A LONG-serving tutor at the University of the Third Age\u2019s, or U3A\u2019s, Ballarat branch has had a busy month of accolades.<\/p>\n
Having already been honoured with a life membership, Steve Walsh was one of five volunteers throughout the state to receive the U3A Network Victoria\u2019s Tutors\u2019 Excellence Award.<\/p>\n
A jewellery and silversmithing tutor, Mr Walsh was presented with the award last week and said he was \u201cvery embarrassed\u201d to win it.<\/p>\n
\u201cI really get more out of volunteering than I think what the students do. I love teaching. I love to pass stuff on and just those challenges that come with that,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cJust being able to pass my skills on to someone and have the social side of this is the real highlight of this.<\/p>\n
\u201cSome of these people here that I teach are absolutely brilliant at what they do. If they\u2019d have started 10 years ago, who knows where they\u2019d be now.\u201d<\/p>\n
U3A is a global movement of collaborative learning groups with classes led by volunteer tutors and coordinators providing creative, technical and educational skills.<\/p>\n
Mr Walsh started tutoring at U3A Ballarat the year after he\u2019d retired from his more-than-30-year career teaching metalworking at Ballarat Grammar in 2011.<\/p>\n
He\u2019d initially signed on to learn Italian for an overseas trip, and was soon passing on skills of his own as a tutor.<\/p>\n
President of U3A Ballarat, Nina Netherway, said Mr Walsh more than deserving of the award.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re pretty proud and pleased for Steve. This isn\u2019t just about what he does in his jewellery class. He makes things for his students. He has patience. He\u2019s devoted to his class,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe also does stuff outside the class. When repairs and things like bookshelves need to be made, Steve\u2019s there helping. He\u2019s always there to support us.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
A LONG-serving tutor at the University of the Third Age\u2019s, or U3A\u2019s, Ballarat branch has had a busy month of accolades. Having already been honoured with a life membership, Steve Walsh was one of five volunteers throughout the state to receive the U3A Network Victoria\u2019s Tutors\u2019 Excellence Award. A jewellery and silversmithing tutor, Mr Walsh […]<\/p>\n