U3A open day set to return

Still growing: Members of Bendigo’s University of The Third Age will put their offerings on show next week, including the bonsai class. Photo: FILE

THE University of The Third Age Bendigo, also know as U3A, will be holding its annual open day for the first time since 2019, giving the community a taste of what the group does and has to offer.

U3A is run by volunteers who offer educational, recreational and social programs for seniors who are longer working and either retired or semi-retired.

The group are built upon the motto of giving experiences for seniors to gain education, share and come together to support each other in a safe environment.

U3A currently has 515 local members and offers 70 different activities ranging from arts and crafts, IT skills, languages and recreational, physical, and social activities.

The manager of member services at U3A Bendigo, Ian Burdett, said he is hoping people come down and see what U3A has to offer.

“We are encouraging people to pop in,” he said.

“At the open day, we open the doors to the general public so they can come in, and speak to the tutors, leaders and conveners about the activities we have to offer, particularly the ones we will provide next year.

“Not a lot of people know much about U3A, by coming down to the open day you are able to meet people and find out why U3A is good for both retired and semi-retired people.

“The best part of U3A is the social contact, you are involved with people, and you can get out of the house, learn and do something while having social interaction. That’s what is a key reason why most people join U3A”

The free event will run from Friday, 7 October 10am to 2pm at St Mary’s Hall, corner of Church and Bank streets, Kangaroo Flat.

Visit their website for more information at, connectgreaterbendigo.com.au or for enquires contact 0490 88 469.