U3A Benalla

U3A Benalla and District Policies - Update

9/4/2026

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: A new Heat Policy has been created dated 9/04/2026 and the Risk Management Policy updated on 9/04/2026

U3A Benalla Policies

Anti-Discrimination 
Bullying 
Code of Conduct 
Conflict of Interest
Grievance 
Health & Safety
Heat Policy - Added 9 April 2026
Privacy
Risk Management - Updated 9 April 2026
Sexual Harassment

Malcolm Sanders
Secretary U3A Benalla Inc.
Email [email protected]
Ph 0408 194469

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Some Sad News

4/4/2026

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It is with regret that we pass on the news that Brian Greed passed away in Wangaratta hospital last night. Brian was a very intelligent man who had a wide range of interests and many friends in U3A Benalla.

Brian had been an active member of U3A Benalla for 19 years. He was a Leader of Singing for Fun for most of that time, and introduced many new songs to the group, and also wrote harmony for several songs.

Brian was the person who saw the opportunity to commence Community Singing on the fourth and fifth Thursdays of each month. He played for Community Singing from its commencement about 5 years ago until a few weeks ago. He just needed the name of the song and the key it was in, and he would play the song. If someone mentioned it was too high, he just brought it down two semitones and started off again. His musical ability was incredible.

Brian also belonged to and enjoyed many other U3A Benalla groups including Wine Appreciation, Investment, Meet and Mingle, Music Appreciation, Armchair Traveller and Collectors.

Our thoughts are with his family at this time.

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Program news from April President's Report

3/4/2026

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John Barry is interested in holding five sessions relating to legal matters - Planning the Future: 5 classes, 2-hour sessions, would include 1. Wills, 2. Power of Attorney, 3. AC Directive, 4. Estates, 5. Funerals. It is a while since John held one of these sessions.

Another course recently put forward is Amateur Country Music/Folk Music Jammers.. This is not an instrument teaching class, just a get together of like-minded people. The instruments could be guitar, banjo, etc. If interested, could you please phone Lorna Boyd on 0427 281 423.

Anne Nelson

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Vale - Judith Borthwick

3/3/2026

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Judith Borthwick, an active member of U3A for over 18 years, passed away on February 3rd at Benalla Hospital after an extended illness. A passionate advocate for U3A Benalla, Judith was a member of the U3A Benalla Committee for many years, taking on roles including Publicity Officer and Newsletter Editor.

A trained secretary and highly regarded administrator at Dookie College before retiring, Judith brought those skills into her role as Newsletter Editor, editing the U3A Benalla Newsletter for seven years from 2009 to 2015. Judith enjoyed writing and had her finger on the pulse of what was happening at U3A - if a report was missing, she would often whip one up before the newsletter deadline. Judith’s husband John enjoyed helping Judith by taking the newsletter to Bill Syke’s office for printing each month.

Judith was the founding convenor of the Collector’s group. An avid collector of depression glass, kerosene lamps and more, Judith heard about a similar group in Melbourne, researched it and developed a proposal for Collectors, which commenced in 2016 and remains a popular course.

Judith was also a valued member of groups including Page Turners, Patchwork, Chat ‘n Chew, Politics & Current Affairs and Cards 500.

During the first year of Covid in 2020, Judith completed a project, ‘Benalla Hospitals and Nurses of the early 1900’s’, commenced in 2012 with John Avery’s Local History course and continued with Meg Dillon’s Stories of Benalla’s Past’ course the following year. Meg is presenting a session, ‘Cottage Hospitals in Benalla, 1890 to 1940’, drawing upon Judith’s research, at the upcoming National Heritage Festival in Benalla

Judith often spoke of many happy years spent living on the Dookie College Campus, where both she and John worked and raised their two sons. A gifted, graceful croquet player, Judith was an active member of Benalla’s croquet club until a back problem made it difficult for her to play.

Thank you, Judith, for the contribution you made to the life and development of U3A Benalla. Rest In Peace.

The first Collectors Group, February 2016--Judith at left (in white floral blouse).

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This Friday - 'A Beginner's Introduction to Microsoft Office'

1/3/2026

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Insurance

1/3/2026

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The Committee of U3A Benalla Inc. have been discussing our insurance cover at the last two Committee meetings.

Through U3A Network Victoria, insurance for U3A Benalla activities is provided by VMIA (Victorian Managed Insurance Authority), which is the Victorian Government insurer and risk adviser. Public liability insurance is also provided by the Benalla Rural City Council for accidents within buildings owned by Benalla Rural City Council.

The VMIA insurance provides liability coverage for U3A Benalla Inc., its employees (none yet) and volunteers in relation to any liability to pay compensation where a third-party becomes injured or their property is damaged as a result of negligence. The Personal Accident policy provides cover for volunteers and Committee members and other eligible people, while performing their duty, for accidental bodily injury that results in loss of life, permanent or temporary disablement.

However, it does not provide cover for participants of U3A activities. Members recourse should be through Medicare or Private Health cover. Ambulance cover for members is highly recommended.

Margaret Jenkins
President

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Annual General Meeting - Wednesday 18 March at 10 am

20/2/2026

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Assistant Membership Officer Required

2/2/2026

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For a number of years, we have been using a home-grown membership program originally designed by member Terry Dillon. The program was developed using Microsoft Access.

As our membership has grown to over 470 and it relies on one person to update the information it has become very time consuming.

The alternative is to move our membership records to a commercial program used by many U3A groups called ‘Member Wizard’. It is possible to move our records to this program. It is less time consuming as members can pay their membership and update other information online.

We are looking for a member who may be interested in taking on the role of introducing our club to this program.

If you are interested in assisting U3A Benalla in this role, please contact Len Jeffers on 0407 199 247 or Margaret Jenkins on 0424 454 313

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Vale - Elaine Murphy

2/2/2026

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Many U3A members were saddened to hear of the passing of Elaine Murphy on Wednesday 7 January.

A U3A member for nine years, Elaine enjoyed a wide range of U3A activities including Meet and Mingle, Patchwork and Craft, Garden Appreciation, and Exercises for Fun. A regular at Meet and Mingle sessions, she took a keen interest in the topics presented by guest speakers and always made a point of expressing her enjoyment of their presentations.

Originally a dressmaker, Elaine was a talented and creative member of our Patchwork and Craft group. She exhibited her paper-based works, including paper flowers and inspirational cards, both locally and in regional craft exhibitions.

Elaine was a founding and highly valued member of North East Artisans and, more recently, the Heart of Art Gallery. In September 2023, Elaine presented a Paper Quilling workshop for our Patchwork and Craft group, which was thoroughly enjoyed by all.

An optimistic and resilient person who loved her family deeply, Elaine never missed a dance performance by one of her talented granddaughters.

Elaine’s warmth, creativity and generosity of spirit enriched the lives of many, and her contribution to U3A and the wider arts community will be remembered with great affection.

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It's not too late to enrol!

16/1/2026

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Enrolment Day - 14th January 2026

14/1/2026

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What a wonderful day we had at Enrolment Day this year. So many members and also many new faces coming through the door to find out about their courses for 2026. A huge thank you to all the Convenors for their time that day letting people know what they were offering in their course.

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Car parking at the Benalla Seniors and Community Centre from Tuesday 6th January to the end of February

8/1/2026

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This post is to advise you of a car parking problem which will particularly affect Enrolment Day next Wednesday 14th January 2026, so that you can park in the suggested area.

Construction work on the new Pump Track in the park near the Benalla Seniors and Community Centre commenced on Tuesday 6th January 2026. The project is expected to be finished by the end of February.

Benalla Rural City Council have constructed temporary fencing around an area which will be used by the construction company to house their site office and equipment.

Unfortunately, the area which is fenced off covers approximately half of the car park behind the Benalla Seniors and Community Centre where many U3A members park their cars.

The Council has suggested that our members use the car park between the Benalla Seniors and Community Centre and the Library.

We apologise for any inconvenience.

Margaret Jenkins

President

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Enrolment day - Wednesday 14 January - 9.30am to 12 noon!

2/1/2026

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Click on the image above to go to the 2026 Course Guide

For more information - go to our 'Join Us' page, or click on the course pages from the top menu to find out more about particular courses!

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Enrolment day is coming up - Wednesday 14 January!

16/12/2025

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Enrolment morning is edging closer - enrolment information is being sent out to current members, enrolment documents have been added to the Join Us page on the website and group pages on the website have been updated.

Interested in looking through the program guide? Go to https://u3abenalla.weebly.com/.../2026_u3a_benalla...

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A relaxing end of year lunch at the Golf Club ... photo gallery

11/12/2025

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Photos capturing the relaxing end-of-year lunch on Friday 28 November at the Benalla Golf Club!

Classes have now largely finished, only a few end of year group gatherings and concerts at our cherished aged care facilities to go.

Happy Festive Season everyone!

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Vale - Vaughan Cowan

9/12/2025

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I am sorry to inform you that Vaughan Cowan passed away early this morning, Monday 8th December 2025.

Vaughan had been part of U3A Benalla since the early 2000's. In 2019 Vaughan was awarded a Life Membership of U3A Benalla for the 16 plus years that he led the Bushwalking Group.

Vaughan had immense bush skills. These included his incredible knowledge of wildflowers, and where to locate them, particularly in the Reef Hills. He was also a talented photographer and compiled several books of wildflowers found in the Benalla region. One aspect of Vaughan's love of bushwalking that particularly impressed me was his skill at walking downwards on extremely steep terrain very quickly.

Vaughan and Marion made a great team at bushwalking - Vaughan leading and Marion bringing up at the rear. They were also very generous hosts when people visited their home. One of Vaughan's other attributes was his love of music, particularly jazz music.

Our thoughts are with Marion and the family at this time.

Margaret Jenkins, President

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New courses in 2026

22/11/2025

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Critical Thinking

We are increasingly confronted by misinformation and disinformation. This course helps us deal with it by improving our thinking skills, gaining a knowledge of basic science (no prior knowledge needed) and understanding what information to trust.

Convenor: Linda Tullberg 0439 678 950
Time and Place: 4th Tuesday 2 to 4 pm U3A Room 1

Digital Upskilling for Lifelong Learners

Stay curious and connected with Digital Upskilling workshops to be offered throughout the year designed to help you make the most of your devices. Topics being planned include using webinars and podcasts for learning and enjoyment; applying practical AI tools in everyday life; using Canva for marketing and publicity and creating simple videos using your phone.

You ll also hear about opportunities to join Fifth Wednesday short courses and train the trainer sessions for U3A convenors.

Convenors:
Bev Lee 0478 607 838 Ruth Jelliff 0437 904 554 Dawn Stephens 0418 552 932
Time and Place:
1st Friday 1pm to 4pm Room 1
5th Wednesday 9 am to 12 noon and 1 to 4 pm Room 1

Learning and playing traditional Celtic tunes

Do you enjoy traditional Irish and Celtic music? Come along and learn to play some tunes. The aim of this course is to learn to play traditional Celtic tunes and to understand the tradition and style of this form of music. It suitable for people who have at least a basic ability to play their instrument - it will not train musicians from scratch. Although learning from notation is accepted, there will be encouragement to learn and play by ear as that is the traditional way this music was passed on. The form of the course will be to choose and learn tunes together, using private practice reinforced by fortnightly U3A meetings.

The course will be of interest to people who have suitable folk instruments including violin (fiddle), Irish whistle, flute, mandolin, bodhran, concertina and similar, with a basic level of skill with the instrument and musical notation. It will not be a singing group.

Convenor: Tim Shirley 0417 268 073
Time and Place: 2nd and 4th Tuesday 2 to 4pm U3A Room 2

Poetry Appreciation

For members who might enjoy reading, listening to and discussing poetry. A chance to bring along your favourite poem to share. Participants may offer selections from poets or poetic works on agreed themes for general discussion a bit like a book group. Suggested themes will hopefully come from the group but may touch on some of life s big themes like birth, love, war and death, as well as more light-hearted topics - ballads, songs, nature, animals. While the focus isn't on writing poetry, if you have written poetry you would like to share on the themes discussed, you will be encouraged to do so.

Convenor: Mary Lou Keogh 0418 590 373
Time and Place: 4th Wednesday 2 to 4pm, U3A Room 1

Pickleball

After a successful trial in late 2025, Pickleball is commencing as part of our regular timetable in 2026. Pickleball is a paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. It is played on a court similar to a badminton court, using a solid paddle and a perforated plastic ball. The game can be played as singles or doubles, with players aiming to score points by outmanoeuvring their opponents and hitting the ball over a 34-inch-high net. Known for its simple rules and accessibility, pickleball is enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels.

Convenor: Jan Kennedy 0421 679 115
Time and Place: Mondays 10 to 11 am Benalla Indoor Recreation Centre, Ackerly Ave.

Social Golf

Looking for a fun way to stay active and meet new people? U3A Benalla's new Social Golf group offers gentle exercise, fresh air, and good company on Benalla s picturesque golf course. Whether you haven't played for years or play regularly, you're welcome to join us for nine relaxed holes followed by coffee or a drink together. Sessions follow the successful model used by other U3A groups - social, supportive and fun. Occasional outings to nearby country courses will add variety and enjoyment.

The cost is $15 per nine holes (a reduced rate as the convenor is a full member). You may walk the course or hire a cart for an additional fee. Clubs can also be hired if necessary.

While this is not a beginner's activity, lessons with the Benalla Golf Club's resident professional can help you improve your skills and the Club s driving range is available for practice.

Convenor: James Davey 0404 888 296
Time and Place: 4th Monday 2 to 4 pm Benalla Golf Club

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Pickleball update - next session Monday 10 November, 10 am!

3/11/2025

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Update 3 November - A well attended first session today is to be followed by weekly sessions finishing in mid December! Next session, Monday 10 November at 10am - playing from 10 to 11, with a chat over tea and coffee to follow if you are able to stay on.

Original Email - 29 October - Join our new weekly Pickleball sessions - Monday 3 November! U3A Benalla has been looking into running 'Pickleball' for some months, and is now inviting interested members to come along on Monday 3rd November at 10am to try out our new equipment and the courts we will be using at the Benalla Indoor Recreation Centre in Ackerly Avenue... we'd love to see you there! Contact Jan - 0421 679 115.

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'To run Cooking Solo, we need a Convenor!'

1/11/2025

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Ruth Jellif recently shared her knowledge of the stove with Margaret and Gwen.

With the installation of the new stove at the Benalla Seniors and Community Centre and a request from Age Friendly Benalla for a repeat of Cooking Solo, we had been hoping to run Cooking Solo in 2026.

However, to run this course we need a Convenor!

Gwen and Val, who ran Cooking Solo in 2024, are not available due to many other commitments. They have left a folder of resources and are happy to mentor if needed..

So, if you think you and a friend could run Cooking Solo, please contact Anne Nelson on 0438 447 379.

Margaret Jenkins

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'Getting More From Your Photos', Wednesday Oct 29, 1 to 4 pm

17/10/2025

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Upcoming ‘Digital Projects’ workshop

Getting More from Your Photos
Wednesday, 29 October 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM * U3A Room 1
Presenter – Melissa Antony, Community Business Connect

Whether you want to preserve memories, clean up your photo collection, or just feel more comfortable with digital images, this session is for you. No special skills needed — just bring along your smartphone or similar, a few favourite pictures taken on it, and leave inspired!

What You’ll Explore
• Take Better Photos Learn about lighting, composition & perspective to make your snapshots shine.
• Edit with Confidence Crop, colour adjust, apply filters, and use simple AI tools to improve your shots.
• Use & Share Your Photos Resize and insert into emails, documents, posts; attach images easily.
• Cloud Storage & Backups Understand OneDrive, Google Photos, iCloud; keep your photos organised and safe.
• Creative Ideas & Inspiration Be introduced to options like calendars, photo books, and more—see what’s possible and gain confidence to try them.

Interested? Please call or text Ruth Jelliff on 0437 904 554 to book your spot.

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October's Meet and Mingle - 'The New Aged Care Act'

5/10/2025

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Vale - Janet Gourley

29/9/2025

A member of U3A Benalla for 18 years, a founding member of Collectors and long-term member of Garden Appreciation and Patchwork and Craft, Janet Gourley passed away recently at Wangaratta Hospital following a short illness.

Janet was born in Benalla, loved school and flourished at Benalla East Primary, winning the Mabel Mann Annual Prize in 1958. Janet dreamt of becoming a Domestic Science teacher, however poor subject advice made this difficult at the time.

With persistence, Janet completed her matriculation through night school and correspondence, then went on to earn a Bachelor of Health Administration and later a Graduate Diploma in Labour Management Relations. Janet’s working life began at Benalla Hospital in 1965, and by 1974 she was Manager/Secretary at Kilmore Hospital, overseeing much-needed redevelopment. Later, as Deputy CEO of Eastern Suburbs Geriatric Society, she contributed to the successful move from Ringwood to Burwood East, taking on many leadership roles before retiring in 2002 and returning to Benalla to care for her mother.

A foundation member and first Treasurer of Rose City Probus, Janet was an active member of the Benalla Croquet Club for many years.

Janet was the newsletter correspondent for the U3A Benalla Collectors group, filing her last report on 26 August, just over a month ago. Her reports and photographs were looked forward to each month by the media team and newsletter readers.

Apart from maintaining her lovely garden, Janet’s other love was music and the stage shows which she attended on a regular basis, both activities giving her great pleasure throughout her life.

Janet is remembered particularly for her kindness to other U3A members, for whom she often provided lifts to classes and activities when they became unable to drive. We will miss her.

Program News - Planning for 2026

31/8/2025

As you’ll notice in the August newsletter, changes are underway for some courses, with a new name - ‘Easy Bushwalking’ - replacing Bushwalking – Easy Walks – now in place. Meetings are also being held with Mon Boyd from the Benalla Indoor Recreation Centre, as we have already had nine or ten expressions of interest for Pickleball!

Our Program Committee will shortly be meeting in earnest to plan the program for 2026, so I’m keen to hear your suggestions for new courses. It’s also time for convenors to decide whether to continue offering their course next year or perhaps take a break; suggest a name change or put in a bid for a different time/venue change in the timetable.

‘Now is the time’ if you have an idea for a course you’d like to convene or co-convene; have heard of a course at another U3A which sounds interesting or have an idea for a course you’d like us to offer. There’s a downloadable Program Proposal form on the Program Ideas page on the website which may be helpful in pulling together your ideas.

An avid traveller (or travellers) could perhaps offer ‘Armchair Traveller’ now the Covid hiatus has passed. A look at archives of past courses on the website could give you some ideas, and we have access to course resources from U3A Network Victoria and ABC Online which can help you to get started.

For more information contact me on 0438 447 379, email [email protected].

Anne Nelson, Course Coordinator

Recycling tips - 'What goes where at the Seniors and Community Centre... and what not to leave in the kitchen!'

28/8/2025

Wastewise Benalla is a small group within Benalla Sustainable Future Group working to reduce waste going to our landfill.

Many thanks to all the wonderful recyclers supporting us by using the filing cabinet in the foyer at the Seniors and Community Centre. We are reducing Benalla's landfill and helping some very worthwhile causes.

Please refrain from leaving recycling in the Kitchen (apart from the usual stuff for the Council recycling bin). For example:

Glass jars can go straight to the Op shops - don't bring them to the Seniors.

Plastic lids from milk bottles etc (please see the sheet on the bin for accepted lids) go in the yellow recycling bin (as clearly labeled) in the carpark at the rear of Rambling Rose.

Plastic/metal blister packs for medication go to the Chemist Warehouse or Marsha Watson pharmacy if you are a client.

All metal blister packs (kept whole) can go straight into your own yellow recycling bin.

If you are on Facebook there is a new recycling hint every week on Wastewise Benalla's Facebook page.

Kay Blore
Convenor,
WasteWise Benalla

In the Ensign - 'U3A Benalla & the Woodies Nail It!"

13/8/2025

Another informative contribution to the Ensign this month from our Publicity Officer, Doug Smith!

Doug also instigated a delightful article in the same edition about his 103-year-old neighbour, Georgina ‘Ena’ Gardiner, noting that Ena helped to establish U3A in Cranbourne in 2005. Ena has high praise for the benefits the U3A organisation provides to those over 55 and retired members of the local community.

Thank you, Doug.

<<Previous

U3A Benalla and District Policies - Update

Some Sad News

Program news from April President's Report

Vale - Judith Borthwick

This Friday - 'A Beginner's Introduction to Microsoft Office'

Insurance

Annual General Meeting - Wednesday 18 March at 10 am

Assistant Membership Officer Required

Vale - Elaine Murphy

It's not too late to enrol!

Enrolment Day - 14th January 2026

Car parking at the Benalla Seniors and Community Centre from Tuesday 6th January to the end of February

Enrolment day - Wednesday 14 January - 9.30am to 12 noon!

Enrolment day is coming up - Wednesday 14 January!

A relaxing end of year lunch at the Golf Club ... photo gallery

Vale - Vaughan Cowan

New courses in 2026

Critical Thinking

Digital Upskilling for Lifelong Learners

Learning and playing traditional Celtic tunes

Poetry Appreciation

Pickleball

Social Golf

Pickleball update - next session Monday 10 November, 10 am!

'To run Cooking Solo, we need a Convenor!'

'Getting More From Your Photos', Wednesday Oct 29, 1 to 4 pm

October's Meet and Mingle - 'The New Aged Care Act'

Vale - Janet Gourley

Program News - Planning for 2026

Recycling tips - 'What goes where at the Seniors and Community Centre... and what not to leave in the kitchen!'

In the Ensign - 'U3A Benalla & the Woodies Nail It!"

News update

What's On Calendar

Contributions

Course Suggestions

Local News Links

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