​Car Torque is for people with an interest in cars.   Introduced for the first time in February 2025, it will be a broad forum and not over technical.  It will  not only be about cars.  It will be about all things associated with motoring, including but not limited to new road rules, road safety, car maintenance, trends in fuel types, car models and manufactures.

Members and guests will be invited to bring their unique or special car along to our U3A venue for bragging rights, to allow others to hear about their car's story and to soak up the visual enjoyment.

Maybe you would like to also share what's in your garage! 

Car Torque will aim to bring car buffs together to educate and indulge in all things cars and to share the interests, knowledge and enjoyment they have given to their owners.
 
​Convenor:  Doug Smith 0417 527 171; Thursdays 2 to 4 pm  Room 1

"If you can't draw it, you can't paint it", is a saying often heard with regard to painting flowers. So, we begin with drawing techniques and Watercolour colour mixing to grow the skills toward our future masterpieces. Composition and dimension will be discussed, demonstrated and practiced. Watercolour techniques will be developed and practiced as the course progresses. 

Materials are supplied at the beginning of this course, but there may be a need to purchase paper or other specific personal preferences later--you are welcome to bring along your own pencils, brushes etc.  A pot for water and a white china plate are the only materials needed to be supplied by the participants.

Convenor:  Margaret Zaal 0438 295 060    Auditorium - tables near kitchen areas

​Golf croquet is a stellar choice for seniors. It's low impact so its easy on the joints, but still involves enough movement to keep you active. It allows for social interaction--playing in a group can help foster friendships and stave off loneliness.The strategic nature of the game keeps your brain sharp, honing focus and mental agility. Best of all, spending time outdoors boosts mood and general well-being. It's the perfect mix of exercise, mental stimulation, and social interaction.

Over four weeks participants will learn:

• The basic mallet skills of croqueting, positioning and hoop running.
• The outline of the croquet court and direction of play.
• Some basic rules of Golf Croquet.
• Tactics involved to select the most appropriate shot to hoop or stymie opponents.

Morning tea will be provided after each session. No cost involved.

​Convenor:  Judy Amery   0427 037 140; Commencing Tuesday 25 February for 4 weeks 9 to 11 am at the Benalla Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, Ackerly Avenue.

​Do you feel confident to talk about your French experiences, share recipes, food and stories from France in French? The goal is to continue to develop competence speaking French whilst having fun. A basic understanding of French is required--it is not a beginners' course. Whether your experience comes from school, university and/or travel, you'll find a welcoming environment to enhance your conversation skills.

​Convenor - Carole Ruta 0418 223 464; 1st Saturday 12.30 to 2.30 pm   Room 1

​Have you ever wanted to learn Mahjong?  This is a guided course at your rate of learning. 

Convenor:  Kaye Blore 0433 209 396; time to be confirmed.

Train Buffs is a course for members who love trains, from engines to travel.  It aims to provide the opportunity for like-minded people to reminisce about, follow up interests and develop further knowledge relating to trains and train travel.  Monthly sessions will involve classroom-based sessions and excursions

Convenors/Time and Place:   
Athol Graham 0419 113 105 and Anne Nelson 0438 447 379.
3rd Friday from 2 to 4 pm; U3A Meeting Room 1.

In mid-2014, members of the Computer Committee who worked on the first U3A Benalla website built and managed by Terry Dillon (thank you Terry) were concerned at the effort being required to get content (stories and photographs) for it. It was also proving quite complex to learn.

Offering to help out as a new member of the Computer Committee, I experimented with Word Press and Weebly and, deciding Weebly was easier to use and more suitable, produced a number of possible designs for the committee to consider. 

Difficulties getting content were resolved in a ‘light bulb’ moment. Why not draw upon the stories that were already submitted by convenors each month for our Newsletter, produced at the time by Judith Borthwick? 

Since then, the Newsletter Editor and Website Manager have worked ‘in sync’, with Newsletter content uploaded to the website towards the end of each month and the Newsletter also published on the website as a PDF.  With the number of groups having almost doubled in 10 years, the end of the month means lots of problem solving and editing with current Newsletter Editor Heather Wallace before the newsletter is ready to go to press and the website updated.

There has also been ‘synchronicity’ with the volunteer ‘photojournalists’ who joined me as administrators on our FB page—currently Andi Stevenson, Bev Thornell and Rene Martens.  Their photographs on Facebook are downloaded each month and appear in both the Newsletter and Website.  Thank you for the work you have done to make our website such an engaging and informative resource for our U3A Community. 

Thank you also to all the convenors who have contributed newsletter reports over the past 10 years!

We now have an average of 200 ‘unique individuals’ visiting our website each week. Fortunately, we have been able to maintain the ‘theme’ for our website and the wonderful ‘blog’ pages for each course for 10 years.  We have our fingers crossed that major changes won’t be forced upon us in future. We realise that the website environment is changeable, however, and have a ‘back up’ plan if needed.

It has been a huge privilege to have been able to work on the U3A Benalla website for the past 10 years!  


Bev Lee, Website Manager

Over 60 U3A members and friends attended the session How to Live at Home for Longer on Friday 1st November 2024. The program, which was presented by Phillip Dermody for Latrobe Community Health Service, gave information about how to access My Aged Care, the Commonwealth Home Support Program, Home Care Packages: How to Access, Services and Equipment and other subsidised Government programs.

Phillip told the audience that to access My Aged Care either by a phone call or through the website the person you are calling about needs to have their Medicare card number with them, and that it is advisable to have a list of the medical conditions that the person suffers from as well as a list of medications the person is taking. From that phone call you will then receive an appointment for an assessment for a Commonwealth Home Support Package or a Home Care Package.

Home Care Packages come in four levels and we were told that after being approved for a package there was a waiting time before one became available. There were numerous questions after the presentation.

The Home Support Package Scheme is currently undergoing revision by the Commonwealth Government. It is expected that the number of different Home Support Packages will be expanded from 4 to 8 in July 2025.

In an area like Benalla with a large ageing population, this information was very important. U3A Benalla have asked Latrobe Community Health Service for a repeat presentation shortly after July 2025 when information about the expanded scheme will be available.

U3A Benalla would like to thank Bill Billman, President of the Benalla Senior Citizens for making the Auditorium available when it became apparent that we could not fit the presentation into the U3A Room 1.


Margaret Jenkins 

U3A members were saddened to hear of the passing of Faith Hicks on Tuesday 22nd October 2024. A member of U3A Benalla for 17 years, Faith had been a Leader at Singing for Fun for 14 years before retiring from this role in 2019. Faith was highly respected for her musical knowledge and the Singing for Fun group benefitted from Faith writing parts for several songs that they had sung. She also had a great alto voice.  Faith was a member of U3A Benalla for 17 years.

In her professional life Faith had been a music teacher for many years in Shepparton, and previous to that had taught First Nations children in the Northern Territory. She was an organist at St. Joseph’s Church in Benalla for many years.

Our condolences are extended to her niece and nephew in South Australia.

A service will be held to celebrate Faith's life on Thursday 7th November 2024 at St Joseph’s Catholic Church at 11:00am.
​
Margaret Jenkins 

Wonderful news – the ‘Cooking Solo’ short film produced by Val Whan’s film-maker granddaughter Nathalie Cerritelli has been selected as a finalist in the ‘Benalla Shorts’ Film Festival.  Congratulations, Natalie! 

​Award Winners will be announced at the Premiere Screening of Benalla Shorts at the Benalla Cinema on Sunday 10 November at 3.30 pm.

​There is a further public screening at 6.30 - tickets from the Cinema in Mair Street or the Benalla Cinema's web page.  

If you can't get to the Film Festival screenings, we will be screening ‘Cooking Solo’ during our annual Meet and Mingle concert on Wednesday 20th November at 10am. 

​U3A Benalla have been awarded a Social Inclusion Action Group (SIAG) grant to fund accommodation at the Hub at Cooinda from January to December 2025. The grant, awarded by the Department of Health and the Benalla Rural City Council, recognises that residents and staff from Cooinda are encouraged to join the Singing for Fun Group and the Community Singing group for their regular Thursday morning singing program. 

Margaret Jenkins, President

Are you a concession card holder? Did you know that you may be eligible for a reduced rate on domestic stamps.
 
With a free Australia Post Concession account, you'll pay just 60c per stamp, instead of $1.50 for ordinary domestic stamps, or 65c per Christmas stamp.  You can buy up to 50 concession stamps per year, in booklets of 5 for $3. You'll even get a free booklet of 5 concession stamps to get you started. 

Are you eligible?

The following Australian Federal Government concession cards are accepted as proof of eligibility for an Australia Post Concession account.

Have one of these cards? Apply today for your stamp Concession card.

• Pensioner Concession Card

• Health Care Card (all types)

• Commonwealth Seniors Health Card

• Department of Veterans' Affairs Card

• Veterans' Repatriation Health Card 

                                                                              
To access concession stamps and other benefits:

• visit your local Post Office and ask for an Australia Post Concession application form, or
• check if you’re eligible and then download and complete the application form. Lodge the form at your local Post Office to validate your Federal Government concession card. Download application form (PDF 148kB)

At the Benalla West Post Office, Lindsay and Anne are more than willing to assist you process your Application for the Australia Post Concession Card.  All they will need is a pleasant smile and evidence of your eligibility, such as a Pension Card.  It’s free to apply.

On Monday 14 October at the Benalla Health Community Centre, 45 Coster Street Benalla there is a free workshop on “Know Your Scooter Know the Rules” presented by the Benalla Rural City Council, the State Government and Age Friendly Benalla.

The program starts with morning tea at 10.30 am followed by two talks about mobility scooters and electric wheelchairs.

There will be a couple of devices brought along for demonstration.

John Weinert from Goulburn Valley Road safe will be speaking about who can use a motorised mobility device and how following the road rules will make it safer for everyone.

Lunch will be provided at the end of the talks. Bookings can be made on 5760 2600 by Wednesday 9 October. 

​Benalla Health is pleased to be able to show the 2023 feature-film documentary
"Live the Life You Please"
We invite you to join us after the film for afternoon tea and to
ask our friendly Palliative Care team any follow-up or end-of-life questions.

When: Tuesday 8th October 1.30pm – 3.00pm (film); 3.00-3.30pm (Q&A).
Where: Benalla Community Care - Ray Sweeney Centre, 45 Coster St, Benalla
Bookings: visit https://www.trybooking.com/CVPXT for bookings
and for more information.

For enquiries contact Benalla Health Palliative Care Team on 5761 4207

The Program Committee will begin meeting before long to plan the timetable for 2025.  I am very keen to hear about courses in the ‘ideas stage’ or early stages of development.  
A number of new courses have already been submitted and discussed with me, including 

Drawing and Painting with Water Colours – Convenor:  Margaret Zaal
Course description:    The course will be once a month for a duration of 2 hours.   The Convenor is a Botanical artist, and the course will include colour mixing and water colour technique.

Exploring Writing Children’s books – Convenor: Peter Thompson
Course description:  The Collaborative Children’s Book Group is a 10-session program designed to bring together novice authors and illustrators to create and develop children’s books.   Each session is 2 hours long, featuring a mix of activities, discussions and presentations.

Train Buffs - Convenors:   Athol Graham and Anne Nelson
Course description:  The course will be once a month with the duration of 2 hours.  It aims to provide the opportunity for like-minded people to reminisce about, follow up interests and develop further knowledge relating to trains and train travel.  Monthly sessions will involve classroom-based sessions and excursions.

It is also the time for convenors to consider whether they will 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.
​
Anne Nelson 0438 447 379 email [email protected]

Seniors Week is being held from Sunday 6 October to Sunday 13 October as part of the month-long Seniors Festival in October.   If you hold a Victorian Seniors Card, you can get out and explore metropolitan Melbourne and Regional Victoria with 8 days of free travel during that time.   Carry your Seniors Card with you on public transport.   Touch on and off as usual, you won’t be charged.   On regional services that don’t use myki, just show your Victorian Seniors Card to the conductor or bus driver.

You need to reserve a seat on long distance V/line trains and some coaches.    Bookings can be made at your nearest station or agent from 10.00 on Tuesday 10 September.  Seats can fill quickly so book early.

On Sunday 6 October Celebration Day at Federation Square commences from 12 to 7pm.    Some members of the U3a Benalla Ukes4Fun group will be taking part in the Mass Ukulele Performance from 3.15 to 3.40pm.    It would be good to see some members of Benalla U3A in the crowd, supporting the group.

There are many activities catering for all tastes, including the Melbourne Town Hall Big Band Dance from 12.00 to 4.00pm. Country Concerts are being held around Victoria, Heritage walks in various gardens, Film Festivals, etc.    If you haven’t got a Seniors Card apply for free or find out more at Seniors Online - www.seniorsonline.vic.gov.au or call 1300 797 210.   

The free Victorian Seniors Festival book is available at supermarkets, groups you may attend.   Keep a look out for the brightly coloured booklet with happy people on the cover.
​
Heather Wallace

You are invited to Come and Try Croquet

Have you ever wondered how this game is played?

The Benalla Croquet Club’s Annual Come and Try Croquet Days are being held on
Tuesday, 10th September 2024 or Thursday, 12th September 2024
 at the Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club, Ackerly Avenue, Benalla from 9.00am - 12.00pm.   

Some initial coaching will be provided, and a delicious morning tea supplied.
Wear flat soled shoes and a smile!

RSVP: Monday 2nd September 2024 to the Benalla Croquet Club Secretary:
0475 200 427 or [email protected]

As you’ll notice in some reports in the September newsletter, succession planning for new convenors for next year is already on the menu for some courses, with a new convenor for Bushwalking – Easy Walks discovered since our last newsletter and the search underway for a new convenor or co-convenors for Wine Appreciation. 

Our Program Committee is moving into planning new courses for 2024, and Course Coordinator Anne Nelson is keen to hear your suggestions.  It’s also the 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.

Ideas for several new courses are already on the table (more news in the next newsletter), however ‘now’s 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.   

An avid traveller (or travellers) could perhaps offer ‘Armchair Traveller’ traveller now the Covid hiatus has passed.  We are still looking for members interested in convening courses such as ‘French’ and ‘Pickleball’, and we have fully resourced course guides available for a ‘First Nations’ course and several other courses.

For more information contact Course Coordinator Anne Nelson 0438 447 379 email [email protected]
 

​The past few months have seen the passing of Ruth Marquand and Allan Marquand, who each took part in the life of U3A Benalla for well over a decade.  Ruth died at Cooinda on the 18th March, aged 90; Allan on the 6th June, aged 92. Allan and Ruth first joined U3A in 2007 and were members until 2022 when Ruth became unwell.   They attended a range of courses, including Garden Appreciation, over the years and enjoyed our end of year lunches and other celebrations.

Allan and Ruth owned Marquand’s Produce Store near the Benalla Saleyards for many years.  An inaugural member of Stock and Land when it began in 2018, Allan attended Stock and Land regularly and with great interest until Covid changed our lives.   Allan often added value to discussions, drawing on his vast knowledge of movements in livestock and grain prices, droughts and other economic events in the grain industry.    Ruth was an active member of Lifeball for many years and can be seen in the photograph collecting the money and ‘doing the accounts’ in 2018.

The TAC L2P Program is a state-wide program funded by TAC, managed by Department of Transport and Planning and coordinated by the Council. The Benalla program aims to assist 52 young people each month, this is only possible with an active group of volunteers.  The program is committed to assisting volunteers perform their role, providing training as well as ongoing support from the program coordinators. Volunteers can assist for as little as an hour a week.

Learners and mentors use vehicles, (two automatics and one manual), made possible by the program’s major sponsors, Benalla Toyota, Ovens Kia, Tyrepower Benalla, Winton Motor Raceway and Benalla Auto Club.

In a new chapter, thanks to Benalla Rotary's initiative, the program now includes older learners aged 23 and above. The trial program, launched in February 2024, has already seen success with two learners passing their drive test, and a further four older learners regularly driving, with more on a waiting list to join. This initiative highlights the community's need for tailored programs that address road safety for all age groups.

If you're interested in volunteering with the TAC L2P program, reach out to Benalla Council at 03 5760 2600 or search "Benalla L2P" online.
​
Natalie Phillips, L2P Coordinator, Benalla Rural City Council

(This is an updated version of 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
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​Where has the time gone?! Semester 2 is with us already. Our newest group, Spanish, commences on Saturday 6 July from 10am to 12 noon. If you would like to find out more about this group, please contact Anne on 0438 447 379. Enjoying the Internet is returning on the third Tuesday from 10am to 12 noon, while Chess, Lifeball and the Recorder group are actively seeking new members. 

​For more information, go to the Join Us page, or contact Helen on 0490 092 267.

The past few months have seen the passing of two U3A members who each took part in the life of U3A Benalla for over a decade.

Joan Vance

A long-term member of the Politics and Current Affairs group, Joan Vance had a particular interest in issues surrounding Health and Education, often reminding the class of their importance  Joan loved to read and was a member of Page Turners (formerly E-books) for many years.  A skilled 500 player, Joan and her cards partner Patsy Bollard were known as a force to be reckoned with if playing against them at Cards 500!  A former nurse and passionate and determined advocate for people with a disability, Joan drew on her own experience of a chronic condition to work to improve outcomes for people in Benalla with disabilities.   We will miss her friendly smile and sharp intellect.
 
Jennifer Campbell

A member of U3A for over 10 years, avid reader and member of Page Turners, Jennifer Campbell, passed away suddenly on May 11 2024.

In one of Jennifer’s early classes, a U3A Local History course in 2012, Jennifer researched the history of the Benalla Migrant Camp, research she was able to hand on as others became interested.  A founding member of the Collectors group in 2016, Jenny is remembered for bringing along a light to highlight the uranium glass amongst her wonderful collection of depression glass. We are thinking of Jennifer’s sister, Judith Borthwick, a former U3A Benalla newsletter editor, at this sad time and offer her our condolences. ​

U3A Benalla's Executive Committee has been working through a Policy Review process of reviewing policies, with the recent release of the following policies (click on links to view).
​
Anti-Discrimination
Bullying
Code of Conduct
Grievance
Privacy
​Risk Management 
Sexual Harassment

They are available above, on the About/Our U3A page of this website and in the Policy Folder which is located in the U3A Office.  

The Committee is currently reviewing  the remaining policies:  U3A Network Victoria Policies will continue to apply for these policies in the interim:

Health and Safety (Serious Injury and Incident) 
Conflict of Interest 


Margaret Jenkins,
​President

This year's Benalla Theatre Company Production - 'Mystery on the Orient Express' - premiered on Friday night ... the season finishes on Saturday 29th June.  Don't miss out!

​Lisa Atkinson from the Benalla Proactive Policing Unit recently forwarded news that Representatives from Crime Stoppers Victoria, Victoria Police and Benalla Rural City Council will be available at Benalla Visitor Information Centre on Thursday 27 June from 11 am to 1pm to chat with the community about personal safety, home and vehicle security, as well as local concerns and scam awareness. Lisa has been to talk to Meet and Mingle a couple of times and is always very helpful.

Margaret Jenkins
​President and Meet and Mingle Convenor

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

U3A Benalla's Executive Committee has been working through a Policy Review process of reviewing policies, with the recent release of the following policies (click on links to view).

They are available above, on the About/Our U3A page of this website and in the Policy Folder which is located in the U3A Office.  

The Committee is currently reviewing  the remaining policies:  U3A Network Victoria Policies will continue to apply for these policies in the interim:

Risk management 
Health and Safety (Serious Injury and Incident) 
Conflict of Interest 


Margaret Jenkins,
​President