipment and fittings and installation of new IT and telecommunication networks and related equipment.
Bert’s contribution facilitated what proved to be a smooth transition, completed and fully operational well before members officially gained entry to the present building.
Over the years Bert has provided support to Leaders wishing to configure class content or audio files to suit the various presentation options for our current and previous sites. This also included the provision of a familiarisation program for Leaders with the new Community Hub’s AV options for class activities.
Bert’s contribution in these areas has supported U3A Nunawading’s impressive growth, its progressive role in the local senior community, and its standing as the largest U3A in the nation. Bert’s level of commitment to these roles was worthy of wider recognition.
Gladys Liu, MP, Federal Member for the seat of Chisholm kindly attended our Reception Desk Volunteers Morning Tea in December to personally present Bert with his Community Service Award.
On behalf of our Committee of Management, Leaders and members we extend our congratulations to Bert on this formal recognition of the ongoing value of his contribution to our community.
Lindsay Glen, Committee of Management Member, IT/AV Support