Retirement may be a period in which we are able to do those things for which we had neither the time nor opportunity earlier in life. We older people may enjoy a rewarding active retirement by pursuing interests from a range in which the choice has never been greater.*

U3A's are the main providers of adult community education for older learners. U3A Baw Baw meet at the Wesley Centre located on Victoria Street, Warragul.

At U3A Baw Baw there are no prior qualifications required, no exams and no degrees awarded. You just need an interest to learn. In general, half of U3A members are below 70 years of age and half are above.

A U3A is a university in the original sense of the word: a community of people devoted to learning and its members are in their third age. U3A Warragul members organise their own activities by drawing on the skills of one another.

Like - minded members from all walks of life are encouraged to form study groups and share their knowledge with fellow members, all on a voluntary basis.

We look forward to having you as a new member and sharing the Third Age of life with you.

How does U3A Baw Baw work?

Like all U3As, Baw Baw is autonomous. There are no entry requirements for membership with no assessment of prior learning and credentials.

Activities are negotiated to meet the needs of the group; a course may be short or long, depending on the subject; groups may be of any size and teaching may be done by an individual or a team. Styles vary from highly participatory to conventional lecture techniques. Some key guest speakers are invited but their contributions, like those of all U3A members, are voluntary.

U3As policy is to engage as many members as possible to lead classes, administer members' registrations, finance, program organistions, newsletters etc. If you feel that you could contribute to helping U3A Baw Baw please contact us.

Some resources

U3A Network Victoria - The official U3A Victoria website

U3A Online - more details about U3A Australia

U3A Network Victoria's 1998 Report - Detailed description of U3A (PDF)

Australian Seniors Computer Clubs Association - A national peak body for computers and technology.

Find your nearest U3A - U3A Online maintains a list of U3A webites.

Baw Baw Shire Council - Useful information about the Shire of Baw Baw.

*Quoted from the U3A Network Inc. Handbook- 1999

A mutual interest in learning leads to new friendships based on an expanded social experience.