Community
12 February, 2024
Never too late to learn
AFTER three years of a COVID-imposed pause, the popular University of the Third Age (U3A) guest speaker afternoons are back for anyone looking to learn about an array of interesting topics like health, global warming, and security.
Kicking off next Thursday, February 15, at Brothers Leagues Club, an average of two speakers per week will be directing a set of talks on thought-provoking subjects and others on fundamental topics for seniors like home security, identity theft and cyber-crime with experts.
Leader and tutor of current affairs at U3A John Pratt said U3A Cairns was excited to bring back a favourite with the guest speaker afternoons.
“I’ll be holding one talk every fortnight at Brothers Leagues Club with our president and the purpose is to increase our membership, so we’re inviting members and the public,” he said.
“The first speaker is Dr Glenn Fulford, a lecturer at JCU, interested in the history of pandemics and medical history, so we’ll have eight talks on the subject of history of diseases. We’ll also have environmental scientist Pam Jones, and a set of aged care talks for retirees on personal safety, cyber-crime, etc, at the U3A building. “We had this program on ice since COVID but before that we were getting 20-30 people attending the talks and we’re hoping to recover those numbers. Some people joined U3A just because of those lectures, so it’s good to have them back.”
Mr Pratt said the talks were a way to explore local talent and bring more enriching activities for the elderly in the community.
“We’re interested in exploring the talent we have in the retirement area in the region, people who might’ve been university professors and experts,” he said.
“Also, retirees are always looking for something to do in the afternoons so it gives them options and keeps their brains stimulated.
“Education is a lifelong thing so it’s an opportunity for seniors, who may not want a degree at uni but still want to learn and be informed, can do so.”
For more information and dates on the guest speaker afternoons, visit www.cairnsu3ainc.u3anet.org.au Entry to the talks cost $3 for members and $5 for non- members, coffee and tea will be provided.
