U3A Bendigo

The U3A (The University of the Third Age) is a voluntary community organisation run by its members
U3A groups provide a range of activities and opportunities for shared learning for mature aged people, to keep their minds and bodies active in their life’s third age
The term “University” is used in the sense of an association or community of teachers and learners united in the pursuit of knowledge
The University of the Third Age is an international organisation whose aims are the education and stimulation of mature aged members of the community – those in their third ‘age’ of life. It is commonly referred to as U3A

Just complete a simple application form, available from our website or the office and that’s all that is needed – you don’t need qualifications to join
As long as you’re a mature aged person, wanting to stay active and share in life-long-learning with others, we’d like to meet you
Upon joining U3A Bendigo you will be provided with our Prospectus and a copy of our latest newsletter, The BUZZ
You will then be free to select which activities you’d like to undertake and contact the Convener to find out more information

To encourage and enable mature people no longer in full-time paid employment, to help each other to share their knowledge, skills, interests and experience
To demonstrate the benefits and enjoyment to be gained in learning throughout life
To celebrate the capabilities and potential of older people and their value to society
To provide a creative use for leisure time
To establish and maintain educational, cultural and physical programmes
To promote and further the concept and adoption of U3A in the general community and municipality
To seek, maintain contact and network with organisations and individuals involved with U3A Bendigo

Learning should not stop as we get older.
The U3A provides social, intellectual and physical stimulation for mature aged people
Activities are designed to be enjoyable as well as stimulating
Our Activities reflect the needs and abilities of our membership
U3A gives you the opportunity to learn something that you have always intended to learn but have not had the time to pursue

Bendigo U3A is made up of mature aged people who either want to continue learning or being active, or who wish to teach others what they know
A Committee of Management is elected by the members at the Annual General Meeting
Convenors and other leaders are volunteers who are generally drawn from the membership
Members are encouraged to become active participants in the Activities
All administration is undertaken by volunteer members
An Enrolment Day is held each year so members can enrol in Activities of their choice
An Open day is held each year to encourage the community to come and see what we do

U3A Bendigo offers a wide range of Activities throughout the year
Activities, which may be short or long, range from formal language studies through to fun pursuits
All Activities are run during the day for the convenience of members at a range of venues within the Greater Bendigo area
Some Convenors are retired academics but members who have acquired knowledge and skills are encouraged to teach an Activity in their specialty
Many Convenors are also participants in other classes

Only current financial members of U3A Bendigo may enrol in our Activities
We cannot guarantee entry into any particular Activity as class sizes are restricted by the limitations of the venues
Enrolments in Activities are taken by the Convenors and are subject to availability
There are no examinations and no certificates

Yes, any member with knowledge about a topic of interest to our members can become a Convenor
You will need to identify the objectives, methodology to be used and expected outcomes in terms of knowledge or skills to be learned
You will need to make an application to run a new Activity and submit this to Members Services, who will present the Activity to committee for final approval
Interest in the Activity content can be gauged by posting an article / information in our newsletter, the BUZZ
Once approval has been obtained a day and time will be allocated dependant on the availability of rooms / venues

FAQs