We’ve had a bumper enrolment for 2024, and there are some important updates on classes, leaders and car parking, so keep abreast of what’s happening in this informative report from the Admin team.
What a huge start to the enrolment period for 2024 classes!
At the time of writing, we have welcomed over 1800 returning members and 230 new members. A big thank you to the enrolment team – Skip Lam, Mai Roff, Tony Widdows and Ken Briscoe – who together with myself, assisted over 400 members to enrol in person at the Hub. We were supported by a great team of Reception Desk volunteers, marshals, and committee members. A special thank you to Ken for making sure the UMAS membership system performed as expected, and handled the heavy online load with just a little slowdown in the first 15 minutes of enrolments opening.
Thank you to all our members for your patience and understanding during this very busy period. Most members have been able to enrol in at least one class. Due to the large number of waitlists for several classes, you may have found some classes are closed to enrolment. Course Admin will be working on moving members from waitlists into classes wherever we can over the next two weeks, with the help of our leaders.
Remember that members leave classes for various reasons, so there are usually quite a few vacancies that occur before or during Term 1. You will be notified by email if you are accepted into a class.
Welcome to new leaders
A very warm welcome to new leaders: Brigitte Stembergar, Carol Griffiths, Chieko Kawakami, Debbie Tan, Elvira Cifaratti, Susan Rafferty, Eric Lin, Linda McCluskey, Lisa Li, Mary Edgar, Meryl Teather, Nena Stojkovic, and Athalie Brooks.
We hope you enjoy sharing your knowledge with members of U3A Nunawading.
Farewell to those leaders leaving
A fond farewell to leaders who are not returning in 2024. Some are just taking a sabbatical, whilst others are moving on: Chris Cook, Diana Ferguson, Elizabeth Ramirez, Herminia Harrison, Jino Chua, John Shattock, Julie Garner, Paul Garner, Kathy Leitch, Marlene Coulthard, Peter Cole, Terry Hart, Vera Kalashnikova, Vilma Araos, Wade Dickson, Anita Castle and Bette Opitz.
On behalf of the members, we thank you for sharing your time and knowledge with U3A Nunawading.
Changes to 2024 classes
- 24HIS010: Australian History, First Nations, 1st and 3rd Friday of the month. The time has changed and is now 9.15 am to 10.45 am.
- 24DANLR1: Name changed to Line Dancing Intermediate.
- 24DANLR2: New class: Line Dancing Beginners, Friday 2.30 pm to 3.30 pm.
Leader wanted for choir
The leader of the choir is leaving us in 2023. We need a new choir director/conductor. If you, or someone you know, would like to take on this very rewarding role, please contact .
There are 70 members enrolled in the choir and if you attended the concert late in November, you would know they take their singing very seriously, whilst having fun. Fortunately, our pianist, Loretto Perkins, is staying on and will work closely with the new leader. You could say it is a walk-up start for enjoyment.
Tennis
If you are interested in joining a local tennis club, send an email to and we will pass your details on to the club.
Car parking
This is a warning for all, no matter where you park your car.
One of our members parked her car in the bottom car park, off Esdale Street at around 1.30 pm on Tuesday 28 November. When she returned to her car around 4.30 pm, she found the passenger side front window of her car had been smashed. Unfortunately, her mobile, house car keys and driver’s licence were in the car. The thieves took these and went straight to her home and burgled it. If you happened to be in the car park at this time and heard or saw anything suspicious, please advise
Please, remember not to leave anything in your car that may be of use for those on the lookout for any opportunity.
Best wishes for the Festive Season
The Course Admin team: Ken, Skip, Mai, Cynthia, and myself wish you the best for the Festive Season and a safe return to us in 2024.
Elsie Mutton OAM
Course Administrator.