Author: Dorothy Maricic

Janet Strachan

For 10 years Janet has drawn on her extensive teaching career and her Welsh background, to guide students through many excellent poetry and Shakespeare courses, culminating in her 2024 yearlong overview of Poetry Written In English. Her 14 courses have included: Under Milkwood, Dylan Thomas poetry, TS Eliot Wasteland, introductions to Eliot; Keats & Auden; […]

Read more...

Kai Simpson 

Kai became an office volunteer in 2014.  In the next year she played a pivotal role in  introducing the MyU3A membership system guiding the admin team and tutors in implementing the first automated system used by U3AMC.     Throughout the past 10 years Kai has performed all the tasks necessary for the smooth operation of our […]

Read more...

Jan Norman

On joining U3A in 2015 Jan stepped in leader of Let’s Do Cycling Thursday with her warm and encouraging smile. She continues in that group to this day.  While co-leading cycling she took on co-leadership of Tuesday Movie group always welcoming new members to the group.    Awarded 2024.

Read more...

Gwen Nyman

Since joining U3AMC in 2015, Gwen has been a dedicated member of the French tutor team offering 16 yearlong courses.   These have included courses from Beginners level to Intermediate. She has offered very well organised classes, using diverse materials and an inclusive approach supplementing this with broader information on travel and cultural aspects about French […]

Read more...

Liz Mullin

Liz began her volunteering by helping to organise the U3AMC’s contribution to the 2015 Seniors Festival event.  During 2016 & 2017 she co-facilitated the Monday Writers and the Scriptwriters courses and since 2018 has run the Monday Writers course. Open to all genres and writing styles, Liz has helped students develop skills and confidence in […]

Read more...

Ian Marchment 

Since joining U3AMC in 2012, Ian has each year run a series of short courses on a diverse range of topics, ranging from Ergonomics at home, Organ Donation, Motivation, and Fulfilment in Retirement. Ian’s 24 short motivation courses have encouraged members to explore 8 key life areas: health, exercise, family, finances, social connection, holidays, community […]

Read more...

Don Just

As a retired prosecution barrister, when joining U3A in 2015 Don introduced short courses in Criminal Law. His students were divided into jury-like discussion groups drawing on actual trial evidence, materials from key authors on the case and other resources. Don led students to examine each case in depth and reach their own verdict on […]

Read more...

Ron Bennett

Ron began his volunteering activities by assisting with IT drawing on his professional background. He then assisted with Rummy Tiles and Cryptic Crossword classes before beginning his popular Beginners’ guitar course in 2017. All are still running successfully in 2024. We are told that as a tutor, Ron is patient and kind, integrating a wide […]

Read more...

Marcus Wearne

Marcus became a member of the Committee of Management in 2013.  From 2014 a tutor in in German at various levels, both in person and on Zoom.  An enthusiastic supporter of foreign language teaching at U3A particularly German.   Awarded 2023

Read more...

Paul O’Brien

Paul joined the Administration team in 2013 and for many years has been part of the leadership team.  From 2016 Paul offered Beginners German and post Beginners German.   Awarded 2023

Read more...

Peter Newbury

Peter has offered Neighbourhood Strolls from 2014.  From 2015 he was co tutor in Current Affairs/What’s News.  In 2021 he introduced Secrets of Espionage.  Peter brings history to life with his detailed and engaging story telling.   Awarded 2023

Read more...

Julie Mills

Julie has been co-tutor of Tuesday Mahjong since 2013 including on Zoom during Covid. Especially supportive of beginners and new members.   Awarded 2023

Read more...

Helen McCulloch

Helen began offering her short course Talking About Secrets in 2013, revealing a depth of knowledge and understanding of Cold War Spies . Awarded 2023

Read more...

Maureen McBride

Maureen began offering yoga in 2014, in some years twice per week.  She uses a mindful approach, inspiring with her dedication, happy and friendly demeanour.   Awarded 2023

Read more...

Ann Johns

Ann served as a member of the Course Coordination team 2013-14. She became a member of Committee of Management in 2014, Treasurer from 2015-2018, Assistant Treasurer 2019-2020 and Vice President 2021-22.  She has been critical in sourcing her successor treasurers.

Read more...

Ian Mackay

Ian offered Using iPads and Thinking About iPhones in 2014, but is best known for his frequently repeated short courses History of New France and Highland Clearances. Class co-ordinator, co-tutor and supporter of advanced French classes. Awarded 2023

Read more...

Elaine Batchelder

Elaine has offered 14 yearlong courses in French including French Matters from 2013, exploring French, culture, daily life.  She has also offered Advanced Conversations and Level 4 Upper Intermediate French.  Her classes are described as relaxed, informative and fun.  Awarded 2023

Read more...

Nan Wingfield

For her distinguished and sustained contribution to U3A Melbourne City across many volunteering roles, Nan was awarded the inaugural Life Membership instituted in 2006. The University of the Third Age was introduced to Australia at a public meeting in 1984 at the Council of Adult Education. Nan Wingfield was one of the original members and […]

Read more...

Alan Lubinas

Alan was nominated for his dedicated volunteer contribution to U3A City as a Committee member and tutor. Alan was an active Committee member for 12 years (1996-2007), holding the position of Treasure for 11 of those years. His contribution in safeguarding the funds of the organisation during this time are clearly remembered and valued. His […]

Read more...

Helena Ling

Helena Ling was nominated for her sustained and outstanding volunteer contribution to U3A Melbourne City across many facets of the organization. These include: Office Volunteer/Administrator: Helena has volunteered in the office at every level since joining U3A Melbourne City in 2006. She has performed every role required for the efficient functioning of the office at […]

Read more...

John Cramp

John was nominated for his longstanding contribution to U3A City as both an occasional tutor and valued participant in music and Shakespeare courses. As fellow classmates wrote- John has only recently retired due to ill health. He has been a real stalwart in the Shakespeare course, bringing to bear his wide-ranging interests, his encyclopaedic reading […]

Read more...

Lillian Emmanuel

Lillian joined U3A City in 1986 and tutored Raja Yoga for the next 17 years, retiring only due to ill health in 2003. Over this period, Lillian gave unstintingly of her time and energy to the U3A program. Lillian’s courses in yoga philosophy, breathing and meditation were well prepared and conveyed in a simple straightforward […]

Read more...

Marie Einoder

As a founding member of U3A City and longstanding French tutor, Marie was nominated for Life Membership by her students in 2007. Marie joined the French class at its start, was joint tutor from 1991, and sole tutor for 13 years from 1993. In all that time she only missed a class once or twice. […]

Read more...

Joyce Bromage

Joyce has been a dedicated and conspicuous volunteer since U3A City’s inception in 1985.  Since joining in 1985 Joyce has worked as volunteer in the office, on a weekly basis until 2006 and fortnightly since then. Her contribution to the annual enrolments in February each year has been especially valued.  Joyce joined the Committee in […]

Read more...

Eva Meredith

Eva joined U3A Melbourne City in 1988 and has been an active and hard-working contributor to all facets of the organization: as an office-bearer, committee member, tutor, office volunteer and administrator. Office Bearer/Committee 1993 -Committee Member 1994 – Feb 1998 Treasurer 2005 – Vice-President 2007 – 2008 Committee Member Ross House Room Bookings 2005 – […]

Read more...

Shirley Mason

Shirley joined U3A Melbourne City in 2009. A year later she joined the Committee of Management and also became the Social Secretary organising many events and activities for U3A members over a number of years. When asked for ideas to celebrate our 30th Anniversary, Shirley suggested a Fashion Show for mature adults, well past their […]

Read more...

Margaret Ledley

Margaret served as a tutor of Philosophy continuously since 1995. She has run the yearlong course Philosophical Issues and Arguments each week, providing much stimulation, debate and learning among her students. Based on her dedicated and distinguished contribution to U3A Melbourne City over 16 years, Margaret was commended and awarded Life Membership in 2011.

Read more...

Alma Kristensen

Alma began teaching Gentle Yoga at U3A Melbourne City in 2005, sometimes teaching two yearlong classes per year because of the high demand for her course. Following her retirement in 2004 from a career in nursing, Alma pursued an interest in various alternative health practices. Yoga has been an important part of Alma’s life since […]

Read more...

Christina Hill

Dr Chris Hill is a popular and distinguished Tutor. She began in 2003 with two short courses: Literature: Well Known Works and New Interpretations of Shakespeare’s Tragedies. In 2004 she commenced her series of yearlong courses titled Great Works of Literature, which in 2012 dealt specifically with 19th Century Russian Fiction. She also presented a […]

Read more...

Ann Hewett

Ann began contributing to the creative aspect of U3A Melbourne City’s course program in 1998, serving as group leader of the watercolour painting course. The course Painting in Watercolour, or Watercolour for Seniors in 2007, ran for 13 years, providing a weekly base for students to share ideas, develop their skills and friendships. In 2011, […]

Read more...

Marguerite Grynberg

Beginning in 2000, Marguerite has contributed to the French language program at U3A Melbourne City, tutoring in both yearlong and short courses. Over nine years Marguerite taught the yearlong weekly courses Bonjour France– elementary (2002-2001) and Bonjour France (2002-2008). Since then, she has taught the popular short courses Conversation Francaise and French-en parlant Francaise. For […]

Read more...

Judy Eldred

Judy Eldred is a distinguished Tutor. From 2003 and over the succeeding years up to and including 2012, Judy conducted a total of 16 courses in Floral Art or Floristry – 8 short and 8 yearlong. The popularity of her classes and her sustained commitment to her students and to U3A Melbourne City make her […]

Read more...

Juliette Zeelander

Juliette started up the Music Ensemble at U3A Melbourne City in 2003, providing members over ten years with the weekly opportunity to share, hone and enjoy their musical skills. The Ensemble has participated in many Seniors Weeks activities, and given concerts both to U3A members and externally at nursing homes and retirement villages. They also […]

Read more...

Max Warlond

Max has been a committed and inspiring volunteer since 2011, covering numerous roles across U3AMC based on his many skills and passions. Tutoring Embracing tutoring in 2011, Max has run short courses on various topics: Speaking with Confidence (2011) for Committee and for members; Fit for Retirement (2011 & 2012); Armchair Travel (2018 Summer School) […]

Read more...

Tony Miles

Tony joined U3A Melbourne City in 2009, principally to improve his very shaky French under the wonderful and witty tutelage of the late and much-missed Dr Robert Hooke. Tony was a member of the Committee of Management between 2010-2013 and an active member of the Promotions and Publicity working group since then. Tony spent his […]

Read more...

Jill Thompson

Jill Thompson has made an outstanding and distinguished contribution to the U3A movement generally in Australia and more specifically to U3A Melbourne City. An instigator of U3A in 1984, on her retirement in 2006 Jill brought her passion and skill to many volunteer roles in U3AMC, a continuing contribution to this day. These can be […]

Read more...

Margaret Smith

Margaret has been a dedicated volunteer and warm presence in many aspects of U3AMC life since 2009. Office A valued office volunteer since 2009, Margaret has participated in all aspects of the office role, and proved a reliable and constant roster participant. Margaret has shown resilience in adapting to the various technological changes impacting on […]

Read more...

Will Semler

Will commenced tutoring in 1992 running a series of yearlong and short courses until 2007. Will lead the yearlong Writers Workshop course, later known as Writers Scribes and Monday Writers, for 16 years. In 2003 he contributed to the Summer program, offering Collins Street and Nearby Treasures, later repeated as short course. In 2004 he […]

Read more...

Fran Sciarretta

Fran has made a significant volunteer contribution to U3A Melbourne City since joining in 2006, particularly as a member of the Committee of Management and Office Administration. Office & Administration Fran started volunteering in the office in 2008, and in 2010 took on the role of Volunteer Coordinator and organizing the office roster. This involved […]

Read more...

Peter Salmon

Dr Peter Salmon joined in 2007 and has contributed to the life U3A Melbourne City in various volunteer roles, summarized under the following four headings: Tutoring Peter has been a tutor since 2007 offering popular, high-demand subjects in Psychology, Psychology & Biology of the Brain, and Genetics. He has consistently received excellent feedback from his […]

Read more...

Margaret Rees

Margaret joined U3A Melbourne City in 2006 and was a valued member of the Committee of Management in 2007 & 2008. In 2009 Margaret started volunteering in our office. During her time in the office, Margaret has participated in all the changes that have taken place, including the move to modern technology from Canopus to […]

Read more...

Val Pincus

For her distinguished and sustained contribution to U3A Melbourne City across many volunteering roles, Val was commended and awarded Life Membership in 2010. Since joining in 1996, Val played an important part in the life U3A, her achievements and contribution summarized under the following four headings: Committee Membership Valerie became a member of the Committee […]

Read more...

Julie Nankervis

Julie has contributed significantly to the operations and development of U3A Melbourne City through various volunteer roles, especially in Course Coordination.   Committee of Management, 2010-2012   Serving on the Committee, Julie provided valuable input into strategic decision-making, policy formulation (Code of Conduct/Grievances, Student Feedback Policy, Foreign Languages Policy, Position descriptions and the Volunteer Agreement).  She represented U3A […]

Read more...

Dorothy Davis

Dorothy Davis taught and ran a Mahjong group at U3A Melbourne City beginning in 2004, following the merger of Adult Education Australia with U3A Melbourne City. Dorothy introduced our members to the English version of Mahjong and supported their learning and enjoyment of the game. Mahjong is now a firm favourite among members. Based on […]

Read more...

Blair Cramer

Blair Cramer is a popular and distinguished Tutor. In each of the ten years commencing in 2003, Blair conducted yearlong courses in Chess, variously named Learning Chess, Learning Chess 1 & 2, and Chess Levels 1 & 2. Additionally, during the same timeframe, he conducted six short courses based on Buddhist philosophy titled New Insights. […]

Read more...

Pat Collins

Pat joined U3A Melbourne City in 2004 and has been a committed Core Volunteer of this organisation. Office Pat joined the office roster in her first year and continued in this capacity for 10 years. During this time Pat was a very capable, committed and reliable asset to our organisation and assisted in the training […]

Read more...

Betty Caldwell

Betty Caldwell began teaching the popular yearlong Wednesday Writers course at U3A Melbourne City in 2005. It was the view of the whole 2015 class that Betty is a warm, caring, diligent and extremely able Tutor. They say “we have all benefited from her leadership and improved our writing ability”.  Betty’s childhood experiences of country […]

Read more...

George Boag

George Boag has made a significant ongoing contribution to U3A Melbourne City since joining in about 2000. His achievements and contribution to U3A can be summarised under the following headings: Tutor George started tutoring a short course in March 2003 called The French Revolution and this was quickly followed in the same year by The […]

Read more...

John Besley

John joined U3A City of Melbourne in 1996 and has since then played a major role in the life of the organisation. He nominated for the Committee in 1997, becoming Vice-President the year after, and then President from 1999 to 2004, a period of six years. He was a general Committee member from 2005 to […]

Read more...

Hilary Adair

Hilary Adair became a member of U3A Melbourne City in 2003 and began teaching Advanced French since 2006. From Hilary’s students: Hilary Adair achieves ten years as tutor of French Advanced Study and Conversation class. An enthusiastic member of the group when it was led by Marie Einoder, Hilary agreed to be the tutor when […]

Read more...

Ailsa Miles

Ailsa joined U3A in 1999 and over the following decade made a significant contribution to U3A Melbourne City in many key volunteer roles within the organisation. Ailsa was a member of the Committee of Management between 2002 to 2009, serving as Secretary for six of those years. In addition, Ailsa compiled and coordinated the production […]

Read more...

Jack Foks

In 2010 Jack launched into an innovative, stimulating and popular series of short courses on Democracy. Drawing on his considerable audio-visual skills, enquiring mind and collaborative approach to teaching, Jack engaged his students in many fascinating discussions on diverse and unexpected themes: What is Democracy? (2010); Democracy and the Media (2011); Does Democracy Work? (2012); […]

Read more...