On Friday 14 March a meeting of Convenors was held.  I am pleased to report that it was a very successful meeting, with lots of input and ideas floating between the participants.  Thank you to all those who attended.  There were a few people I had not met before, so it was great to get to know them and vice versa.   

​Without the Convenors we would not have a U3A.  There were some interesting discussions amongst the group.  I liked the fact that everyone joined in with their thoughts and ideas.  I am sure a lot of convenors went home with new ideas and am looking forward to our next get together.
​
Anne Nelson
​Course Coordinator
0438 447 379 email [email protected]

Most courses have now had their first session, with '4th week' classes commencing on Monday, and Birdwatching, Bushwalking - Easy Walks, and Lifeball commencing in March.

Nearly 20 reports have already been received from convenors, however we'd like to send out a reminder as it's a short month with a deadline of Monday 24 February.  The more reports we have in by the targeted deadline, the easier it is to manage the publication of the Newsletter by the 1st of the month.

Here are the Newsletter guidelines from the Convenors A-Z 2025:

"The deadline for newsletter articles is the 26th of the month or the 24th in February.  Send reports to the Newsletter Editor, Heather Wallace (0418 353 244) at [email protected].   The newsletter is posted at the beginning of the next month. 

Word Limits: 

• There is no minimum word limit, however 150 to 200/250 words is a comfortable range in which to report on the activities of most groups. 
• Groups in which group members contribute content each session may require a higher maximum.  Aim for 350 words, and no more than 500.
• Longer reports with very detailed information about class sessions are better suited to the website.  In this case, please submit a shorter report for the newsletter with the longer report for the website.

While most convenors write the newsletter report for their group, others appoint a newsletter correspondent and/or photographer to share the load. "

Some other hints -

• Convenors with '!st Week' class usually try to write and submit them within days of the class.  We put them on the website as they are submitted to enable group members to read them without waiting a whole month for the newsletter!
• Convenors using Apple iPhones and iPads can assist us by exporting a Word or PDF document to us rather than a Pages or Notes document.  
• It's fine to include your report in the body of the email you send us rather than as an attachment if you have trouble with these. 

Media Team - Newsletter Editor -vHeather Wallace, Web Manager - Beverley Lee

It's almost Enrolment Day!  Over the break 'construction' work has been carried out on the U3A Benalla website.  Details have been updated on the web pages of existing courses to 'sync' with the Course Guide and Timetables for 2025, and web pages for the new courses in 2025 have been added. 

It would be helpful if convenors could check the web pages for their courses to make sure that the details are correct, including where there has been a change of convenors, for example, Bush Walking - Easy Walks, Wine Appreciation, and Stock and Land.

Course pages have been created for new courses to which monthly reports will be added from newsletters - American History with Barbara Rogers; Car Torque with Doug Smith; Colour Mixing and Watercolour Techniques - Botanical with Margaret Zaal; Come and Play Croquet with Judy Amery; with Jane Rushworth, Exploring Writing Children’s Books with Peter Thompson; French at the Table with Carole Ruta; Mahjong with Kay Blore and Train Buffs with Athol Graham.  'Collectors' has been reinstated and  a new page created for Demystifying Psychology - Perception. 

New convenors may like to suggest replacements for the images on the banner slide show - for example the image for Exploring Writing Children’s Books was created through a request to ChatGPT (AI) !  It is not difficult to change the heading photo/s, just send in or suggest other photos.  Once the year commences, photos of activities can replace what is there.  Photos of some convenors are still to be added to the course pages.  

The updated web version of the Convenors A - Z for 2025 is now available.  It has 

• more emphasis on the needs of new convenors.  We have quite a number of new convenors in 2025!  
• clickable links to topics indexed on the first page.  These links will open up from most devices and will make using the A-Z easier to negotiate.

​
The confidential version of the Convenors A-Z 2025 will be distributed to new convenors by Course Coordinator Anne Nelson on Enrolment Day. This includes includes WiFi log in details and password and the Photocopier password.
 
Best wishes for a wonderful year with your classes at U3A.

Bev Lee
Web Manager
​0478 607 838

​In 2024 the U3A Benalla Committee almost completed a two-year process of reviewing the Policies of U3A Benalla, drawing upon Policy Guidelines developed by U3A Network Victoria and U3A Lakes Entrance: 

U3A Benalla Policies

• Anti-Discrimination ​
• Bullying ​
• Code of Conduct ​
• Conflict of Interest
• Grievance ​
• Health & Safety
• Privacy
• Risk Management​
• Sexual Harassment

These policies are available via the links above, on the Our U3A drop down menu of the website and in the ‘Policies’ Folder located in the U3A Office.  

​U3A Benalla Executive Committee

We have for some months been finding ourselves on a tight schedule compiling, editing and proofreading the newsletter ready to post and add to the website by the 1st of the month.   In doing so we have tried to ensure that late reports find their way into the newsletter, however the reality is that this involves follow-up contacts and content including photographs being moved around to be placed correctly in the newsletter, all requiring additional time.

After raising the issue at the Committee and factoring in the consideration that the 25th day of the month deadline was a global figure which could be adjusted to provide extra time, the following new arrangements are being introduced:

1.  Newsletter reports are to be sent for inclusion in the newsletter no later than the 26th day of the month, apart from February, when reports are to be received by the 24th.
  
2.  If an article has been received after the deadline, a note to the effect will be included under the group's heading  “This report was not received at time of distribution.   The report will be included on the group's page on the website.”  Any changes to times, speakers, mentioned in the report will be added to the calendar.

3.  Allowance will be made for groups which meet on the last week of the month when their sessions fall after the 26th (or 24th February)

We always appreciate emails sent earlier in the month; and groups will continue to have the option of not submitting an article.  

We will send out a reminder email around the 20th of the month or the 18th February.

If you have a 'newsletter correspondent' and/or someone who takes photos for your course, we would be grateful if you would let them know about the changed arrangements.  

We would also ask you to check that reports are always sent to [email protected], even if you also send them to Heather or Bev separately.

Regards


Heather and Bev

Following a homeless person arriving at the U3A Office one Tuesday afternoon about 4.15pm Margaret Jenkins followed up with Jane Archbold as to where we can refer any similar person who appears at the Benalla Seniors Community Centre.
 
Jane directed Margaret to Pamela O'Connor who has compiled this Ready Reference Guide to Services and Service Providers (with acknowledgement to St Vincent de Paul).
 
You can also contact the Benalla Police station on 5760 0200.  The relevant people at the Benalla Police Station are Sgt Jenni Lamont and Sgt Bradley Jones.

Pamela O'Connor has provided U3A Benalla with a printed copy of this Ready Reference Guide to Services and Service Providers.

​The newly formed Benalla Homelessness Response Group BHRG recently published the following list of contacts for welfare support  - Where to go for Support in Benalla

​There is a folder labelled Convenors in the U3A Office which holds copies of these documents and also a copy of the Convenors A-Z.
 
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Margaret Jenkins on 0424 454 313.
 
 
Margaret Jenkins
​President

(This is an updated version previous posts)

In 2023 the U3A Benalla Committee commenced a two-year process of reviewing the Policies of U3A Benalla, drawing on the Policy Guidelines developed by U3A Network Victoria, and the U3A Lakes Entrance Policies.  The following policies have been released for publication (as at 22 July 2024):

Anti-Discrimination
Bullying
Code of Conduct
Grievance
Health and Safety
Privacy
Risk Management 
Sexual Harassment
​
They are available via the links above, on the Our U3A page of the website and in the ‘Policies’ Folder located in the U3A Office.  

The Committee is currently reviewing the remaining policy.  U3A Network Victoria Policies will apply for this policy in the interim:

Conflict of Interest Policy.

Margaret Jenkins
President

The Month Overview Timetable for Semester 2 was included with the July newsletter and is available on the website. The most notable changes are the commencement of the weekly Spanish course being convened by Alejandro Diaz on Saturday 6 July from 10 to 12; and the return on Tuesday 16 July from 10 to 12 of the Enjoying the Internet course with Dawn Stephens 0418 552 932, both courses being held in U3A Classroom 1.

There are some scheduling changes, with Ukes4Fun’s move to 11.30am to 1.30pm enabling a break for those who also attend Exercises for Fun, which finishes at 11.  Changes mentioned elsewhere in the newsletter, include the Family Research ‘4th Thursday’ course taking a spell during Semester II.  Groups actively looking for members in Semester 2 include Chess, Lifeball and Recorder. The convenors would love to hear from you.

Timetables for Semester 2 activities are available in the drop-down box under the 'Join' button on the top menu, with Enrolment Information for new members soon available at the RedB4 Book Shop.   If you decide to take a new course in Semester 2, add your name to the roll after attending the first session.

We have ideas moving through the pipeline for a short course on ‘Keeping Safe in Cyber Space’ with Barry O’Connor; and a course including drawing and water colour mixing by local botanical artist Margaret Zaal. 

If you have ideas for a new course you would like to convene, or a course which interests you and may interest others, please contact me.


Anne Nelson
​0438 447 379

We are pleased to announce our first Spanish course will be commencing in July this year. The tutor, Alejandro Diaz, was a teacher in Columbia and moved here approximately five months ago.  Married with a little boy, Alejandro is living in Goorambat and works during the week.  The class will be held weekly on a Saturday morning from 10 to 12 midday in Classroom 1 commencing on July 6th.  Alejandro is looking forward to teaching Spanish as he feels the community has helped him greatly, and he would like to give back to the community. Please contact me if you would like to join this group.

A reminder that Dawn Stephens is conducting her popular course ‘Enjoying the Internet’ in Semester 2, commencing on 16th July 2024. This will be held in Room 1 on the third Tuesday at 10am. If you would like to join members who registered earlier this year, please contact Dawn on 0418 552 932.

If you have ideas for new courses you would like to convene, or which are of interest to you and may be of interest to others, please contact me, or register your ideas on the Program Suggestions page of the website.

​
Anne Nelson 0438 447 379

As Course Co-ordinator I would like to receive 'Expressions of Interest' from members for the following courses:

Spanish
French
Pickleball
Line Dancing

At the moment we have a qualified gentleman interested in teaching Spanish.  If anyone knows of someone who might be prepared to teach Line Dancing, Pickleball or French, please let me know.

These courses will depend on the response of members. Hopefully we have members out there keen to participate in these courses as well as being a Convenor.

Please feel free to phone me on 0438 447 379 with your interest.

I am also keen to hear about any other courses members may find appealing. 

​
Anne Nelson 

In December we advertised for three new positions in U3A Benalla. The first of these was a Course Co-ordinator position. U3A Benalla now has consistently over 45 groups available to its members, and the introduction of each new course takes a little time and effort to help the new Convenor decide on content of the course, and where there is a slot to fit it in. We are pleased to announce that our current Vice President, Anne Nelson has accepted the position of Course Co-ordinator, and will commence in this role in January 2024.

​Anyone with an idea for a U3A Benalla course is encouraged to contact Anne on 0438 447 379. Also, Anne is available to talk with any Convenors who need assistance.

 COVID Safety

• Any member of U3A Benalla who is feeling unwell is asked not to attend a class or group to which they belong, but instead get tested for COVID 19 either by using a RAT test or by phoning Benalla Health to make an appointment.

 

• Members when attending U3A Benalla groups, classes or functions may choose to wear a face mask indoors.

 

• Convenors are asked to ensure ventilation is maximised and room furniture arranged to enhance social distancing.

 

• Hand sanitisers are available at each entrance to the Seniors Building.

 

• Should pandemic situations escalate, government requirements, arrangements for Council buildings and U3A Network Victoria advice will be drawn upon and Covid Safety Plans developed and posted on the notice board outside the U3A meeting room.

Margaret Jenkins, President,
​4 January 2023

1. In line with U3A Network requirements it is mandatory for U3A Benalla members attending face to face U3A activities to produce evidence of being vaccinated.
2. Any member of U3A Benalla who is feeling unwell is asked not to attend a class or group to which they belong, but instead get tested for COVID 19 either by using a RAT test or by phoning Benalla Health to make an appointment.
3. An Attendance record for each class will be located on the table inside the U3A room or other venue being used by U3A Benalla. Every person entering the U3A room or other venue will be ticked off on this attendance record which contains the COVID-19 immunisation status of members. 
4. Persons not currently enrolled for a particular group or class or who have not had their COVID-19 immunisation status recorded, are required to give their name and produce evidence of their COVID-19 immunisation status to the Convenor who will record it on the attendance sheet. 
5. Members when attending U3A Benalla groups, classes or functions may choose to wear a face mask indoors.
6. It is suggested that members when attending U3A Benalla groups, classes or functions keep 1.5 metres apart at all times.
7. Outdoor groups such as Bushwalking or Bird watching do not have to wear masks, but U3A members may choose to do so.

Margaret Jenkins,
President,
​8 July 2022

At the recent Convenors Meeting held in February 2022 there was a question concerning use of the Defibrillator which is stored in the main Auditorium of the Benalla Senior’s Centre.
 
Following this question we are pleased to announce that we have invited Ambulance Victoria to give us some information about use of the Defibrillator at our May Meet and Mingle which will be held on Wednesday 18th May 2022 at 10am in our U3A room.
 
In the meantime we have been sent the following information from Ambulance Victoria called Call Push Shock FAQ which we are adding to our Website with their permission. The information is available to our Convenors and other U3A Members if required.
​

The Committee of U3A Benalla met yesterday and would like to invite all Convenors to an Information afternoon on Friday 25th February 2022 at 2pm in our U3A room.

Our U3A groups could not function without the valuable input and guidance of our Convenors.  At this Information afternoon we hope to hear of any problems or concerns that Convenors have, and to answer any questions that may arise.

During the holiday break the Committee organised better written information regarding the running of the computer/TV in our U3A room, and also worked on the smoother running of the computer equipment in Room 2. It has been great to see both rooms in operation at the same time since the year commenced.

It would be appreciated if you could let me know if you can come to this information afternoon. My Email is [email protected].

Margaret Jenkins

This message is a reminder to Convenors of our Enrolment Day on 12th January 9:30 to 11:30am. at the Senior Citizens Centre.   Convenors are asked to attend or have a representative attend on their behalf to explain the content of their program.
 
Convenors may also be asked to certify that they have sighted a COVID-19 immunisation certificate of members who have not already had their immunisation recorded as ‘YES’.  You do this by signing the appropriate section of their form. 

This certification can be done by any convenor or committee member.
 
Looking forward to successful 2022 for U3A Benalla.

Happy New Year!
 
Len Jeffers
Membership Coordinator

As you will be aware it is now mandatory for U3A Benalla members attending U3A activities to produce evidence of being Covid-19 fully vaccinated.

As a Convenor you will have the additional responsibility of making sure all members of your class or group have the documentary evidence of full Covid-19 vaccination.

On viewing the class members documentary evidence of vaccination, you will need to mark the appropriate column on the class roll with a ‘Yes’.

This information will be transferred to our database and all subsequent rolls and records will show that member as Covid-19 vaccinated.

Unvaccinated persons are unable to attend classes.
 
Please see attachment to see how it is recorded on rolls.
 
Thanks for your cooperation
 

Len Jeffers

Please note that this is an updated version of  Covid Safe Plan V6 published 1 November.  

1. There is a QR code at the Benalla Senior’s Centre which must be used when entering the Centre. There will be a manual sign in sheet for those members who require it. The Convenor or a person designated by the Convenor will act as Sign in Marshall to ensure all U3A Members are signed in. 
2. In line with State and Local Government requirements it will be mandatory for U3A Benalla members attending face to face U3A activities to produce evidence of being fully vaccinated.
3. Any member of U3A Benalla who is feeling unwell is asked not to attend a class or group to which they belong, but instead get tested for COVID 19 after phoning Benalla Health to make an appointment.
4. Attendance Records. An Attendance record for each class will be located on the Table inside the U3A room or other venue being used by U3A Benalla. Every person entering the U3A room or other venue will be ticked off on this attendance record which contains the Covid-19 immunisation status of members. U3A Benalla will hold in another location the address and phone contact details of all members attending groups or classes. Persons not currently enrolled for a particular group or class or have not had their Covid-19 immunisation status recorded, are required to give their name and produce evidence of their Covid-19 immunisation status to the Convenor who will record it on the attendance sheet.
   (*Attendance rolls are held inside in both venues)
   (**Phone numbers are not listed on new rolls – only the Covid-19 immunisation status)
5. Members when attending U3A Benalla groups, classes or functions are required to keep 1.5 meters apart at all times.
6. The maximum number of people allowed in the Benalla Senior’s Centre is 30 if all members are fully vaccinated or 20 if any member attending is not vaccinated. U3A members when attending U3A Benalla groups, classes or functions must be at a density of not more than 1 person per 4 square meters of floor space.
7. Outdoor groups such as Bushwalking or Birdwatching can gather in a public place such as a park with up to 29 other people.  Masks are no longer mandatory outdoors, however, masks must be carried unless there is a lawful reason not to, and members are encouraged to wear one outdoors when physical distancing cannot be maintained.
8. Members when attending U3A Benalla groups, classes or functions are required to wear a face mask when indoors if currently mandated by the Victorian State Government.
9. Hand sanitizer will be provided at the entrance to the U3A Benalla room and any other venue being used by U3A. Members of U3A Benalla are requested to use the hand sanitizer when entering the room.
10. Hand wipes will be provided for Convenors or their assistants to wipe down furniture such as chairs, tables and door handles after each class held in the U3A Benalla room or other venue being used by U3A Benalla.  

 
Dorothy Webber President, 8 November 2021  

1. There is a QR code at the Benalla Senior’s Centre which must be used when entering the Benalla Senior’s Centre. There will be a manual sign in sheet for those members who require it.  ​The Convenor or a person designated by the Convenor will act as Sign in Marshall to ensure all U3A Members are signed in.     
2. Attendance Records. An Attendance record for each class will be located on the Table outside the U3A room or other venue being used by U3A Benalla. Every person entering the U3A room or other venue will be ticked off on this attendance record. U3A Benalla will hold in another location the phone number and address of all members attending groups or classes. If a person is not currently enrolled for this particular group or class, they are to write their name and phone number legibly on the attendance sheet.
3. Members when attending U3A Benalla groups, classes or functions  are required to keep 1.5 meters apart at all times.
4. The maximum number of people allowed in the Benalla Senior’s Centre is 20.U3A members when attending U3A Benalla groups, classes or functions must be at a density of not more than 1 person per 4 square meters of floor space.
5. Outdoor groups such as Bushwalking or Bird watching must have a maximum group size of 10.
6. Members when attending U3A Benalla groups, classes or functions are required to wear a face mask when indoors if this is currently mandated by the Victorian State Government.
7. Hand sanitizer will be provided at the entrance to the U3A Benalla room and any other venue being used by U3A. Members of U3A Benalla are requested to use the hand sanitizer when entering the room.
8. Hand wipes will be provided for Convenors or their assistants to wipe down furniture such as chairs, tables and door handles after each class held in the U3A Benalla room or other venue being used by U3A Benalla.
9.  Any member of U3A Benalla who is feeling unwell is asked not to attend a class or group to which they belong, but instead get tested for COVID 19 after phoning Benalla Health to make an appointment.

Dorothy Webber, President
09 September 2021  

1. There is a QR code at the Benalla Senior’s Centre which must be used when entering the Benalla Senior’s Centre. There will be a manual sign in sheet for those members who require it. The Convenor or a person designated by the Convenor will act as Sign in Marshall to ensure all U3A Members are signed in.      
2. Attendance Records. An Attendance record for each class will be located on the Table outside the U3A room or other venue being used by U3A Benalla. Every person entering the U3A room or other venue will be ticked off on this attendance record. U3A Benalla will hold in another location the phone number and address of all members attending groups or classes. If a person is not currently enrolled for this particular group or class, they are to write their name and phone number legibly on the attendance sheet.
3. Members when attending U3A Benalla groups, classes or functions are required to keep 1.5 meters apart at all times.
4. Maximum group size for U3A members when attending U3A Benalla groups, classes or functions is 10, at a density of not more than 1 person per 4 square meters of floor space. Each group of 10 must stay the same and cannot change or mingle.
5. Members when attending U3A Benalla groups, classes or functions are required to wear a face mask when indoors if this is currently mandated by the Victorian State Government.
6. Hand sanitizer will be provided at the entrance to the U3A Benalla room and any other venue being used by U3A. Members of U3A Benalla are requested to use the hand sanitizer when entering the room.
7. Hand wipes will be provided for Convenors or their assistants to wipe down furniture such as chairs, tables and door handles after each class held in the U3A Benalla room or other venue being used by U3A Benalla.  
8. Any member of U3A Benalla who is feeling unwell is asked not to attend a class or group to which they belong, but instead get tested for COVID 19 after phoning Benalla Health to make an appointment.

 
Dorothy Webber, President
30 July 2021  ​