University of the Third Age Adelaide

Contributed by Douglas Furby

Our organisation, commonly referred to as U3A, is dedicated to the education and stimulation of the retired members of our community - people who are in their ‘third age’.

We are part of a world-wide movement which began in France in 1973, spread across Europe, UK, and arrived in Australia in 1984.

The first U3A in South Australia was begun in Adelaide under the persistent urging of Colin Lawton, former Assistant Registrar Continuing Education, University of Adelaide. In 1986 we had 160 enrolled members and offered six courses. U3A Adelaide has moved to different locations several times around the city.

Today, U3A Adelaide has over 850 members enrolled in close to 200 courses, and is housed in the Box Factory, Regent Street South, premises obtained through the efforts of the then State Member for Adelaide, Jane Lomax Smith, and a dedicated U3A committee member.

As in all U3As, U3A Adelaide is run entirely by volunteers, including the program coordinator, tutors, committee members, and the office workers who collectively ensure the smooth running of the organisation.

The U3A Adelaide program runs from February to November and includes both year long courses and those of one to several weeks duration. In January each year, there is also a two week Holiday Shorts program of one-off sessions on topics of general interest.

Year long courses include seven foreign languages, currently taught in 33 classes. Others are music, art and drama, philosophy, wine, politics and current affairs, and also a writers group. Ever popular among the shorter courses are history, science and technology, and computing.

The more physical activities include 'out and about' visits, yoga, tai chi and dancing. We also cater for indoor games enthusiasts.

There are no examinations for any U3A course, with a minimal annual membership fee. The U3A ethos is ‘learning for pleasure at our leisure’. Come and join us!