Shirley O’Toole, from Italian for Beginners, embraces the fun of learning. PICTURE: JEREMY BANNISTER
U3A Ballarat members have celebrated the organisation’s 25th anniversary with an extravaganza of music, food, leisure and learning.
The University of the Third Age took over the Mining Exchange yesterday and showcased its variety of classes.
U3A Ballarat president John Olsen said the group had more than 530 members and aimed to promote physical, creative and mental wellbeing among seniors.
Yesterday, audiences were entertained by a 50-member choir, two recorder groups and a Celtic music group – all members of U3A.
There were yoga and pole-walking demonstrations and a French cafe run by seniors learning French.
More than 1000 people attended the free event.
“It was fantastic,” Mr Olsen said. “Ambassador for Aging Noeline Brown came down and she officially opened the occasion.”
Mr Olsen said U3A had started as a very small group 25 years ago and had grown via word of mouth.
“As the seniors population in Ballarat has increased so too has our membership,” he said.
“The members get out of it the activity, the interest, the fellowship and the social engagement.”
