If you’re over 50 and looking to learn something new, connect with others, stay active, and have fun, the Oberon U3A is ready and waiting for you.
The Oberon U3A promotes healthy ageing and community connections through activities provided by its own members. Richelle joined the Oberon U3A when she first moved to the region last year.
‘Joining the U3A has been a great way to meet new people and to keep active. I’ve learnt all about platypuses and snakes and done a CPR course from one-off sessions with experts. I’m now learning to play bridge, which is stretching my brain, and I’m about to host my first Armchair Travel session, sharing my trip to Mexico and photos with others.’
The ‘University of the Third Age’ (U3A) is a worldwide volunteer-led movement that encourages people over 50 to continue to learn new things in a relaxed and friendly environment. The name comes from the medieval concept of a “community of scholars” who come together to learn from one another and references the cycles of life. The concept originated in France in 1972 and reached Australia in 1984. There are no qualifications for membership; no degrees or diplomas are awarded.
The majority of Oberon U3A courses are free. Where special materials are required, a small fee may apply. There’s something for most everyone. Looking for opportunities to move? How about balance ‘n bones, pilates, table tennis, fitness classes or walking around the surrounding forests and town. Interested in learning or already experienced with old machinery, join the historical machinery restoration weekly group. There are groups, playing cards, sharing interests in reading, food tasting and current affairs every week. Art, music and crafts more your style? There are Creative Fibre, Art, Recorder and Ukulele sessions.
If you would like to learn more and meet members, Oberon U3A is hosting a morning tea on Saturday, 20 June at the Community Centre. Alternatively, to find out what’s on and to join Oberon U3A, visit https://oberon.u3anet.org.au/. Membership is $20 a calendar year. Term 3, with new one-off sessions, starts on 28 July 2026. There is also a Bathurst U3A and a U3A Online, with over 100 courses available to choose from to do in your own time and at your own pace.
