It is indeed encouraging that when a new program is introduced it is accepted with enthusiasm by our members. Having recently returned from a 3,000 kms, 8-day road trip to North Queensland for the President’s Council and Tutor Coordinators’ meetings held in Townsville, I can only say that our Network Liaison Person Program has been favourably received.

It was a pleasure to meet with Management Committee members in Rockhampton, Capricorn Coast (Yeppoon) and Gladstone, and to sit and chat about the issues they face and the role that they would like Network to take. As always insurance and how to attract tutors are hot topics in these conversations.  If your U3A has not responded to our invitation to participate in the Network Liaison Program please consider the benefits that participation could bring to your U3A. Liaison visits have also been made to Dalby by David Bowden, Gympie by Trudy Graham and Southern Gold Coast by Margaret Cook.

Top Photo: Rockhampton Regional Council meeting with Councilor Drew Wickerson, Henry Cope, David Weston, Mayor Tony Williams, Rhonda Weston AM, Deputy Mayor Neil Fisher and U3A Rockhampton President Cheryl Wick.

The recent North Queensland Presidents’ Council and Tutor Coordinators’ Forum hosted by U3A Townsville brought together Presidents and delegates from Atherton Tablelands, Cairns, Mackay, Magnetic Island and of course Townsville. Network Secretary Alison Taylor, Assistant Treasurer Larry Frazer and myself represented Network. David Weston, Toowoomba Tutor Coordinator, attended the Tutor Forum as a guest. Several delegates were new to management committees and attending their first Network event, and their feedback on the day was extremely positive.

The following from Muriel Kilcullen, Treasurer U3A Mackay:

“I thoroughly enjoyed meeting with you both and the other delegates from various locations and whilst it isn’t good that our memberships have declined with the advent of Covid, it was good to know that we aren’t in this boat on our own.  Thank you so much for your support, your positivity and encouragement. I’m due to return to Mackay on Sunday with renewed enthusiasm and a few ideas for boosting our numbers and getting some new activities underway.  I am certainly hoping to convince our committee to make the trip to Rockhampton in May next year.  It sounds exciting.”

While visiting Rockhampton I met with Henry Cope, Chair of the 2023 Conference Committee and his team. Plans are well underway to provide you with an interesting, informative and fun conference. Those of you who remember the 2015 international conference that Network organised will recall that the first two days was for all delegates and the third day was for Queensland delegates only, and 2023 will be similar.  Pre and post conference events and tours are being planned. Several people have mentioned they will be taking advantage of their pensioner pass on the train to travel to Rockhampton. One U3A Travel Group is planning to attend en masse. The U3A Rockhampton website has further information and as usual there will be a dedicated conference website connected to the Network website. Watch this space.

Photo: Presidents and delegates from Atherton Tablelands, Cairns, Mackay, Magnetic Island and  Townsville.

A gallery of photos from the trip have been posted on our website here.

Network has committed to offer several webinars each year on topics relevant to seniors. We have partnered with COTAQ and nbn to provide this service to you. The interest in the recent webinar ‘My Digital Legacy’ was extensive and due to popular demand will be offered again. John Armstrong, Network Vice President has provided a full and detailed report of this webinar which is posted on our website here. Details of the repeat webinar will be advertised.

To the U3As who participate in the Network Insurance program we are fast approaching the renewal date. Treasurer Bronwyn Peddler will be requesting information from you to enable Network to finalise your insurance for 2022/23. This request will be hitting your inbox in the coming days, please respond as soon as possible.

As we count down to the end of the year, I am convinced that while 2022 has brought challenges those challenges have made our organisations stronger and more resilient.