New Network President Rhonda Weston’s AM Reports on Conference.

Newly elected Network President Rhonda Weston AM  began her report to delegates by congratulating and thanking U3A Pine Rivers for staging and managing an outstanding State Conference.

After months of anticipation the 2022 State Conference, hosted by U3A Pine Rivers was finally happening and what a great conference it was. Inspirational and informative speakers, enthusiastic delegates and excited, friendly and well- prepared hosts enabled everyone to come away looking forward to the future. A future that includes greater participation in U3As across our state, a future where Governments fully appreciate and recognise the value of our wonderful organisation and a future where we can assist seniors to enjoy a healthy and active ageing.

“Newly elected to the Network Presidents role at the AGM I would take this opportunity to once again thank past President Gail Bonser for her four years of leadership,” President Rhonda said.

“Gail and her team contributed greatly to raising the profile of U3A across our state and consolidated the work done by previous Network committees. Committee member Colin Maddocks, who did not seek re-election served a term as Communications Officer and we thank him for his contribution to Network.

“Two new committee members have joined the management committee, Trudy Graham and David Bowden. Following the conference, the new team immediately went to work at their first committee meeting planning strategies for Network 2023.

“Some of you will remember that I have already served a 3-year term 2012-2015 as the Network President. The main focus for me at that time was to continue the task of having all Queensland U3As members of Network. That was completed several years ago. My focus for my term this time is marketing U3A,  not only increase your membership but also marketing U3A to governments, business and to the wider community. We offer an excellent product, let’s shout it from the rooftops until it is as well known as, dare I say it, MacDonalds.

A”s I said on being elected: I am not a politician nor an academic, what I am is passionate about your rights and the right of every senior everywhere in the world to have access to lifelong learning and a healthy and active ageing. I believe the best way to achieve that is to participate in U3A.

Rhonda Weston AM
President
U3A Network Queensland