U3A Baw Baw

At the recent U3A Baw Baw general meeting the guest speaker and presenter was Carolyn Turner the editor of the Gazette Newspaper and a principal person at Warragul Regional Newspapers.

Carolyn’s detailed presentation covered the history of the Gazette and the importance of a local newspaper covering local news and events.

The West Gippsland Gazette was begun by a sea captain who at the age of 37 decided he wanted to found a newspaper. Albert Harvey produced the first West Gippsland Gazette on July 5, 1898.His brother William Britton Harvey, who had been operating the Guardian in Warragul on lease, joined Albert.

For many years after those early years the newspaper had changed hands several times. Today The Gazette is published every Tuesday and The Trader on Thursdays.

The presentation was well received by all the attending U3A members.

The next guest speaker will be a representative from Hearing Australia. General meetings are held on the second Friday of the month. The next U3A meeting is Friday June 14.

For those who are not aware of what U3A is; the easiest way to explain is that it’s a volunteer learning and social organisation for retired or semi retired people who are keen to share educational, creative and social activities.

All U3A’s in Australia and around the world are run as a not for profit learning organisation. Joining U3A is a great way for retired or semi retired people in the Baw Baw Shire to be part of a growing social group of like minded people.

U3A is also ideal for retired people who have made a ‘tree change’ and are new to the Warragul, Drouin or Baw Baw area.

Courses at U3A vary each term and cover many interests such as computers and tablets, history, music, hobbies, photography, travel, civic affairs, mahjong, literature, and many other learning and skills opportunities that you wish to refine or continue in your retirement. Our members have very diverse backgrounds and life experiences... and it’s not all about learning as there are regular guest speakers at monthly meetings and activities not requiring too much ‘grey matter’.

Anyone interested in joining U3A Baw Baw to participate in a course or discussion group or expand their social network can find details on the U3A web site www.u3abawbaw.org.au or perhaps drop in to the Drouin RSL to pick up a brochure and membership form.

Live, Learn & Enjoy... in a great social atmosphere! We are located at the Drouin RSL (sub branch), 136A Princes Hwy, Drouin. Phone 0490 770062 or embership@u3abawbaw.org.au