Community
27 August, 2021
Gazza’s Goss: Definitely not a UFO
At a quick glance, the term ‘U3A’ may easily be confused, with UFO.
Furthermore, when I say it stands for ‘University of the Third Age’ one could easily question the topic for this week.
Well, you must read on, because for some, this may be a life changer.
Rest assured it doesn’t involve low flying Martians over Rex Smeal Park.
A while back, Mossman local Tinky Smithers would never believe she could end up teaching seniors how to use their mobile phones.
Well then came U3A, which provided a perfect arena for Tink to commence ‘iPhone for Seniors’, in fact, the first class had her phone ‘ringing off the hook’!
Fun lessons include simply turning on your iPhone, creating your contact list, making phone calls, taking photos, sending and receiving text messages and the list goes on.
So, what exactly is University of the Third Age?
Well, it’s an international community organisation that started in Toulouse, France in 1973. Via the UK it was launched in Melbourne in 1984 and 37 years later, Douglas Shire has its own U3A, a sub-branch of Cairns.
Opened in April, they already have 140 Members from Mossman, Shannonvale, Port Douglas, Craiglie and surrounding areas.
U3A is a not-for-profit organisation that offers opportunities to meet like-minded folk, make friends, share skills and learn in a creative, safe environment.
Courses range from Mah-jong for beginners, to learning Bridge, playing the Ukulele, Creative Writing, learning to Sketch and heaps more.
You can join Trail Walkers, try Tai Chi or join groups like ‘Everyday Gardens for Everyday People’.
It’s designed for people from all ‘walks in their ‘Third Age’, which means retired or semi-retired and over 50.
Annual membership is just $30 or $50 for couples for which you can attend as many classes as you wish for free, other than any course materials or overheads.
You may even have a hobby or skill that you would like to tute just like Tink.
Monthly ‘Meet and Greet’ gatherings are held at Palmer Sea Reef Resort, the next being on Monday October 18 at 2pm, $5 Entry or $3 for members.
Visit the U3A Douglas Shire Facebook Page and email Jo Herbert at, coursecoord.u3adouglas@gmail.com to enrol or enquire about our courses or even tutoring.
I’m off to find a fun course, so for now it’s Gazza signing out!
You can catch up with Gazza each weekday afternoon between 4 – 7 pm on 90.9 FAB FM in
Port Douglas!
