Conference Breakout Sessions – Descriptions

U3A Bribie Island will present Breakout Sessions at the U3A Network State Conference when delegates may choose to attend sessions and hear about topical issues that face U3As and their members.

Descriptions of the presenters and the topics to be presented are below.

Ruth Northcott – Promoting U3A Externally and Communicating Smartly Internally
Who better than a previous President, Vice-President and Course Coordinator at one of
the U3A in Queensland to facilitate a session that will give an insight on how to promote
U3A and provide you with some of the tools required to speak smartly within the U3A
organisation. Ruth aims to do just this in her session.

Justine Lawson – Connecting Values and Emotions
Justine has always been curious about human behaviour and has consistently centred
focused on supporting people to lead fulfilling lives. Justine has over 30 years’
experience supporting people of all ages, cultures and backgrounds. Justine is also trained in Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), which is a safe and gentle tool to release the stress and anxiety caused by holding onto fears and insecurities.

Jock Elliott – Disengaging your Fear for Speaking in Public
When faced with a task like public speaking, delivering a lesson in a classroom,
speaking at a wedding or a funeral, participating in a conversation or just offering an
opinion, some may find this to be a daunting task. Jock will present the tools to help
overcome the fears that restrict many people to achieve the desired outcomes when
speaking in public.

Bob Walker – Australian Consumer Rights – Current and Pending
As a Community Engagement Officer within the Department of Fair Trading, Bob Walker
has travelled extensively throughout Queensland delivering consumer presentations to
community groups and clubs, school students and welfare organisations. His
presentation will provide attendees with an update on current and prospective
Australian consumer rights.

Chris Clark and Rose Barnes – Effective Programming
Both Chris and Rose have extensive experience in programming within U3A and
previously in other areas of teaching and education administration. This workshop will
encourage attendees to explore and share how course programming is done at different
U3As, the methods and processes used and the major considerations and obstacles.
Last but not least, a key question to be explored is: How crucial is communication
between all stakeholders?

Michelle Kinnersly and Ruth Northcott – Member Wizard Workshop and Users’ Discussion Group
During this workshop, Michelle and Ruth will demonstrate how you can use Excel to
provide useful reports from Member Wizard combining the data from various extracts.
Michelle and Ruth will also show how pivot tables can be used to provide different
views of the data. There will be opportunity for general questions and answers related
to using Member Wizard as well as sharing of useful tips.

Glen Wall – Providing Programs for Isolated and/or Remote Members
Chair of U3A Australia Ltd and member of the U3A Network Victoria Committee of
Management, Glen Wall has the credentials and skills to highlight the importance of
establishing and providing U3A Programs to members in isolated circumstances and
remote locations. The importance of such programs aligns with the policy of
inclusiveness throughout U3A.

Barry Clark – 1000 Years before U3A
Barry is a tutor in local history at Bribie U3A and is the founding President of the Bribie
Historical Society. His inspiring presentation will be a journey from first inhabitants,
customs and practices through long climate change to exploration and settlement.
It puts in perspective the spread and diversity of knowledge offered through U3As.

Carol Marshall – Morning Meditation
Carol is a certified trainer in Yoga and Meditation. Carol has been teaching yoga and
meditation at U3A Bribie since 2013 and recognises the needs of people within her area
of expertise and draws satisfaction in helping others. Discover practical tools for
unlocking the power of meditation in her session.

Sandra Henry – Laughter Wellness Workshop
Sandra discovered laughter as a therapy over 20 years ago and found it immensely
helpful on the not-so-good days in her life. After retiring, Sandra trained as a Laughter
leader enabling her to share the joy and benefits of laughter with others. Now Sandra’s
excited to share them with you.