Welcome back to Term 1 after our unexpected week off. It has been a challenge allocating classes under current COVID-19 room capacities so we hope that you have been accepted into at least one class of your choice. Over recent days we have had to make a number of further changes to classes because of these restrictions including members attending classes on alternate weeks to cut down class numbers. If you have been affected, thank you for your understanding. Exercise classes have presented a particular problem in this regard.
A small number of classes have been scheduled to commence in Term 2 due to not being able to operate under COVID-19 restrictions. Fingers crossed we will be able to commence these classes then. If you have enrolled in one of these classes we will keep you updated.
For some classes, furniture needs to be removed from rooms and then put back at the end of the class. If everyone helps this will make your Class Leader’s role a lot easier.
We know that a small number of members have not been accepted into any class at this time and we are doing all that we can to accommodate them.
However, it is imperative that we, as the Committee of Management, strictly adhere to the guidelines set by the City of Whitehorse and DHHS and that you, as members, comply with all of the COVID-19 rules including: registering your attendance, mask-wearing, social distancing, surface cleaning and hand sanitising.
Leaders Briefing (pictured above)
It was great to see more than 100 Class Leaders at their briefing in the week before classes started. Almost all Leaders that have returned are very excited to be running their classes face-to-face in our new home at last. Welcome to new Leaders: Yoko Yuasa, Marie Trembath, June Cheung, Carola Lehmer, Mike Davies, Mervyn Seeney, Ria Smit, John Rogan, Kum Fong Lee and Andrew Gee.
Equip4Life
Following our successful Summer School Nutritional Masterclass and Healthy Lifestyle Seminar, Equip4Life is offering our members further opportunities to participate in this government-funded program. If you would like more information, please visit https://www.equip4life.com.au/services/#seniors-wellness or email Facilitator Alain Young at
Dancing under lockdown
Class Leader Ying Zhao’s Chinese Cultural Dance group improved their skills during last year’s lockdown by going online to keep in touch and practice. You can enjoy watching their graceful moves on this video created by Ying at their end-of-year online get-together.
Walking Group members receive OBEs
After exhaustive research and preparation by group member Cheryl Kinna, two members of Barry Ellis’ Wednesday Walking Group achieved the rare honour of receiving OBEs. At their Christmas breakup, Heather Richardson and Joanne Milne were presented with their coveted ‘Over Bloody Eighty’ awards for services to walking and for celebrating their milestone birthdays. Congratulations Heather and Joanne.
As a final reminder, you must comply with our COVID-19 guidelines at all times when at the Hub if you wish our classes to continue.
Elsie Mutton OAM
for the Course Admin Team