President’s letter
It is quite amazing that as we are about to enter October, COVID is still playing a huge part of our lives after 20 months! However, the Committee has decided to press ahead with a “normal” calendar of events for this month. Please remember that at all times, your health, safety and welfare will be paramount in whatever we do.
Of course, the activities are totally dependent on Government decisions. We will continue to be in touch and hopefully, as with September, we can provide some enjoyment for you.
Almost certainly, activities that are held in private homes – Coffee and Books, Singing and China Painting are doubtful at this stage. Activities in hotels or golf clubs are also doubtful unless the number of patrons allowed is lifted substantially.
In the meantime, we encourage you to keep in touch with each other, your loved ones, stay safe, busy and well. We will have new programs over the final two months and hope to have some form of end of year lunch together.
We are proposing to have a members’ forum on Succession Planning. We absolutely need to hold this event so that we can continue to prosper in years to come and as we come out of COVID. The details of this forum are given on Page 4.
For 2022
1. 2022 Membership
After discussion at the recent Committee meeting, it has been decided to reduce the
membership fee for 2022 to $20 due to the on/off nature of this year’s activities.
Membership can be paid from the 1st October. You will have to complete a 2022 Membership Form as well as paying the money to our direct credit facility or by cheque or to a committee member (2022 Membership Form pdf OR Membership Form Word document). It must be completed and returned with your payment. Details are given on the form.
2. The Committee recently discussed the issue of members’ COVID vaccination status and attendance at activities/events. Although at this stage the Victorian Government has not yet mandated full vaccination for groups such as ours, it is essential we remain mindful that very soon it is highly likely to be a COVID requirement that members be required to confirm their vaccination status prior to attending any U3A activity.
It is important to point out that we are all members of many organisations and groups and we all will have to face this challenge.
Most important of all is that the Committee is absolutely committed to every member’s health, safety and wellbeing.
The Committee will discuss this matter at its next meeting in October when it has more advice on this issue from the Victorian Government.
The Committee is now considering the format of the 2022 year, looking at courses, venues, leaders, contact people etc.
To ensure we continue strongly, we ask you to give us suggestions for courses. Please drop us a line via our e-mail u3acorangamite@gmail.com with suggested new courses, venues, possible leaders etc. by 10th October.
Gary Kimber