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Assistant Membership Officer Required

2/2/2026

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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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.

Thank you, Alejandro and Peter!

7/8/2025

During July, President Margaret Jenkins thanked Spanish teacher Alejandro Diaz and Vice-President Anne Nelson thanked Exploring Writing Children’s Books convenor Peter Thompson, for their preparedness to teach courses at U3A and their enthusiasm when doing so. Both were presented with a celebratory U3A pen

Spanish convenor Alejandro Diaz with Margaret Jenkins and class members
at his final session on July 26

Exploring Writing Children’s Books convenor Peter Thompson with Anne Nelson

Rose City Probus Bus Trip to ‘CATS’ on January 14, 2026

7/8/2025

The Benalla Rose City Probus group is organising a bus to see the show CATS on the January 14, 2026, and extend an invitation to all U3A Benalla members to join with them to see this show. Further information is available by contacting the Probus Activity Officer, Pamela O’Connor, on 0409 223 974

Program News - 'Apple Refresher Course'

17/7/2025

If you have an Apple iPhone or an Apple iPad and would like to feel more confident using either of these devices we are offering a four session refresher course.

We will go over some basics and each week explore different apps on your device.

Wifi vs mobile data
Settings
Using the Calendar
Notes Messages and Emails
Money (Bills and Buying)

The sessions will go for one hour with flexibility to extend another half an
hour for troubleshooting individual problems.
Bring:

Apple Device
Apple Username (your email) and Password
Pen and Paper

Apple Refresher 1:30 - 2:30pm
Friday 1st August
Friday 8th August
Friday 5th September
Friday 12th September

To enrol -
Sign up sheet outside U3A Room OR contact the Course Co-ordinator Anne Nelson on 0438 447 379

Digital Upskilling Short Course Slide Presentatons #2 and #3

11/7/2025

Session 2

Session 3

Melissa Antony

Building Security - new procedures for members and convenors

11/7/2025

General Members

All members are to enter and exit via the front sliding doors.
Currently the side door is not automatically locking when closing as it should.
When the locks are fixed members will be able to exit via the side door, however should always check it has locked properly, as can close slowly and may pause before securing.

U3A Convenors (also committee and tech support members with keys)

Convenors and other keyholders can enter and leave the building by either the front sliding doors or the side door.
The side door should automatically lock when closed.
If using the side door to enter, make sure it is pulled close and locks.
If the front sliding doors are not open when you arrive for class, switch them to AUTO to allow entry to members.
At the end of your session, if no other group is using the auditorium:
- Switch the front door to LOCK.
- Exit by pressing the green button near the door.
If exiting via the side door, always check it has locked properly, as it currently closes slowly and may pause before securing.
If your group is the only one in the building, consider switching the front door to LOCK after allowing a reasonable time for members to arrive.
If you are the only one in the building, switch the front door to LOCK and check that the side door has securely closed after the last person exits.
As is the usual practice for classroom doors – always lock them after you if no one is waiting to enter.

*Please note - these procedures could firm up further over the coming weeks. Watch this space!

Digital Upskilling Short Course

3/7/2025

The Digital Upskilling Short Course is well underway, with participants describing enjoying and learning so much from the sessions with Melissa and Jackie. The final session is on Friday 11 July at 1.30 pm in Rm 1.

Program Update and Suggestions

3/7/2025

Although most people won’t be affected, the Membership Application, Course Guide and Full Timetable have been updated by Len Jeffers for Semester 2 and are now available on the Join Us page of the website.

While there are no new courses on offer at the moment, there are some other options to be aware of in the broader U3A community. If you're looking for something new you could, for instance:

Explore nearby U3As: Other U3As in our region—like Beechworth, Wangaratta, and Goulburn Valley (Shepparton)—offer interesting courses. Some of their members attend our groups as associate members. Associate membership fees are usually lower than full annual fees and vary between U3As.
Try U3A Online: A wide range of online courses is available through U3A Online.
Visit U3A Network Victoria: Browse online courses from other U3As across Victoria on the Network Victoria website.

If you would like to convene a new course, jot your ideas down on the Program Proposal form on the Program Ideas page of the website to assist when discussing your ideas with our Course Coordinator, Anne Nelson (M: 0438 447 379 | E: [email protected]). Anne will pass your idea to the Program Committee for consideration.

Vale Frank Dunin

3/7/2025

Frank Dunin, a U3A Benalla member for eleven years, loyal Garden Team member and passionate advocate for a Sustainable Future, passed away in Melbourne recently.

A former CSIRO scientist and acclaimed AFL Richmond football player, Frank was a force of nature who engaged for over a decade in discussions about a Sustainable Future with classmates including John Lloyd, Jim Casey, Arthur Ford, Brian Howard, Kathy Costello John Lane and others. Frank understood issues impacting on agriculture and the environment in considerable depth and was always keen to explain the intricacies involved with class members.

An active member of Garden Team, Frank is remembered for being generous with his time, enjoying being with people and having a chat, and “for bringing along his hedge trimmer to make order out of chaos”.

When John Lloyd moved away from the area at the end of 2021, Frank took on co-convenorship of Sustainability with John Lane, something he had hoped, but was unable, to continue after he and Val moved to Melbourne to be closer to their children.

We send our condolences to Frank’s wife Val and his family and friends.

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Assistant Membership Officer Required

Vale - Elaine Murphy

It's not too late to enrol!

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!"

Thank you, Alejandro and Peter!

Rose City Probus Bus Trip to ‘CATS’ on January 14, 2026

Program News - 'Apple Refresher Course'

Digital Upskilling Short Course Slide Presentatons #2 and #3

Building Security - new procedures for members and convenors

Digital Upskilling Short Course

Program Update and Suggestions

Vale Frank Dunin

News update

What's On Calendar

Contributions

Course Suggestions

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