This first newsletter for the year highlights the lineup of keynote speakers at the conference along with details of the 10 breakout sessions planned when delegates may choose from a variety of topics presented by people who know their subject and its relevance to U3A members.
Details about how to register for the breakout sessions will be advised soon.
Here are backgrounds to three of the speakers:
Professor John Pearn
Topic: Life Long Learning
Major General Professor John Pearn AO RFD MD PhD DSc FRACP was a senior physician at the Queensland Children’s Hospital in Brisbane. He has served for more than five decades as a senior clinician, researcher in several domains in medicine including those of paediatrics, preventive medicine, neurology and medical genetics. In a second (parallel) career in military medicine, he served in various leadership roles including those of the national Director of research in military medicine and Honorary Colonel of the Royal Australian Army Medical Corps. He served on three operational deployments and finally as Surgeon General of the Australian Defence Force for the triennium 1998-2000. He has published extensively in the domains of clinical medicine, medical research and medical and local history.
Dr Nancy Pachana
Topic: Socialising in the Third Age
Dr Nancy Pachana is Professor of Clinical Geropsychology in the School of Psychology at The University of Queensland, and is co-director of the UQ Ageing Mind Initiative. Her main research interests include healthy ageing, facilitating meaningful retirement transitions, anxiety in later life, and driving safety and dementia. She has published over 350 peer-reviewed articles, book chapters and books on various topics in the field of ageing. She is also an avid birdwatcher and traveller.
Professor Graham Kerr
Topic: The Importance of Exercise for Seniors
Professor Graham Kerr is a movement neuroscientist in the School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences at Queensland University of Technology (QUT). He leads the Movement Neuroscience group at QUT which embraces multidisciplinary approaches to understand the neurophysiological basis of human performance in health and disease. This research has advanced understanding of complex neural and physiological systems that underpin posture and gait instability due to fatigue, ageing and neurodegenerative diseases. Application of this research has been in predictive health diagnostics, neurological assessment toolkits, wearable technologies, and establishment of clinical outreach programs including exercise and dance. It has also informed development of smart footwear and non-invasive brain stimulation techniques for enhancing human performance.
For the latest tourist information go to:
w: visitmoretonbayregion.com.au
e bribie.tourism@mbrit.com.au
ph: 07 3408 9026
Travel assistance is available for those taking the train. Contact U3A Bribie Island via email to: registrarconf2025u3aqld@gmail.com
For general enquiries email: conf2025U3AQLDBI@gmail.com
Tel: (07) 3408 1450
“The U3A State Conference is coming to the U3A Recreation Hall from Tuesday, May 6th to Thursday, May 8th, 2025,” said President Maree Mosslar. “Kick off the excitement with a Meet & Greet on Tuesday, followed by two days of inspiring conference sessions on Wednesday and Thursday. Indulge in a delightful Conference dinner on Wednesday night. We eagerly anticipate welcoming you to this exceptional event and sharing the many delights of Bribie Island with members from other parts of Queensland.”
“This coastal haven, renowned for its pristine beaches, lush national parks, and abundant wildlife, provides the perfect backdrop for meaningful discussions and collaboration.”
“Our centrally located U3A premises offer a convenient hub for the conference, while the majestic Pumicestone Passage, just a short drive away, adds to the island’s allure. Immerse yourself in the tranquil ambience of Bribie Island and connect with members from afar while creating lasting memories. Beyond the engaging conference program, share and enjoy the island’s captivating attractions, from its diverse birdlife and serene coastal walks to its vibrant local culture. Bribie Island offers something to entice every interest, whether you seek nature, relaxation, or connection.”
2025 Conference Dates:
The conference planning team encourages delegates to take advantage of the public holiday on Monday 5 May, to unwind before the conference and to book your accommodation in advance.
6 May 2025 – Meet and Greet
Venue: Banksia Room – Bribie Island Hotel
Sylvan Beach Esplanade, Bellara, Bribie Island.
7 May 2025 – Conference Day 1
Venue: Bribie Island Recreation Hall
156A First Avenue, Bongaree, Bribie Island
Conference commences at 8.00am for Registration
Morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea provided
8 May 2025 – Conference Day 2
Venue: Bribie Island Recreation Hall
156A First Avenue, Bongaree, Bribie Island
Conference Commences at 8.00am
Network AGM commences at 8.30 am
Events:
Meet and Greet 6 May 2025
Venue: Banksia Room – Bribie Island Hotel
Sylvan Beach Esplanade, Bellara, Bribie Island
U3A Network Dinner 7 May 2025
Venue: The Jetty Restaurant, Welsby Parade, Bongaree, Bribie Island
An On-Island Transport Plan will be advised later.
Detailed information about the Conference including Terms & Conditions will be posted on this webpage as updates are received.
Thanking delegates, Beaudesert U3A President Brendan Dever said, “As hosts we can do our best to facilitate the time and place, but without delegates there is no conference. And what was very pleasing to us was the enthusiastic buzz which permeated each function and venue – from the sausage sizzle, to the Meet and Greet, the conference sessions and the Conference Dinner. That made the hosting effort very rewarding.”
Network Queensland President, Rhonda Weston AM echoed these sentiments and congratulated the Beaudesert U3A conference team members on a very impressive effort in organising and staging the event in Beaudesert.
Social photos from the conference may be viewed here.
Everyone is now looking forward to the 2025 conference to be staged on Bribie Island 6- 8 May 2025.
Photo: Beaudesert U3A President Brendan Dever congratulates his conference organising team on a great effort.
There are great prizes on offer, as shown above, so don’t miss out on winning a prize and exhibiting your art and photography at the U3A Network Queensland Annual State Conference to be held in Beaudesert in May.
“The Committee and Members of Beaudesert U3A look forward to welcoming delegates to the conference and to our home in the Scenic Rim and we are committed to assisting delegates and partners in making the most of your visit with us,” Brendan said.
Brendan has provided a broad outline of the programme of conference, social and local attractions that may assist visitors enjoy the conference and the beautiful Scenic Rim area of Queensland.
Theme for the Conference is ‘Lifelong Learning – a Scenic View’.
Register your place at the Conference & Events here
For members intending to attend the conference, please make your reservations as soon as practicable to avoid missing out.
The Conference Accommodation schedule as at 6 September and information sheet may be downloaded here.