Monthly Update – September 2024

Welcome to our September 2024 Monthly Update.

We are now officially in Spring, the season of renewal. It is a pleasure to walk along our streets and see the blossoms and flowers, especially the magnolias and green leaves, appearing to remind us of the change of seasons. There is also, unfortunately, an increase in spring flu and other respiratory illnesses so I ask that you are mindful, take care and follow recommended steps, for example, washing hands and wearing masks.

Another renewal event at this time of year is our upcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM) when we elect our new Committee for the year ahead. The timing of the AGM this year is easy to remember: 10, 10, 10 (i.e., 10.00 am on Thursday 10 October 2024). Please come along and show your support. The information below sets out the business to be conducted. If you have any questions, please talk to me or a current Committee member.

Mark Rubinstein
President


AGM – Upcoming Event

The AGM will be held at 10.00 am, Thursday 10 October, 2024 in the Glen Eira U3A Green Rooms at 1151 Glen Huntly Road, Glen Huntly. This will be followed by Morning Tea.

Business to be conducted at the AGM will include:

  • Approve the minutes of the previous AGM held on 19 October 2023;
  • A report on our activities for the year and our plans for the future;
  • Accept the financial statements for the year ended 30 June 2024;
  • Agree on the number of ordinary Committee members for 2025;
  • All Committee positions will be declared vacant at the AGM and members will be asked to elect a new Committee of Management.

Only current members may attend and vote at the AGM. If you cannot attend the meeting, you may appoint a proxy to vote on your behalf. A completed proxy form should be returned to the Secretary prior to the meeting.

If you wish to nominate yourself or another current member for a position on the Committee, you should complete the appropriate nomination form and provide it to the Secretary by 3 October 2024.

Current Committee members David Collier, Hilary Friedland, and Richard Salomon will not be seeking re-election. Joe Pasmanik does not intend to continue as Secretary but, together with all other current Committee members, will be available for re-election.

Nomination and Proxy forms are available on our website and can also be obtained from Reception. The financial statements for the year ended 30 June 2024 will be available on our website and can also be obtained from Reception. Copies will also be made available at the AGM.


We Want You! Tutors For 2025

We are compiling our courses, both year-long courses and short courses, for 2025 enrolments. There are opportunities for those of you with a passion for a particular subject or craft or language; it can be a one-off session or longer – the choices are yours!

Here is one opportunity:
Italian Beginners Tutor – If you’re keen to teach Italiano to enthusiastic beginners, then there’s an opportunity for you to take this class in 2025. (If needed, you’ll get lots of support from the current Italian tutors). We use the textbook “Nuovissimo Progetto Italiano 1a” and there’s lots of tutor support material to assist in teaching from this textbook. It’s really great fun for you and the members!
Let the Course Coordinator know at courses@gleneirau3a.org.au


Talk: Council Elections are Coming – Some Things Have Changed!

Council elections will be held this October, but do you know the name of your new ward? Glen Eira Council, like many Councils, will be moving to single-member wards. Join us for an information session about the new ward structure.

Presentation by Cr Jane Karslake

Cr Karslake has been a resident of Glen Eira for 34 years and has worked in community development and industrial relations and is a member of Glen Eira U3A.

When and Where

Glen Eira U3A, 1151 Glen Huntly Road, Glen Huntly.

  • Tuesday 17 September 12.00-1.00 – Gold Room OR
  • Wednesday 18 September 12.00-1.00 – Red Room

Reservations

Numbers are limited – visit Reception or contact us on (03) 9572 0571 to reserve a place.


Course Update – Enrol Now

There are still places available in some courses. You can find these by going to the homepage of our website at https://gleneirau3a.org.au and clicking on the link “Click here to see courses with current availability”. 

Here are some examples:

Golf Croquet: Come & Learn – 11.00-3.00 at Elsternwick Croquet Club, 27 Parkside Street, Elsternwick

  • 24GAM13F – September – 5/9/24-26/9/24
  • 24GAM13G – October – 3/10/24-24/10/24
  • 24GAM14H – November – 7/11/24-28/11/24

Learn the exciting game of Golf Croquet, a classic lawn game that offers gentle exercise and strategic thinking. Over four weeks you will develop the skills to navigate through challenging hoops and develop clever tactics. Croquet is an excellent way to meet new people and make friends, fostering a sense of camaraderie. You will be given the opportunity to practice and play with others to improve your skills and understanding of the game. The Elsternwick Croquet Club is relaxed and welcoming.


Seniors Festival — 1-31  October 2024

Victorian Seniors Festival is returning from 1–31 October 2024. Find out more at:
https://www.seniorsonline.vic.gov.au/victorian-seniors-festival

Metro Trains – Did you know all Victorian Senior Card holders can explore Victoria with eight days of free public transport from Sunday 6 October to Sunday 13 October 2024? Metro offers you access to the Victorian Seniors Festival, featuring thousands of free and affordable events and entertainment options across Victoria.

Glen Eira City Council – This year’s theme — Explore. Engage. Evolve – aims to encourage older Victorians to stay curious and connected by exploring new activities, meeting new people and changing how we think of ageing. Find out more at:
https://www.gleneira.vic.gov.au/services/seniors/whats-on-for-seniors/seniors-festival


Health, Safety and Wellbeing Update – More On Scams

How to keep your personal information safe and avoid being taken advantage of online.

There is plenty to enjoy in the online world, but you should be aware of the risks. The eSafety Commissioner (https://www.esafety.gov.au/seniors/online-scams) can help you understand what to look out for so you can explore safely.

Identifying and avoiding scams
The rate of online scams is increasing and scammers are becoming more sophisticated in their approach to potential victims. These courses outline some of the most common online scams and how you can identify them. Learn what you can do to protect yourself from being scammed, and what to do in the unfortunate case that you’re the victim of a scam.

https://beconnected.esafety.gov.au/topic-library/identifying-and-avoiding-scams

Knowledge is power

Scams are intended to take advantage of your good nature, but if you’re careful about sharing personal information online, use common sense about who you give money to, and keep your guard up, the internet can be a safe place to explore.
beconnected.esafety.gov.au

If you get an email asking for personal information, you should follow these steps:

  • Never click on any links in the email.
  • Delete the email.
  • Help others know about the scam by reporting it to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s (ACCC) ScamWatch website at www.scamwatch.gov.au.