U3A solutions to accommodate classes and the office
U3As across Queensland have found different ways to solve their accommodation issues. Heree are examples of how U3As have managed to provide premises, including sharing existing suitable premises with another compatible organisation.
U3A Atherton Tableland share a demountable building with a Bicycle Club and Yoga classes. The building is owned by the Tablelands Regional Council and made available through an annual lease.
U3A Beaudesert do not own or lease any premises but conduct many classes and activities at the Centrecare premises (endorsed by the Catholic Church) with a charter to offer community groups access.
U3A Broadbeach is able to use available classrooms at their local high school after hours and has a small office allocated within the school buildings.
U3A Caboolture leases the old Girl Guide Hut from the Moreton Bay Regional Council and has a 5 year lease. U3A has the right to improve the building but not to extend as it sits on a flood zone.
U3A Cairns leases a suite of 8 rooms which is part of an overall complex managed by the Cairns Youth and Recreation Centre Corporate body. As a condition, one member of the
U3A Cairns committee sits on the board to represent U3A interests. They have a tenancy agreement to December 2022.
U3A Capricorn Coast has a formal lease agreement with the Livingstone Shire Council to lease rooms for classes in the Council’s Community Centre at no charge. Approximately 40 other organisations also use these premises.
U3A Howard has an annual lease on the Uniting Church Hall which is used on a Sunday for morning tea after services and one other NFP organisation meets there one evening a week.
U3A Ipswich leases a shared house provided by the Glebe Uniting Church and also two other premises provided by the Council. Unfortunately, their previous extensive premises situated in the centre of Ipswich had to be vacated to make way for property development.
U3A Maryborough use rooms provided by COTA with other rooms provided by the Uniting Church.
U3A Pine Rivers has long term leases on a small cottage as well as an old library which they have needed to refurbish at their own cost although they secured donations of chairs and tables etc from members and local businesses. These premises are leased at $1 per year and are owned by the Council.
U3A Redcliffe occupies the upper floor of a building owned by the Council and which is accessed by a lift and/or stairs. They have a 5 year lease and are responsible for general maintenance and repairs needed, including expenses such as air conditioning, electricity and rubbish removal. A high proportion of classes and activities are conducted in this building.
U3A Twin Towns has sole occupancy of a demountable building owned by the Gold Coast Council and previously occupied by a management team establishing the desalination plant at Tugun. The lease expires in 2024. U3A Twin Towns pays for maintenance and the usual outgoings. (see attachments)
U3A Warwick has no dedicated administration office but occupies three rooms in a Council owned precinct with a lease expiring in 2022. The rooms are for sole use and were provided as a concession to U3A Warwick as a community group.