Mackay's University of the Third Age (U3A), part of a world-wide movement that began in France in 1973, is dusting off the books to restart its activities in the coming months.
The senior aged university has been a long time favourite of Mackay retirees and is now returning after a break during the heights of COVID.
Aimed primarily at retirees who are “around the time of life when full-time work and raising families are over,” The University takes these freedom and energy filled seniors through classes and workshops which allow them to follow their own interests and needs.
It can be a resumption of activities which had fallen by the wayside in life, or something they may have always fancied trying - an academic study, an artistic pursuit, a physical exercise or a game – but didn’t have the time.
Membership Director of the University of the Third Age, Elizabeth Springall, said the group will be holding an information and sign-on day today (Friday 18 March) from 10:00am to 2:00pm.
“The University is aimed at learning for life; you never stop learning, you never stop developing new skills,” Ms Springall said.
The event is called “Give it a Go Day” and will be very low-key with prospective members able to speak with the committee about the varied classes offered by the University.
Classes are accessible across a variety of disciplines, from Tai Chi to Pickle Ball, the arts to collecting, opera appreciation to creative writing or even as varied as Mahjong.
They are also always looking for tutors to take on new classes, with one such this year being line dancing.
Membership is $10 dollars a year, which covers insurance, and there are also some fees depending on the group, like Tai Chi which hosts a small fee of $10 dollars a class.
There is also a $5 dollar administration fee when initially signing up.
Ms Springall, a teacher before retiring, said the benefits of belonging to the international organisation are fantastic.
“The social benefits for one, as well as learning, both of which are associated with mental health, and there is the physical aspect too with many of the activities,” she said.
The “Give it a Go Day” will be held at the Senior Citizens Hall in 58 McAlister Street from 10:00am to 2:00pm today, March 18.
The Bocce group from University of the Third Age
The University’s dine out group
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