{"id":"1","website_name":"U3A Southport V1.0","header":{"id":"2","panels":[{"id":"3","type":"logo-panel","width":"10%"},{"id":"4","type":"text-panel","text":"

U3A North Gold Coast Inc.

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U3A North Gold Coast Inc.

Explore, Engage & Be Empowered with Lifelong Learning

We offer exciting opportunities for over 50s to meet like-minded individuals, and participate actively in the social, cultural and recreational life of the Northern Gold Coast.

Our organisation enables interested people to attend classes that cover a range of activities such as yoga, dance and music, games and card groups, foreign languages, world history, philosophy, science, literature, theatre visits, and excursions. We also offer Information Technology (IT) sessions to keep seniors abreast of developments in the online worlds of Apple and Microsoft.

In particular we welcome those who would like to impart the knowledge and skills they have accumulated over a lifetime’s learning and experience to share with our members by becoming a tutor. Academic or other qualifications are valued but not essential.

Most importantly, U3A North Gold Coast provides occasions and venues for members to meet up with kindred spirits through class involvement, over a coffee or at an outing. There are no exams or tests, just learning for the joy of learning!

All you need to bring is your curiosity and enthusiasm!

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The U3A's Origins

The University of the Third Age (U3A) is an international movement whose aims are the education and stimulation of mainly retired members of the community - those in their third 'age' of life. The 'third age' is defined by a time in your life (not necessarily chronological) where you have the opportunity to undertake learning for its own sake.

University of the 3rd Age (U3A) started in France at the Faculty of Social Sciences in Toulouse in 1973. It was started by Prof. Pierre Vellas. In France the Third Age University is mostly associated with a local university.

By the early 1980s, the scheme reached the United Kingdom where its nature was radically changed to be more a self-help organisation. This model is also used in Australia, Cyprus, Dominica, New Zealand and South Africa where it was recognised that most people of retirement age have something to contribute and the emphasis has been on sharing, without formal educational links.

Many English-speaking countries have followed this model, whereas continental European countries have mostly followed the French model. For historical reasons, lifelong learning institute is the term used in the United States for organisations and similar groups. There is no universally accepted model for the U3A.

The first Australian U3A opened in Melbourne in 1984 with many other U3As rapidly opening across the country. There are now about 300 U3As in Australia, with about 100,000 members. The Australian model has U3As established as autonomous groups, with their own administration and curriculum according to the needs and interests of each group.

In Queensland, U3A is the largest provider of adult education programs for retirees. All programs are provided by volunteers. There are now 35 U3A groups in Queensland.

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U3A North Gold Coast Inc.

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Log in to your Member Portal

Below is a link to log in or to register for the Member Portal.

The Member Wizard Member Portal allows members to manage their membership of U3A NGC.

Members can enrol in classes and events, update their contact details, view their statement and pay any outstanding invoices.

It is the member's own personal account.

If you have already registered for the Portal and selected your PIN, you can simply click the button below and enter your PIN (provided you are on the same computer on which you originally registered for the Portal, otherwise you will need to re-register).

To register for Portal access please click on the button below and enter your registered email address. A security code will be sent to you by email or SMS. Enter this code back on the login page and you will be asked to select a PIN. In future you will only need to use this PIN again if you are on a different device, or have cookies blocked or deleted on exit on your computer.

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Join U3A North Gold Coast Inc.

You must be a current member of U3A North Gold Coast to participate in all our classes and social activities. Membership is for a calendar year 1 January to 31 December. We operate according to the Queensland school system of 4 terms per year.

Our full year new membership fee is currently $60
Our half year fee is currently $40 (after 30 June)

In addition to the membership fee which is payable yearly (or half yearly after 30 June), there are also class levies which are payable in advance, term by term. Class fees range from $2.90 per session for a 10 week course to $5 for a single lecture. Please note that some social activities may incur an additional cost, for example, for bus trips.

You are required to pay your membership fees online by credit card. If you are unable to use these methods please contact us via office.u3anorthgc@gmail.com or in person at our U3A office between 10am and 12pm, every weekday during school terms.

* 2025 membership is now available!

Click below to become a new member:

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Membership Renewal

All memberships expire on 31 December each year. Membership renewal for the following calendar year costs $50.

* Renew now for 2025!

To renew your membership please click the button below.

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U3A North Gold Coast Inc.

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CLASSES & EVENTS

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Our Term 1 2025 curriculum program is now open for your perusal and enrolment.

N.B. When you are perusing all the classes, please be sure to click on each one and read the description - don't just go by the heading of the class. This is particularly important on many classes so you know you are enrolling in the right one.

Should you need support, please contact one of these two email addresses:

Term 1 will start on Tuesday 28 January as Monday 27 January is a public holiday.

Should you be absent from a class or no longer wish to continue, you can:

Use the Advise Absence link on the class page in your Member Portal to let your tutor know
Or email your tutor using the Contact Tutor link on your class page
Failing that, you can call our office on 5529 0583 between 10am and 12pm Monday to Friday or leave a voicemail message

Thank you.

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U3A North Gold Coast Inc.

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CONTACT US

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COMMITTEE

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President:	Neil Marshall
Vice-President:	Christine Wood
Secretary:	Valerie Frost
Treasurer:	Ingrid Rohde
Committee Members:	Michele Stewart
	Rosemary House
	Deirdre Von Guilleaume
	Barbara Geoghegan
	Belinda Sina
	Cornelie Huydecoper
IT Admin:	Peter Williams
Class Co-ordinator:	Sheryl Carr
Membership Secretary:	Christine Wood
Office Manager:	Christine Wood
Newsletter Editor:	Sheryl Carr

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LOCATIONS

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LABRADOR COMMUNITY HUB

57 Billington Street, Labrador Q 4215

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U3A North Gold Coast Inc.

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NEWSLETTERS

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U3A North Gold Coast Inc.

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Click on any of the buttons below to download the Document to your device.

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PHOTO GALLERY

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U3A North Gold Coast Inc.

","width":"30%"}]}},{"allow_edit":true,"id":"76","page_name":"FAQs","route":"faqs","sections":[{"id":"77","panels":[{"id":"78","type":"picture-panel","picture_url":"https://nfsoftware.blob.core.windows.net/website-image/2c5b6e20-33db-479e-ab9e-337c951b6d1c","caption":"Bus stop on Brisbane Road at Labrador Community Hub","width":""},{"id":"79","type":"text-panel","text":"

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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What is a U3A?

U3As provide learning, social and physical activities to retirees. Run by volunteers, we offer a great community to help you get the most out of your retirement.</>

Why is attending a U3A good for my mental and physical health?

Social connection is important for mental and physical health and links to our sense of self, group identities, sense of purpose and quality of life. How we experience and view the world and how we were raised within our family, or our culture, can shape our understanding and perception of being and connecting in the world.

The evidence tells us:

1 in 4 Australians, aged 12 - 89 years, experience 'problematic' loneliness (approximately 5 million people).

Some research indicates that Australians over 65 years are often less lonely than younger people and experience less depression, social anxiety and are more engaged socially.

A recent survey by the Federation of nine Councils on the Ageing (COTA) across Australia suggests that of 22% of Queenslanders aged 50 years and over were not content with their friendships and relationships, 5% hadn't had contact with anyone in a week and 8% felt lonely all or most of the time.

The same survey indicates that older Queenslanders find support for their wellbeing (and mental health) through family and friends, exercising, good nutrition, hobbies, connecting with nature and through staying connected with digital technology.

Connecting with friends, family, acquaintances and even one-off or semi-regular casual interactions, can assist in preventing or alleviating social isolation and the feeling of loneliness. Good health adds life to years.

What happens at a U3A?

U3As provide opportunities for you to try something new, make friends and share your knowledge and skills with others. Courses range from physical fitness to desk-based classes, language studies, art and craft classes, social activities and more.

Do I need to be a member to attend any courses or activities?

Yes - only financial members are eligible to attend any courses or activities.

May I try a class prior to joining U3A?

Prospective members may try one class for free prior to joining.

How much does it cost?

Membership costs $60 per year for the first year and $50 per year thereafter providing membership is renewed before 31 March. Becoming a member enables you to enrol in classes subject to payment of relevant class fees as advertised in your Member Portal.

Where is U3A North Gold Coast located?

Labrador Community Hub, 57 Billington Street, Labrador

How do I get there?

There is a bus stop outside the Labrador Community Hub on Brisbane Road.

How much does it cost to park at Labrador Community Hub

There is limited free parking within the Hub precinct.

Do I need to study for exams?

Part of the fun of attending a U3A is that there are no exams or tests but learning for the joy of learning.

What educational level do I need to have to go to the U3A?

The U3A model does not require any prior educational level.

Are children able to accompany members to a class or activity?

No - under no circumstances may a child accompany a member to a class or activity.

Is there a limit to the number of classes I can join?

Whilst each class incurs a fee, there is no limitation on the number of classes you can enrol in each term.

Terms

We operate on a 4 term per year basis according to the Queensland Public School system.

Can I join the U3A at any time of the year?

A reduced membership fee of $40 applies for enrolment for membership 1 July to 31 December.

How much time will I need to set aside?

Most classes run for approximately 2 hours. Social activities such Day Trips or Luncheons will be more leisurely.

What if I can't attend a class or wish to drop out?

Please advise the tutor or the office if you are unable to attend. Three consecutive unexplained absences from a class will result in a deletion from the class or activity. As some classes have a waiting list, members are requested to advise the tutor or the U3A office if they no longer wish to attend.

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U3A North Gold Coast Inc.

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U3A North Gold Coast Inc.

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