Held at Tathra Beach Bowling Club the meeting was addressed by Anthony Basford, director community, relations and leisure at Bega Valley Shire Council.

“Groups such as U3A are an ideal partnership for council providing vital feedback on the needs and aspirations of the community, assisting council in implementing community services, facilities and events,” Mr Basford said. 

President of Bermagui U3A Kerry Davies said U3A on the Far South Coast of NSW was particularly important because so many retired people from Canberra and Melbourne have chosen the Wilderness Coast as their place to retreat.

“But that doesn’t mean we sit and twiddle our thumbs,” Ms Davies said.

“We’re pretty dedicated to enriching our third age and giving back to our community by becoming involved in the running of courses for people with the same shared learning aims.”

Workshops on the day explored the issues of membership, relevance and availability of courses, succession planning and encouraging community participation.

Ian Robertson, president of Tura Beach U3A, emphasized the importance of U3A.

“With around 500 and 260 members in each of the groups it is important we provide courses and events that enable us to enjoy our retirement to the fullest,” he said. 

U3A stands for University of the Third Age.

This “age” follows childhood and our working lives and is the time of active retirement.

U3A is a worldwide movement where retired people from all walks of life get together to teach and learn from each other, drawing on their life’s experiences, knowledge and interests.

Annual membership is $25 for Bermagui or $30 for Tura Beach with a few dollars charged for each course attended.

For more information on U3A and the courses they offer see www.bermagui.u3anet.org.au or www.u3asapphire.wikispaces.com.