U3A ‘Zooms’ ahead
The Australian Oxford Dictionary’s definition of ‘zoom’ is to move quickly with a buzzing sound.
U3A Baw Baw members are not usually in the habit of doing either but this year they had planned a term of interesting courses and activities to take place throughout term two.
These have now been set aside for when members can once again gather and be stimulated while enjoying each other’s company.
However, a little ingenuity and the magic of technology have meant that some of the ongoing courses can continue.
Members of the ‘Fine Film Group’ used to attend the ‘Showcase Films’ at the Warragul Cinema on a weekly basis, then meet for lunch at the end of the month to discuss and rate the films they had seen.
A virtual tour of the National Gallery of Victoria’s exhibition, ‘Marking Time’ is also scheduled during this time of social distancing.
Members have also been invited to view a nominated ‘Showcase Film’ on SBS each week and then enjoy the discussion via a Zoom meeting.
While lamenting the absence of fine food and a sense of occasion, all agree that this is a good compromise. A book club is being held under similar conditions and a series of lectures will commence soon. The U3A Chat Sheet contains information and contributions by members, notably original poems and amusing anecdotes.
Members are looking forward to being able to gather and share courses, games and discussions in person. Until then they are appreciating the opportunity to “zoom” in the modern sense of the word.
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 U3As 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.
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
Live, Learn and Enjoy... in a great social atmosphere! Phone 0490 770062 or membership@u3abawbaw.org.au
A blitz is underway to catch people that illegally collect firewood.
“Operation Hollows” being conducted by Parks Victoria and the Conservation Regulator is targeting the unlawful removal of commercial quantities of firewood in Victoria’s forests, parks and reserves as well as those that supply firewood that has been collected illegally.
People can collect wood during the firewood collection season for their own domestic use provided it is from designated areas that are identified on the website ffm.vic.gov.au
They are limited to two cubic metres per day and 16 cubic metres per financial year.
Commercial firewood suppliers must have appropriate licences and permits to collect and sell wood from designated areas.
Offenders can be fined more than $8000 and risk having equipment and vehicles seized.
Collections are also banned from alongside roads managed by VicRoads.
Chief Conservation Regulator Kate Gavens said the blitz was aimed at preserving wildlife habitats including hollow logs and dead trees.
She said the Conservation Regulator’s major investigations and operations unit and Parks Victoria compliance team patrolling forests, parks and reserves at all times of day and night and at weekends because organized groups are known to illegally collect firewood at night.
Over the past month they have detected thousands of tonnes of firewood that have been removed illegally, Ms Gavens said.