Ararat and District University of the Third Age (U3A) is preparing to welcome members old and new ahead of its Enrolment Day next week.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
U3A provides educational, recreational, and social programs for those who are retired or semi-retired.
While last year the university's offerings were hampered due to COVID-19, Ararat U3A president Lynne Wilson said present restrictions will allow courses and activities to proceed in a relatively normal manner.
"It's virtually exactly the same except that we still have our social distancing when we have large groups," she said.
READ MORE:
In Term 1, Ararat U3A will therefore be able to offer its usual variety of units.
These include project-based activities such as woodwork, art, craft, knitting, cooking and gardening, recreational activities such as board games Solo, Bridge, and Finska, and other units such as Film Appreciation, and First Australians, The Untold History.
The university will also be continuing the "Be Connected" program, which is part of a federal government initiative to help older people become more confident using digital devices.
Various excursions and social gatherings are also held for members throughout the year.
Ms Wilson said all the different activities helped build community.
"The social aspect seems to be important to a lot of people, even outside of COVID-times," she said.
"In Ararat, it's not like we're in a big city where you've got heaps of choices.
Ms Wilson said she is looking forward to term 1 beginning, with the university presently in a very healthy position.
"Our numbers actually grew last year," she said.
"We're looking forward to seeing new members and we're looking forward to seeing old ones return."
People who are interested in joining any of the units can attend Ararat U3A's enrolment day on Monday, February 1, at 9:30am.
The enrolment day will be held at Ararat U3A's premises, based at the Melbourne Polytechnic training facility off Grano Street.
For more information head to u3aararat.org.au or email u3aararat1@gmail.com.
While you're with us, you can now receive updates straight to your inbox from The Ararat Advertiser. To make sure you're up-to-date with all the news from across the Ararat shire, sign up here.