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The theme for the 2008 Conference – Integrated Learning
 Hedi Roggeveen |
The first meeting with some of our colleagues was in Keamo – Gaensborough Estate Neighbourhood Centre where Kiama U3A held a class on Italian History, illustrated by numerous slides. Thence to Wollongong Art Gallery for the official welcome by James Cook as the Council, including the mayor, had been sacked the previous week.
In a relaxed atmosphere we me or re-acquainted with delegates from all over NSW and established some helpful contacts to network with, for our 2010 Conference.
Tuesday 11th March began with a buzz of activity. Registration, name tags with the day's programme, instructions of workshop allocations etc. We welcomed our support team of thirteen U3A members who arrived in high spirits after an early start that morning to travel down from Penrith. Present were approximately 200 delegates and members from all over NSW, as well as some visitors from Victoria, Queensland and the ACT.
The conference started on time, led by convener Max Morris and a "Welcome to Country" by Aboriginal "Aunty" Barbara Nicholson. This was followed by the official opening of the Conference by Kristina Keneally MLA, who spoke on positive ageing and U3A's vital role in this.
A short talk from various participants on innovations within U3A, the Resource Library, U3A On Line, and innovative activities such as a radio play, beach walks (including archaeology) and coffee. There were also mock interviews with high school students and a plan to set up U3A survey by our own members as home researchers, to establish an overall view of national, and even international, value of U3A's contribution. And that was just the start of the morning! We were then entertained by the inspirational talk of key-note speaker, Barry Jones, on"A Journey for Further Learning" and examined how his personal life and experiences became the basis for so many of his later activities.
Brain games or gentle exercises led to lunch and the second speaker, Peter Treseder AM. Peter talked of his overland expedition to the South Pole, accompanied by slides. He marvelled at the wonder of what the human spirit is capable of. Professor Iverson conclude the day's session by stating he hoped to live long enough to die young, stressing the importance of gentle exercises and healthy diet for seniors, to counter the muscle waste as a result of ageing. This last challenge we readily implemented by attending the excellent Conference dinner, while we listened to SMH journalist, Bruce Elder, who emphasised the uniqueness of Australians, the outback life and locations of once-historical constructions, sadly only mostly left-over ruins now.
Wednesday March 12th started with a demonstration by Shell Harbour Senior Tap Dancers, followed by Dr C. Rossetto who spoke on "Lifelong Learning" as mature aged students at Universities, or any other learning, and the very application of anything learned to make a difference.
The AGM saw Path Maclaren-Smith re-elected unopposed. Beverley Holland was elected by ballot as Vice President. Secretary position remained vacant and John Green was elected treasurer. All nominated committee members were elected unopposed. We regretted to see Ern Holleborne finish his nine year term as State Secretary, however Ern will continue on as Webmaster (phone number: 6553-9382). We heard from former treasurer Ray Gall about our insurance policy, and how excess of any claim will be distributed over all 62 U3As (thus paying only 1/62nd of the excess of any claim). Copyright licence will cost 22c per individual member and the amount will be added to the insurance invoice, which will be distributed as soon as the new premium has been received. The premium for each U3A is based on the number of individual members. The Treasurer's Report was finally passed after we received belated copies. It was agreed to have N.A.B. as the network's bank to assist easier access for the newly elected treasurer. Discussion took place re the forming of a national Peak Body for U3A Australia. When it was clear that no extra secretariat was needed, thus little extra costs would be involved, the motion was passed. Most work could be achieved via the Internet and email. The benefit of a national body will be U3A speaking with one voice, with the weight of thousands of our members on matters of importance, especially when being consulted on ageing issues.
After lunch we attended one of a choice of workshops—Reg Grace attending "Koori Culture" and myself "Social Justice". this last one was on practical social justice and involvement. An example is the South African School of St. Jude which enables some of the poorest children there to attend school, as education is vital if ever they want to beat poverty.
The last speaker for the day (and for the conference) was Michael Newman who addressed Adult Learning and Social Action. He spoke on social activism through adult education and the creation of consciousness and need for human relationships in order to overcome a natural fear of existential isolation. We exercise our human relationships through an inborn/instinctive knowledge of social interaction.
To finish off, for those of us who stayed, we gathered for drinks and nibbles in the bar and finally left with a lot of information and new enthusiasm to implement new ideas and start planning the 2010 Conference.
The good points:
Points to be aware of, and to improve on:
—Report: Hedi Roggeveen
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