Earlier this month, Leo Sargent’s outstanding service to U3A Nunawading was recognised with the presentation of a Waterford mantle clock. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19 restrictions, only a small gathering was possible. Pictured (from left) are Valerie Donlon, Elsie Mutton, Leo, Lindsay Glen and Liz Hooper, four former Presidents plus the current President of our U3A.
Leo’s service includes 20 years on the Committee of Management from his first year of membership in 2001 until this year’s AGM. During that time he was Secretary for four years from 2003, President for four years from 2008, and to support his successor, Vice President for two years from 2012.
For seven years, Leo carried out the role of Office Manager assisting members with enrolment inquiries, managing office functions and supervising volunteers. Leo’s hands-on approach also saw him undertake essential day-to-day tasks such as setting up rooms for classes, transporting equipment and banking.
Understanding the real benefits to a community organisation such as U3A, Leo maintained excellent relationships with Whitehorse Councillors and officers, as well as many local Federal and State parliamentarians.
Leo and Lindsay Glen were jointly recognised for their work at U3A Nunawading with a City of Whitehorse Community Award in 2010.
In 2016, Leo’s contribution to U3A was recognized with a Council Of The Ageing (COTA) Award as part of the Victorian Seniors Awards.
In 2018, Leo became the inaugural Convenor of our Risk Management Committee. This committee oversees our policies and practices to minimise our exposure to risk in areas such as asset and data management, privacy, insurance, financial management, security, and health and safely. The Risk Management Committee received an ACFE grant in its first year for creating a guide for all U3As entitled “How to Manage Risk at your U3A”. Athalie Edis, who currently serves on this committee, also attended the presentation.