University of the Third Age Network - Victoria

The U3A movement is a unique and exciting organisation which provides, through its U3As, life-enhancing and life-changing opportunities. Retired and semi-retired people come together and learn together, not for qualifications but for its own reward: the sheer joy of discovery! Members share their skills and life experiences: the learners teach and the teachers learn, and there is no distinction between them.

The U3A movement is a volunteer organisation providing educational, creative and leisure opportunities in a friendly environment for the retired and semi retired members of the community. U3A Network Victoria is the peak body for 100+ Member U3As representing around 37,000 members. U3A Network Victoria is operated by its elected volunteer Committee, a number of sub committees and workgroups, plus our paid officers. A quarterly meeting is held with a Council of Delegates, representing each Member U3A. Network’s representatives may be contacted through the Network Office.

Victoria’s 100+ U3As are grouped in geographical regions to facilitate communication and to strengthen U3As by sharing local information about marketing, tutors, administrative procedures, potential partners, and many other matters. The aims of the regions structure within Victoria include providing a communications channel for regions to give information to and to influence U3A Network. This also provides support when approaching Local Government Areas.

Most Regions meet twice yearly at an agreed venue within the Region. Often these meetings will include a workshop on an area of interest or need. The Regions movement is supported and guided by the Network Development and Support Officer. A Regional Representative is elected by the group to attend the Regions meeting attached to Network Council meetings held four times a year.