Newsletter of U3A Darebin Inc. Number 90 September 2017 1

IN THIS ISSUE News 1 Calendar Dates 1 From the Committee 2 Coming Soon - Day Tripper Activities 3 Reports - Day Trippers 4 - Talk, Tea & Charity 5 - 2017 Walking 6 From the Classroom - iPad, Art & Needlework 7 - Current Affairs 8 Our Stories 9 & 10

Out & About

- Local activities 11

- U3A Network Victoria 11

News U3A Darebin & the Bridge Celebrate Seniors Week 2pm - 3.30pm Tuesday 3 October at 220 High St, Preston Join us for a Senior’s Afternoon Tea with the Bridge (formally Preston and Thornbury Neighbourhood Houses) with entertainment and activities. An informal, relaxed afternoon for senior's to meet with U3A members and staff from ‘the Bridge’, try a few workshops, view some interesting displays, munch on home baked cakes and slices, and listen to the U3A Darebin choir.

Tuesday Talk – What Books Are For! 1.30pm Tuesday 10 October Grandview Hotel, 429 Heidelberg Road, Fairfield. An afternoon for everyone who loves reading and also likes going

to new places. Some experienced readers will share books that

have stimulated their interest in a particular place, with time for

members to share their own favourite story, and an opportunity

to have lunch together beforehand. BRING A BOOK/SWAP A BOOK

CALENDAR DATES Seniors Week Celebration 2pm Tuesday 3 October The Bridge, 220 High St Preston

Morning Tea: Railway Hotels

10am Monday 3 July

Northcote Senior Citizens Centre

Tuesday Talk: Elder Abuse 1.30pm Tuesday 8 August

Grandview Hotel

Day Trippers: Carlton & Yarragon

Tuesdays 24 October & 21 November

Term Dates & Holidays

Term 3: ends Friday 22 September

Term 4: Monday 9 October – Friday 24 November

Members Morning Tea – Bird Life in Melbourne 10am Monday 25 September Northcote Senior Citizens Centre, 18A Bent Street Northcote

Rainbow Lorikeet

photo Peter Bennet BirdLife Melbourne

U3A Darebin Inc. PO Box 44, Fairfield. Vic. 3078

26 Railway Place, Fairfield

Phone 9489 2103 Email and brochure info@u3adarebin.com.au

Website www.u3adarebin.com.au

Office hours: 10am – 12 noon Monday, Wednesday & Friday during term time

SEPTEMBER 2017 NUMBER 90

Susan Bailey from the Melbourne branch

of BirdLife Australia will talk about bird-

watching and birds we can expect to see

in our gardens, parks and creeks this

Spring. She will outline some of the

challenges faced by our local birds and

answer any questions you may have.

This could make any walks or gardening

we do all the more interesting as the

weather warms. For more information,

www.birdlife.org.au

www.birdlifemelbourne.org.au

Please bring a plate to share and collect

your door prize ticket for a chance to win.

Newsletter of U3A Darebin Inc. Number 90 September 2017 2

From the Committee

2017 Committee of Management

President John Pinniger Vice-President (vacant) Secretary Ann Richie Treasurer Brian Hoban Course Coordinator Annette Davis Volunteer Coordinator Alison Daams Property Officer Jean Garita Newsletter Editor Janet Marlow U3A Network Delegate Julie Ryan Web & UMAS Manager Col Purchase Members Jan Gross Estera McKenzie Peter Byrne Russell Boustead

Non-committee positions Publicity Margaret Monument IT Consultant Russell Lennox

Planning for 2018 During October our Course Coordinator will be contacting all

tutors to see what their plans are for 2017 - an opportunity to

rewrite the description for each class and/or perhaps negotiate

new classes. Please contact Annette Davis if you would like to

offer a new short course or ongoing class.

November’s Newsletter will outline the enrolment processes for 2018. Membership and enrolments will open at the end of November online, with assistance provided at our Fairfield office in early December for those who prefer to renew and/or enrol in person.

Committee roles Brian Hoban, our treasurer for over four years, has been

training two new Committee members, Estera McKenzie and

Peter Byrne and, who will be taking on this role after the AGM

in December. Another new member, Russell Boustead, is

working with Col Purchase on our UMASS database and

website. It is great to have willing and able people on board.

Additional Funding

We were recently notified of success in two grant applications to Darebin Council, including a 6 month

venue hire subsidy – thanks Peter and Annette for preparing our submissions.

For a number of years we received funding from Victorian Adult Community and Community Funds on a per capita basis. This has now ended, with future funding from this source to be tied to specific projects. If you have any ideas and/or are willing to be involved, please contact the office via email or phone, or just drop in - we need to decide on a suitable project to suggest to U3A Network Victoria by 5 September.

If you are interested in becoming involved in this great organisation think about becoming a member of

the committee: we organise and provide classes and activities for over 300 members and are always

happy for people to come along to one of our meetings just to have a look see. Research on happy and

healthy retirement emphasises the need to be involved with people and to maintain activities that

challenge us and continue our learning – and that is what U3A Darebin sets out to provide, either by

involvement in classes, involvement in volunteering as tutors or other roles.

Ann Richie, Secretary

MEMBERS SURVEY

A survey to help make our organisation more appropriate to the needs of its members was held in August.

Volunteers rang a selected 10% of current members with a short questionnaire. Some results stood out:

most members heard about U3A Darebin by word of mouth, get membership information from emails and

our newsletter; almost all enjoy the interaction/friendship/companionship. Thanks to everyone involved.

FOR YOUR HEALTH & SAFETY

A recent minor incident where a class participant became unwell is a practical reminder of why we request

that everyone wears their U3A membership cards, with up-to-date emergency contact details inside! Also,

while tutors are indemnified by our insurance, all members need their own health insurance and

ambulance cover (or Victorian Pensioner Concession Card/Health Care Card). It is our policy that tutors err

on the side of caution and call an ambulance if a class member becomes ill or has a fall - and if paramedics

decide to take you to hospital, average cost of transport can be $1100 - expensive if you don’t have cover.

Newsletter of U3A Darebin Inc. Number 90 September 2017 3

Coming Soon

Day Tripper Activities

1. HENRY FORMAN ATKINSON DENTAL MUSEUM and MUSEO ITALIANO

We will have lunch in Lygon Street between the visits to the two museums.

DATE: Tuesday 24 October (Date yet to be confirmed, Mary will email members on confirmation.) MEET: 10am at Melbourne Town Hall, corner of Swanston and Collins Streets COST: $10 (could be less, dependant on numbers attending) BOOK: By Tuesday 17 October, phone Mary 9481 0992 2. TRAIN TRIP TO YARRAGON Yarragon is an attractive town 1hr 40min by train from Melbourne. This will be our last outing for 2017 and is an opportunity to use your Seniors free rail voucher or you can use your myki ($14.42 off-peak Seniors). Yarragon boasts a number of eating places and some interesting shops, so after lunch together you will be free to explore.

DATE: Tuesday 21 November MEET: 10am, either at Southern Cross station waiting room near Collins St. entrance

or under the clocks at Flinders Street station. BOOK: By Tuesday 14 November, phone Mary 9481 0992

The Dental Museum is located on the ground floor of the

Royal Dental Hospital of Melbourne, at 720 Swanston St. It contains over 2500 objects and images relating to the history of dentistry and dental education in Victoria.

With an irrational fear of the dentist, I was pleased to see the changes in techniques over the years - it hasn't eased my fears, but I’m much happier to see a dentist in 2017 than in 1817!

More information: henryformanatkinsondentalmuseum.mdhs.unimelb.edu.au

Dental Museum exhibit, photograph Lee McRae

Museo Italiano, the Italian Museum at 199 Faraday St

is a small museum adjacent to the Italian Historical

Society and Italian Language Resource Centre.

It displays and interprets the experience of Italian

migration, and the culture created by Italians in

Australia, from the Gold Rush to the present day.

Since we have visited the Jewish, Chinese, Islamic and

Greek museums, this seems a natural follow-up.

More information www.museoitaliano.com.au

Mural for Museo Italiano by Alice Pasquini, 2016

Newsletter of U3A Darebin Inc. Number 90 September 2017 4

Reports

Day Trippers at the Golden Dragon Museum I joined the Day Trippers for the first time on 15 August - it seemed like a good idea to use up my free V-line travel voucher and I’d never been to the Golden Dragon Museum. Initially we numbered nine, but our trek across the vast, cavernous, intimidating Southern Cross Station (remember Spencer Street Station with its connecting subways and ramps?) proved too daunting for one, so eight of us continued on a very pleasant train journey, amply fortified by a continuous supply of sweets.

On arrival at Bendigo we took a local bus to the museum, the fare for which was covered by our ticket. At the museum we were met by our jovial guide Russell Jack, who is the Director of Golden Dragon Museum and also a direct descendant of one of the original mining families.

Nothing had prepared me for the depth, breadth and scope of the collection, which covers the history of the Chinese in Bendigo from the past to the generous philanthropy of the present. The artefacts and treasures on display were all brought to Bendigo – from basic tools utensils and clothing of the 1850s – most carried hundreds of miles from Robe in South Australia, where many miners disembarked and walked to the goldfields to avoid the disembarkation tax on Chinese migrants at Victoria’s ports. Priceless treasures were donated to the museum by families and collectors wanting their objects displayed and preserved for posterity. Russell covered the entire collection with stories, explaining tableaus, dioramas and local histories. For instance, only Chinese men were permitted on the goldfields, Chinese women could only stay for six months so mixed marriages became quite common with Irish and Scottish brides being the most popular (which amazed Florrie very much).

After the tour we enjoyed delicious lunch which had been pre-ordered, then Russell joined us again for a tour of the Yi Yuan (Garden of Joy) featuring statues of eight male deities, a representation of a Sacred Mountain and a water fountain. We then entered the Guan Yin Miao (temple of The Goddess of Mercy) which houses a statue of a female deity of the 11th century - the protector of women, children and families, she is visited regularly by devotees bearing suitable offerings.

We managed to catch the 3pm train to Melbourne by a whisker. On the trip back a few of us snatched a

snooze or two, then happily said our good-byes knowing all of us had a truly great day. So in closing, I give

a heaty vote of thanks to Mary for organizing a really enjoyable outing.

Rhonda Zwart

Photos:

Ruth Harris

Newsletter of U3A Darebin Inc. Number 90 September 2017 5

Tuesday Talk – Elder Abuse

On Tuesday 8 August, Jennifer Evans from Seniors Rights Victoria (SRV) spoke about Elder Abuse. Most

families sort things out for themselves but sometimes the relationship with people you trust goes very

wrong. Older people have the right to live in safety, be treated with dignity and respect and make their

own decisions, even when these may seem wrong to others. Physical abuse (such as hitting or shoving),

financial abuse (when money, property or assets are used improperly), neglect and isolation (e.g. refusing

access to grandchildren) are all ways that trust is betrayed. These situations are common but people are

often reluctant to speak about them.

If any of this is happening to you or someone you know, ask for help. Work out a personal safety plan.

Make a will and give someone you trust Power of Attorney. Think about your banking arrangements and

how bills are paid. If you feel threatened, have someone you can call or a go somewhere you will be safe.

SRV have advocates and lawyers who can discuss your situation confidentially and help you to decide the

best course of action. The service is free and the final decision is yours: phone 1300 368 821

10am-5pm Monday-Friday. More information at https://seniorsrights.org.au/

Consumer Rights Victoria provides a guide to choosing, living and leaving a retirement villages, your rights

with electricity and gas energy services, requesting refunds for purchases and more… visit

www.consumer.vic.gov.au or phone 1300 55 81 81 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday (except public holidays).

July Morning Tea – Railway Hotels

Scott Whittaker’s talk about his research for the series of books, Railway Hotels of Australia, was a great success with about 50 people attending Northcote Senior Citizens Centre. This included some visitors from Northcote OMNI, a discussion group for men, sponsored by COTA which meets every 2nd Monday at SPAN. Scott’s entertaining anecdotes of places and history contributed to the sales of volume one, Railway Hotels of Victoria, and sparked quite a few reminisces over morning tea. Visit railwayhotelsofaustralia.com.au

Knitting for Charity

Our Needlecraft groups have used donated yarns to knit or crochet over 180 items so far this year. They recently received the following email:

Winter hats, scarves, kids jackets and blankets. Photo: Jean Garita

On behalf of KOGO can I say a huge thank you for the wonderful parcel of lovely, warm assorted knits you sent to us recently. Your parcel was opened at our volunteers’ meeting last week and your knits distributed to those people and families in our community who desperately need our help to both make ends meet and stay warm now that the freezing winter months have arrived. The ongoing support we receive from your Group enables us to meet our challenge of ‘spreading the warmth’, can you please pass on our sincere and heartfelt thanks to everyone involved.

Newsletter of U3A Darebin Inc. Number 90 September 2017 6

2017 – A Great Year for Walking

The Darebin U3A group has enjoyed a variety of walks this year and discovered coffee shops where we can reward ourselves with luscious morning teas or just a well-earned cup of strong, steaming coffee or tea. With the exception of a lovely walk in May along paths from Fairfield station, through North Fitzroy and Princess Park to Royal Park and the Zoo, most walks have followed a waterway where Beryl, our expert in fauna and flora, identifies the many different birds that we pass. The February walk followed the Darebin Creek from Fairfield station passing through the old quarry and tip which is now the Darebin Parklands to La Trobe Uni.

Bathing boxes Walkers on the Bay trail with city views

The March walk was along the bay from Brighton Beach to Port Melbourne passing the iconic beach huts and yielding amazing city views. In April, we travelled on the train to Seaholme (near Altona) and walked on the coastal path to Williamstown through the old Williamstown racecourse and past many of Williamstown’s historic sites. In June, we drove to Maribynong and walked along the banks of the Maribynong River, finishing with coffee/tea in Poyntons Nursery and coffee shop.

July’s walk was from Westgarth station along the Merri Creek to Coburg Lake where a mum and dad swan were proudly walking with their five signets. August's walk was on part of the main Yarra trail between Eltham and Fairfield.

The weather has been kind to us. Even a few cold starts have been followed by bright, clear, sunny windless days. Walking is at a reasonable pace and distances are up to 18km but usually about 15km. For those who do not want to walk such long distances or have commitments on Friday afternoon, there are public transport options allowing them to travel home. So far this year, 22 people have participated in at least one walk and the average attendance has been 10 people per walk.

Claire Dunlop & Dawn Lowery; photos Ruth Harris

Newsletter of U3A Darebin Inc. Number 90 September 2017 7

From the Classroom

IPAD FOR BEGINNERS - Short Course starts 13 November 2017 This new short course is designed for absolute beginners in the use of basic functions of an iPad. It will run for 3 sessions, 10:00am to 11:30am on Mondays 13, 20 & 27 November in the Fairfield Station classroom.

The course will cover topics on the use of iPad for a number of functions including photos, email, app usage, iBooks and games.

Bring along your iPad and join in the fun with this clever IT device. Enrol online now or call in at the office.

DRAW THEN PAINT The group has been delighted to welcome Kerry Maher as their occasional tutor this year. In fact although it is not a weekly arrangement, he has been more than just “occasional”, and since April has given us unique insights into still life drawing and painting, painting in oils and acrylics and principles of design. Kerry has used many examples of his own work to illustrate his techniques and observations.

NEEDLEWORK CAFE The third needlework group has relocated to the Bean Counter Café in Railway Place opposite Fairfield

Station, 1.30-3.30pm every Thursday afternoon during term time.

Photos: Christine Howell

Craft group meeting: from left Christine, Bette, Maria & Lena Lena yarn-bombing a bicycle stand

Readers may recall that Kerry was a one-time tutor of the Art Appreciation group and so is well qualified to share his knowledge and experience. We are very grateful for his interest in providing direction and guidance in our artistic endeavors and look forward to his further assistance in developing our skills. View from Ruckers Hill by Kerry Maher, 2015

Liz Findlay

Newsletter of U3A Darebin Inc. Number 90 September 2017 8

CURRENT AFFAIRS The Darebin U3A Current affairs group were scheduled to have Alex Bhathal, the Greens candidate for Batman in the next federal election, as our guest speaker on June 15. Unfortunately Alex was unable to attend due to ill health, but Gurm Sekhon kindly agreed to substitute on short notice. Gurm is a Victorian Greens pioneer and party elder. He is a project manager and community development worker. We enjoyed an informal discussion on many topics including climate change, carbon tax, wealth distribution, renewable energy, student tertiary loans and death duties. Renewable versus nuclear energy was an interesting topic given that nuclear is very ‘clean’ Gurm advised the Greens support renewable because of the safety concerns that still prevail along with the nuclear waste disposal problem.

B. Halfpenny 4th from right

On Thursday 16 July, the Current Affairs group welcomed Bronwyn Halfpenny MP, State Member for Thomastown. We have been fortunate over the years that we have had a wide cross-section of politicians, but Bronwyn was a stand-out, the class warmed to her immediately. Bronwyn discussed the role she plays in numerous committees and was forthcoming when it came to discussing the Trade Union Movement in general, and the Australian Federal Royal Commission into Union governance and corruption in particular. It was obvious to all of us why Bronwyn holds the safest seat in Victoria. We can’t thank Bronwyn enough, and all concurred how great it would be to get back again.

L. Thorpe 5th from left Prominent Aboriginal spokeswoman and proud member of the Gunnai-Gunditjara clan, Lidia Thorpe was our guest speaker on 17 August. Lidia is the pre-selected Greens candidate for the State North-Eastern Provence, mother of three and grandmother of two, and on the Victorian NAIDOC* week committee – she is one heck of a busy lady! Vic NAIDOC 2-7 July this year celebrated the languages of all the clans – over 30 in the lands covered by the State of Victoria. A quick look at the NAIDOC brochure tells you which language is/was spoken where you live. If Lidia is successful in her political aspirations, she could become the first indigenous politician in Victoria’s State Parliament. Lidia did a ‘Q & A’ format with us, discussing Aboriginal issues and culture for 1.5 hours and we learnt a lot! Politics and whinging did not feature in this presentation - Lidia gave us many examples of situations that have advantaged Aboriginal people because bi-partisan, consensus decision-making has prevailed.

*National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee

Newsletter of U3A Darebin Inc. Number 90 September 2017 9

She cited an example of an inner-city Melbourne primary school with a difference – the school has a very high proportion of diverse nationalities and ‘all-school’ assemblies begin, not with Advance Australia Fair, with a formal acknowledgement (in verse and song) of the local tribal elders and their respective clans. How refreshing! There is so much good will behind many bi-partisan projects in Victoria but, I believe, an indifferent or hostile press sweeps them under the carpet and gives them zilch by way of kudos. Lydia remains a pro-active optimist who sees the successes and not the short-comings. If more people had the privilege of listening to the likes of Lidia then the ignorance surrounding Indigenous affairs would abate and goodwill and acceptance would prevail. The group look forward to Lidia’s return (down the track) with much enthusiasm, and thank her for her contribution.

Noel Butterfield, Current Affairs tutor

For more about local languages, visit Victorian Corporation for Aboriginal Languages www.vaclang.org.au

Our Stories

Memories of the Railway Hotel at Nathalia, 1956

My first teaching appointment after graduation was to Nathalia Higher Elementary School in 1956. In those days beginning teachers could be sent to any school within Victoria for three years (one year for women if they married!) Having enquired unsuccessfully about private accommodation, it was suggested I stay at the Railway Hotel. The rail line to Nathalia no longer carried passengers, so I travelled by bus from Melbourne arriving late at night on the day before school started.

The Railway Hotel was a double storey brick building adjacent to the station with the upstairs providing about six bedrooms and a shared bathroom. Fortunately there was another teacher on the bus who was able to help me find my room.

Inside was a double bed, dressing table, wardrobe, an open window and literally hundreds of mosquitoes. There was a fly spray in the corridor, so I proceeded to close the window and saturate the wallpaper. I then got into bed and burst into tears, but seeing there was no audience to take note of my terrible situation, I must have soon gone to sleep.

The next day, the first day of school, I discovered I was the only woman on the secondary staff and was therefore in charge of the girls, girls' sport, first aid and making the morning tea for the male staff!! After school I found the local hardware store and bought a wire window for my Railway Hotel room, where fortunately I only had to stay for a few weeks more.

The Railway Hotel is now a private residence. Shirley Gunson

Railway Hotel at Nathalia c1900 Advertisement from a 1953 RACV magazine

Newsletter of U3A Darebin Inc. Number 90 September 2017 10

A Trip to Remember

Jean Garita, long term member of U3A Darebin and its Committee and facilitator for two Needlecraft groups, recently went on a very special trip to Sri Lanka and Malaysia. She travelled in a group of 89 people, all in family groups, on a ‘community aid cricket tour’ to support the work of The Foundation of Goodness, a not-for-profit organisation which delivers a wide range of programs to aid rural communities in Sri Lanka. A key purpose of the tour was to deliver money and children’s sporting apparel and equipment to institutions run by The Foundation. The money was raised from events and donations from organisations and businesses, many in Darebin and neighbouring suburbs. Two years ago, one of Jean’s sons and his family went on the first trip organised by Victorian supporters. This time, she went with them.

She brought home lasting memories of the country and the children she met – and heaps of photos! Robyn Hartley

For more about this cricket tour, and The Foundation of Goodness, visit the organization’s website: www.unconditionalcompassion.org/sub/20170727-Northcote-United-Cricket-Club-Visit.php

Sporting encounters were a major focus of the tour. The Melbourne visitors included three cricket teams, Veterans (the dads), the under 13s and the under 17s, and for the first time, a girls’ netball team. Jean said that the younger cricket teams were quite successful in games against local school and district teams; the Veterans didn’t do so well against the local dads!

She also noted that the cricket grounds in Sri Lanka are all

kept and maintained by women.

An experience which made the trip particularly

worthwhile for Jean was a whole day spent talking

with children at the school run by the Foundation in

Jaffna in Sri Lanka’s north. Some walked 12-15 miles

to school each day. During the day’s visit, Jean saw

some children gradually move from being very shy

and retiring to feeling comfortable talking with the

visitors. She came away feeling that the visit had

brought some joy to the children’s lives. She was

impressed with the children’s level of English and the

fact that the grade 6 & 7 students were familiar with

algebra, while her 12 year old grandson was not. They also visited the Foundation’s Home for the Visually Impaired in Jaffna, to deliver money raised in Victoria. Jean was particularly impressed with the courage of the young people who lived there, and noted that for several children, visual impairment was associated with albinism.

Jean said that the tour was well organised, with opportunities to see the considerable diversity of a small nation of 20.89 million people in a short space of time. They travelled to Kandy, Dambulla and Polonnaruwa in the centre, and north to Jaffna; they saw tea plantations and coastal areas, visited very poor areas as well as relatively well-off areas, and spent time at a very interesting elephant reserve.

Newsletter of U3A Darebin Inc. Number 90 September 2017 11

Out & About

Spring Planting Sessions The Friends of Darebin Creek group invites nature lovers to attend a Sunday morning planting session. Please wear long pants and sturdy shoes - gloves and other equipment supplied. Tea and nibbles will be available at the end.

Napier Waller Reserve Planting Day 10am – 12 noon September 17, Melways 31 D10

Meet at the new bridge in Sparks Reserve, near corner of Heidelberg Rd & The Boulevard, Ivanhoe. Come along and help Darebin Creek Management Committee and Friends plant thousands of grasses and ground storey indigenous plants in the Napier Waller Reserve. This will be our second year revegetating this hidden gem along the Darebin Creek. Thornbury Shared Trail Entrance Bush Plots 10am – 12 noon September 24, Melways 31 B6

Meet at the end of Clarendon Street, Thornbury. Join City of Darebin Bushcrew maintaining bush plots

between Clarendon St and Gooch St, Thornbury.

For more planting sessions, visit http://friendsofdarebincreek.org.au/events-darebin-creek/

Stories from Darebin North of Bell Street - 1001 Nights in Preston & Reservoir A community Storytelling project is seeking your stories, diverse stories, fact and fiction. They are offering free sessions on storytelling techniques each week (in September) to help collect and create stories from North Darebin. The sessions are suitable for people of all ages & backgrounds, and at the end of the project, the stories collected will be produced into a podcast. Weekly storytelling sessions

Tuesdays 6pm at Reservoir Community and Learning Centre, 23 Edwardes Street, Reservoir Wednesdays 1pm at Work For The Soul, 2/73 Gower St Preston. Fridays 2pm at Preston Intercultural Centre, 59A Roseberry Avenue, Preston

This project is run by Work For The Soul and supported by Darebin City Council’s Community Support Program.

For more information, visit www.workforthesoul.org.au

Justice of the Peace in Preston 10am - 2pm Thursdays at Preston Library The library is hosting a ‘Justice of the Peace Document Signing Station’ each week. No need to make an appointment, just visit the library during this time to get your document signed by a Justice of the Peace.

Preston Library Chess Club 5–8pm Thursdays at Preston Library Come along for a social game of chess or to get some tips. You can bring a friend, or match wits with a new opponent at this weekly chess club. Kids aged 6+ years are welcome too. No need to book, just come along and join a game. Chess sets are supplied.

Tech Savvy Device Advice If you would like instructions to help you get the most out of a mobile phone, tablet or home computer, there are a number of self-teach videos available at Victoria's Seniors Online website: www.seniorsonline.vic.gov.au/seniors-card/age-friendly-partners-program/tech-savvy-seniors/self-teach-videos

From U3A Network Victoria

U3A Network Victoria is in the process of setting up a Tutor Bank. This will mean that a tutor who registers on the Network website can be contacted by other U3As to run a class in their area. If you have a course you would be willing to share with other U3As, please contact our Fairfield office.

Newsletter of U3A Darebin Inc. Number 90 September 2017 12

Our Privacy Policy

U3A Darebin is a community based provider of classes for older people and is run by volunteers.

We collect names, addresses and emails to enable us to mail out newsletters and other

information about classes; we list phone numbers to contact you directly if required.

This mailing and phone list is not made available to anyone outside the organisation.

We also ask you for personal details to provide statistical data to government funding agencies.

This is a requirement for receiving government grants and is used for future planning.

This information is compiled into statistical reports that do not identify individuals.

If you choose to withhold these personal details there will be gaps in the data that will reduce

the accuracy of the statistics, and this will not help our cause.

We do not disclose any of this information to any other parties, and would never do so without

your consent.

If you have any concerns or queries or would like to know more about how we handle your

private details please telephone our office on 9489 2103 or email info@u3adarebin.com.au

so that we can explain our procedures in greater detail.

Newsletter Number 86, November 2016

This newsletter is printed with assistance from

the office of David Feeney, MP for Batman

U3A DAREBIN INC. is supported by: