The Annual Network Presidents Briefing Day was held on 16th May. My thanks go to Margaret Jenkins for attending in my absence. Some points that came out of this meeting are:-

• U3A has 109 branches with 36,000 members in Victoria
• U3A has more members than Mens’ Sheds
• Mens’ Sheds have received $4.3 Million in funding since 2010
• Membership fees range from $40 to $75 per annum. Benalla is the only group in the state with a membership fee of $30
• A number of groups receive council funding up to $1500
• Most councils see U3A as a positive effect on the ageing population
• Funding is a major concern for many U3As
• Some U3As report that Utility charges are up to $6000 per year

U3A Benalla is indeed fortunate that previous committees have used good management and have been able to show a surplus over several years.

Starting in June the Recorder Group will be meeting at NEA on the second and fourth Wednesday from 10am-12noon.

Any group using a bus for outings must have it approved by the Committee.

A Blu-ray CD/DVD player has been purchased and installed and I hope this solves the problems that have occurred in the past.

As we will need up-to-date figures for grant applications, all convenors of external groups need to get their First Semester records to Geraldine at the end of the semester.
​
Dorothy Webber, President

On Friday, 27th April, I received a letter from Tony McIlroy, C.E.O of Benalla Rural City Council. We have now been allocated office space in the old rest room. We are extremely pleased to finally have an office of our own and have spoken to Elsie Northey at the Council regarding sourcing a desk.  

We did not succeed in our bid to gain additional storage in the old Red Cross Cupboard.   Noise issues also remain unresolved apart from the Recorder group being required by Tony McIlroy to be relocated. 

​We also remain concerned about reports of U3A members being spoken to rudely or confronted in anger by members of the Seniors.  Please let me or a member of the committee know immediately if this happens.

Next week John Gebauer is painting the Projection Wall with no charge for materials or his time, because, in his words, “We do a great service to this community”.  Many thanks to John.

The Training Days for Equipment for Convenors and interested members will be: Tuesday May 1st at 1.30pm, Wednesday May 23rd at 2pm and Tuesday June 5th at 1.30 pm.

Dorothy Webber
President