Merri Health and Nillumbik Council invite carers supporting a person with dementia to an afternoon tea. Share with other carers the stories, achievements, and challenges of caring for someone living with dementia.
Memory care cafe afternoon tea – Diamond Creek
This group is aimed at both the carers and the person that they care for. It provides an opportunity to connect with others in a welcoming space.
Memory care cafe afternoon tea – Eltham
This group is aimed at both the carers and the person that they care for. It provides an opportunity to connect with others in a welcoming space.
Hurstbridge Memory Care Cafe
The Memory Care Cafe provides a social meeting place for those living with dementia and their carers, to gather and enjoy a coffee/tea and conversation with each other. The cafe is run by healthAbility staff. Those attending need to be accompanied by their carer (for safety and security reasons).
Those living with dementia and their carers meet in separate rooms.
Women’s health session
This will be an interactive session on all aspects of continence and pelvic floor.
Presenter: Cherie.
Diabetes education
Vanessa will discuss all things regarding lifestyle disease and healthy living tips regarding diet, exercise, stress and sleep.
Presenter: Vanessa.
Understanding the Aged Care system
There are many services that can help you maintain a good quality of life as you get older.
This session will answer all of your questions about My Aged Care, the services that are available and how to access them.
Ecological vegetation classes of Nillumbik walk
Join Nillumbik Council’s Biodiversity Officer on this evening walk that will help you to recognise the different vegetation types in Nillumbik and how to manage each for biodiversity. Participants will learn some of the key indigenous and weed plant species.
The walk will be over some uneven surfaces and uphills and may not be suitable for everyone. The walk will be around 1,000m one way.
Open day at the Yarrambat Heritage Museum
At 11am, see the only operational Gold Battery in our area, visit the 150+ year old Len Young Woolshed and check out the re-located first classroom from the Yarrambat Primary School – plus numerous vehicles and displays of historical interest.
At 1pm, watch short presentations from several Grade 6 students at Yarrambat Primary School talking about local historical events of special interest to them and their families.
North of the Yarra Quilters quilt show
Around 100 patchwork quilts made by members of the North of the Yarra Quilters Guild will be on display.
Smart gardening for Seniors
Learn some tips and tricks for how you can continue enjoying your garden for longer.
Smart gardening for Seniors
Learn some tips and tricks for how you can continue enjoying your garden for longer.
The Legends of Brass
The Legends of Brass will be playing a wide-range of music ranging from sacred, to swing, and music from the shows through to the marches and tunes that we all associate with brass bands.
Introduction to home brewing
The purpose of the meeting is twofold.
First, for those interested in starting brewing beer at home, go long and learn how it’s done and what types of kits are available on the market.
Second, for more experienced home brewers, discuss the possible formation of a local grain brewing group.
The event is sponsored by Hurstbridge Men’s Shed.
Get on with life
Three guest speakers will focus on strengthening social connections, along with physical and mental activities in our communities. They are: Gerard Mansour, Commission for Senior Victorians; Tony Shaw, ex-AFL player; and Carol O’Halloran, Channel C31 TV Presenter of Over 50 So What! program.
A light breakfast and beverages will be available at no charge to all attendees.
There will be a number of information stalls, including one by Nillumbik U3A
Osteoarthritis information session
There are good, research-based ways to manage and improve pain levels and function with osteoarthritis.
Presenters: Back In Motion Eltham’s physios Sean and Maddy.
Ageing well: a personal perspective
Janice Crosswhite, OAM, will share her personal perspective on how she has remained resilient throughout her life despite challenges faced on both a professional and personal level and will provide her suggestions and strategies for ageing well into the future.
Nillumbik repair cafe
Repair cafes are places where, at zero cost, you can take your broken stuff to receive a new lease on life. You sit with the volunteer repairer while they talk you through what they’re doing.
Bone health seminar
One of the key components of maintaining good bone health and preventing injury in individuals with osteopenia/osteoporosis is exercise. Onero is an osteoporosis treatment, based on exercise designed specifically to prevent osteoporotic fracture by stimulating bone development and preventing falls in at-risk individuals.
Presenter: Gabby.
Grandparents morning tea
The morning tea will include food, tea, coffee, and sharing experiences and learning from each other.
Grief, loss and dementia
This session will be focused on the carer. It will provide an overview of the grief, loss and emotional impact of the changes caused by dementia. It will provide information about the kinds of change and loss experienced with dementia, the ways people may experience and express their grief, and emotional coping strategies for family carers of someone living with dementia.
You will gain knowledge in: your own responses to grief and loss; tools to help with support; networking; and stress managment strategies you can put in place to support your wellbeing.
Memory concerns, dementia risk factors and prevention strategies
Explore the early signs of cognitive decline, and what we can do to keep our minds active and well as we age.
In collaboration with St Vincent’s Healthy Ageing Service.
Journey of a lost manuscript
Lorraine Smith will discuss her book Journey of a lost manuscript: the re-discovery in Warrnambool of a sixteenth century manuscript believed destroyed by fire. Here’s the blurb: “One day a customer in a Warrnambool second-hand bookshop found a sixteenth-century parchment from Yorkshire inside a copy of Alice in Wonderland. Bookshop owner and author Lorraine Smith has researched the document to reveal its fascinating story, penning a book of her own.”
Summer’s End Marketplace
There will be an artisan market, food trucks, an artistic demonstration by Australian illustrator Marc McBride and musical entertainment throughout. Plus you can roam the grounds and galleries.
Afterwards, there will be an outdoor screening of Judy & Punch, 8-10pm (cost: $25).
Smart gardening for seniors
This workshop will provide tips on how older adults can garden smartly and safely. Gardening is a popular hobby, but bending, kneeling and working the soil can become physically challenging as you grow older. With this workshop you will learn how to continue enjoying your garden to the fullest.
Morning melody with Duo Varie
Robert Schubert (clarinet) and Akemi Schubert (pianoforte) will present a program of classical music for clarinet and pianoforte.
Living your best life: advance care planning
Advance care planning gives you a voice in your health care, no matter what the future brings. Learn how to create a plan to document your preferences for future health care for a time where you may no longer be able to communicate your decisions.
Presented by Banksia Palliative Care Service.
Voluntary assisted dying
Voluntary assisted dying is available to Victorians who are approaching their end of life and meet defined eligibility criteria. This session is for anyone who wants to know more about this law, how to access it and some considerations for a person and/or their loved ones.
Presented by a clinician from the Voluntary Assisted Dying Navigator Service.
Get connected with Zoom
Handy tips and tricks for planning and hosting interactive and engaging Zoom meetings.
Death cafe – bringing death to life
Meet strangers, gather to eat cake, drink tea and discuss death. There will be a directed discussion of death with no agenda, objectives or themes.
Australian plants expo
A two-day event on 27th and 28th August by the Australian Plants Society – Yarra Yarra. Sales of native & indigenous plants, books on related subjects, native flower displays, environmental displays, talks, demonstrations, workshops, giftware and refreshments.
The plant sellers are likely to include APS Yarra Yarra growers, Friends of Melton Botanic Gardens nursery, Goldfields Revegetation nursery, La Trobe Wildlife Sanctuary nursery, Natural Plantscape nursery, Sunvalley Plants Nursery and Vaughan’s Australian Plants.
Autumn plant sale
Organised by Australian Plants Society – Yarra Yarra, there will be sales of native and indigenous plants plus books.
The plant sellers will include APS Yarra Yarra growers, Goldfields Revegetation Nursery, La Trobe Wildlife Sanctuary Nursery, Sunvalley Plants Nursery and Vaughan’s Australian Plants.
Home Harvest Picnic
This will be the ninth annual home harvest picnic, where trained cooks produce a shared meal from homegrown produce. As well as the meal itself, there will be community stalls, music and family activities. You have three options:
- Register as a grower ($0): supply some of your homegrown produce and receive a prepared basket for you and up to three guests.
- Purchase a picnic basket ($10 per person).
- Bring your own picnic ($0).
Climate cafe
Discuss the issues of climate change with other like-minded locals.
Free community meal
The SALT Foundation and Southern Cross Church invite you to a free community dinner. Arrive at 6pm for dinner at 6.30pm. No booking required.
Green wedge public lecture – Tim Costello
Tim Costello will be speaking on the gambling industry in Australia – its power, effects, and what you can do to combat this destructive industry.
These are free lectures open to everyone. They cover topics such as environmental issues, mental health and spirituality.
Cinema Nova monthly matinee
Cinema Nova has started a monthly matinee program: a morning tea screening of a newly released film with complimentary tea or coffee and an in-cinema conversation with their resident film critic. The program is geared toward an older audience.
Eltham Jazz, Food & Wine Festival
This festival will feature a mixture of both established and up-and-coming jazz, blues and soul acts.
St Andrews Festival
There will be an art show, live music, children’s activities, food trucks, activities with the local CFA and the Men’s Shed, a Devonshire tea and roving entertainment. See the program.
Artists Open Studios
Around 30 studios will be open to the public, displaying a wide range of techniques and art forms. Download the studio guide.
Information stall at Diamond Creek
Janet Vague and Tony Lee will be providing live music.
Information stall at Montmorency
In the little park area on the East side, roughly halfway up.
Janet Vague and Tony Lee will be providing live music.
Information stall at Eltham Village
In the arcade, near Coles.
Information stall at Hurstbridge Market
As well as the information stall itself, Gillian Essex and Tony Hatters (aka G&T) will be providing live music entertainment.
AGM
The AGM is the most important meeting of the year for Nillumbik U3A members. By attending, you can contribute to the running of our organisation and find out the latest on the issues facing us.
For catering and quorum reasons, we are asking you to email us if you are planning to attend.
After the meeting, there will be time to catch up and socialise.
Free food will be provided by local caterer First Choice Gourmet Catering (aka Emmanuel Buchanan). If you have ever had Emmanuel's food, you will know that it is really yum!
Free champagne will also be provided for those that want it as well as soft drinks, tea and coffee.
Any full, paid up member can nominate themselves for any of the Office Bearing positions or as a general Committee member. As per the notice, any nominations should be sent to our Secretary, Cath Bauman, by email (secretary@nillumbiku3a.org.au) at least a week before the meeting.
As always, we are hoping that some new people will join the Committee. If being on the Committee is of potential interest to you, contact Dianne Parslow by email (dianneparslow@gmail.com) for a chat.
This girl can
VicHealth data suggests that women are twice as likely as men to worry about being too unfit to exercise. Join Eltham Leisure Centre alongside Richmond Football Club and VicHealth to learn more about the barriers that prevent women from being active, and effective ways to help overcome these.
Hosted by Richmond Football Club’s Tiffany Cherry, you will hear from Peggy O’Neal (Richmond Premiership President) Kate Sheahan (AFLW Football Operations Manager), Sabrina Frederick (AFLW star), Karen Egan (Nillumbik Council mayor) and representatives from VicHealth. Additionally, they are offering all attendees the opportunity to participate in yoga, body balance and spin class post event at Eltham Leisure Centre (five minute walk).
Poverty
Presenter: Guy Palmer. Guy used to be the Director of a UK-based think tank (New Policy Institute) dedicated to issues of social justice. In this presentation, he will talk about some of the key concepts of first poverty, including underlying philosophical issues and major policy challenges. He will also provide some information about scale, trends over time and comparisons between countries.
Urban Nillumbik networking event
One or two representatives from your group are invited to an informal networking event to meet other local community groups and organisations in urban Nillumbik (Diamond Creek, Eltham, Greensborough, Research, North Warrandyte and Yarrambat). The intentions of the network are to: share information; provide an opportunity to connect with other groups; strengthen community partnerships; hear about funding and grants available; and identify training and development opportunities.
RSVP by email (anna.maio@nillumbik.vic.gov.au) for catering purposes.
Healthy and active ageing expo
The inaugural Healthy and Active Ageing Expo is a free event for Nillumbik and Banyule residents to showcase a range of health and wellbeing activities and services within the local community including: healthy cooking demonstrations, tastings and recipes; bike n blend smoothies; health checks; massages; information sessions; fun exercise activities; and giveaways.
2023 Term 1 enrolments open
Office open for 2023 Term 1 enrolments
Meeting of tutors and class reps
The topics to be covered will include:
- Use of the Old Eltham Courthouse.
- Hard of hearing issues.
- Bring along a friend (Term 3).
- Mini expo (October).
- Starting a new class.
- New class codes for 2023.
- Any questions, suggestions, etc.
Members of the Committee have also been invited to the meeting.
Register your planned attendance by emailing the Office (office@nillumbiku3a.org.au).
Office open
A morning tea for new members
Is your Nillumbik U3A member number 1640 or greater? (Don’t know your ID number? Look on your name tag.)
If so, this means that you have joined our U3A sometime since late 2020 and that you are invited to our upcoming new members’ morning tea:
- Meet some of our Committee members.
- Meet other new members.
- See our refurbished classroom.
- Find out more about our book swap.
- Find out more about our classes, especially those that have spaces available.
Spaces are limited so RSVPs are essential. Register your attendance by emailing the Office.
Communication and hearing tactics for hearing impaired people and friends
U3A member Catherine Blakey will discuss communication and hearing tactics for hearing impaired people and their family, friends and colleagues.
As a person with a lifelong hearing loss, and as a hearing aid user for 60 years, Catherine has developed many hearing tactics. Hearing tactics are assertive approaches towards communication that you can actively use to improve your social interaction and communication in the environment. You can take charge of some situations to best suit your needs. This helps family and friends to send, receive and understand the message.
Read Catherine’s advice on this subject for our classes.
Book your place by emailing to the Office (office@nillumbiku3a.org.au).
What is the best painting of the last 150 years?
What is the best painting of the last 150 years? Well, it will be up to you to decide! This will be our first face-to-face event for some time and it should be a fun afternoon. All members are welcome. Refreshments will be provided.
Guy Palmer has shortlisted 100 paintings and organised them into pairs. You will vote which of the pair you prefer and whichever painting gets the most votes moves forward into the next round. So, for example, in the first round, you might choose your favourite Monet, your favourite Renoir, your favourite Pissarro, etc then in subsequent rounds, you choose between these to get to your favourite Impressionist painting. Then your favourite Impressionist is pitted against your favourite post-Impressionist. And so on until we have a winner.
As we go, people can comment on why they voted as they did and can even comment on other people’s comments. Throughout, Guy will provide brief introductions to the various art movements and painters.
Guy is our History of Art tutor.
Book your place by emailing to the Office (office@nillumbiku3a.org.au).
Office re-opens
Term 4 ends
Term 3 ends
Term 2 ends
Term 1 ends
Term 4 starts
Term 3 starts
Term 2 starts
Term 1 starts
Get Smart (play)
During 2022, Eltham Little Theatre are generously offering U3A members half price tickets for their Thursday evening and Sunday matinee shows. The dates for which this is applicable for Get Smart are: Sunday, 13th November, 2-4.30pm; Sunday, 20th November, 2-4.30pm; and Thursday, 24th November, 8-10.30pm.
“Would you believe that seven police boats are closing in on us right now?” asks Maxwell Smart of the head of KAOS, who now holds him captive. When the master criminal finds this a little hard to accept, the straight-faced Smart asks, “Would you believe six?” Smart is off on a bizarre new case in which he must stop the sinister organisation known as KAOS from their most shameful plot, blowing up the Statue of Liberty! This bright comedy satire is the ultimate spoof of all secret agent thrillers.
We now have our own category of ticket called ‘U3A Members’! Here are the mechanics: you book your tickets online. Choose the date, then the number of ‘U3A member’ tickets, then enter the ‘202250’ discount code in the ‘gift certificate / promotion code’ box, then pay.
Moon over Buffalo (play)
During 2022, Eltham Little Theatre are generously offering U3A members half price tickets for their Thursday evening and Sunday matinee shows. The dates for which this is applicable for Moon over Buffalo are: Thursday, 8th September, starting 8pm; Sunday, 11th September, starting 2pm; and Thursday, 15th September, starting 8pm.
An acting couple Charlotte and George Hay are on tour in Buffalo in 1953 with a repertory consisting of Cyrano de Bergerac and Noel Coward’s Private Lives. Fate has given these thespians one more shot at starring roles in the Scarlet Pimpernel epic and director Frank Capra himself is enroute to catch their matinee performance. Will Charlotte appear or run off with their agent? Will George be sober enough to emote? Hilarious misunderstandings pile on madcap misadventures in this screwball comedy.
Here are the mechanics: you book your tickets online. Choose the date, then the number of tickets (adult only, not concession), then enter the ‘202250’ discount code in the ‘gift certificate / promotion code’ box, then pay.
Get Smart (play)
During 2022, Eltham Little Theatre are generously offering U3A members half price tickets for their Thursday evening and Sunday matinee shows. The dates for which this is applicable for Get Smart are: Sunday, 13th November, 2-4.30pm; Sunday, 20th November, 2-4.30pm; and Thursday, 24th November, 8-10.30pm.
“Would you believe that seven police boats are closing in on us right now?” asks Maxwell Smart of the head of KAOS, who now holds him captive. When the master criminal finds this a little hard to accept, the straight-faced Smart asks, “Would you believe six?” Smart is off on a bizarre new case in which he must stop the sinister organisation known as KAOS from their most shameful plot, blowing up the Statue of Liberty! This bright comedy satire is the ultimate spoof of all secret agent thrillers.
We now have our own category of ticket called ‘U3A Members’! Here are the mechanics: you book your tickets online. Choose the date, then the number of ‘U3A member’ tickets, then enter the ‘202250’ discount code in the ‘gift certificate / promotion code’ box, then pay.
Moon over Buffalo (play)
During 2022, Eltham Little Theatre are generously offering U3A members half price tickets for their Thursday evening and Sunday matinee shows. The dates for which this is applicable for Moon over Buffalo are: Thursday, 8th September, starting 8pm; Sunday, 11th September, starting 2pm; and Thursday, 15th September, starting 8pm.
An acting couple Charlotte and George Hay are on tour in Buffalo in 1953 with a repertory consisting of Cyrano de Bergerac and Noel Coward’s Private Lives. Fate has given these thespians one more shot at starring roles in the Scarlet Pimpernel epic and director Frank Capra himself is enroute to catch their matinee performance. Will Charlotte appear or run off with their agent? Will George be sober enough to emote? Hilarious misunderstandings pile on madcap misadventures in this screwball comedy.
Here are the mechanics: you book your tickets online. Choose the date, then the number of tickets (adult only, not concession), then enter the ‘202250’ discount code in the ‘gift certificate / promotion code’ box, then pay.
The Wind in the Willows (play)
During 2022, Eltham Little Theatre are offering U3A members half price tickets for their Sunday matinee shows. The dates for which this is applicable for The Wind in the Willows are 3rd and 10th July.
This is a youth production so you may wish to take your grandchildren to see it. It is an adaptation of Kenneth Grahame’s original book and includes a number of songs. Tired of spring-cleaning, Mole leaves Mole End and ventures out to the riverbank, where he befriends the resourceful Ratty, the gruff Badger and the infamous Toad of Toad Hall (poop-poop!). Together they explore the Wide World, and the Wild Wood, and try to keep Toad out of trouble!
Here are the mechanics: you book your tickets online. Choose the date, then the number of tickets (adult only, not concession), then enter the ‘202250’ discount code in the ‘gift certificate / promotion code’ box, then pay.
One Act Plays Season (play)
During 2022, Eltham Little Theatre are generously offering U3A members half price tickets for their Thursday evening and Sunday matinee shows. The dates for which this is applicable for One Act Plays Season are: Thursday, 28th April, starting 8pm; Sunday, 1st May, starting 2pm; and Thursday, 5th May, starting 8pm.
There will be three one act plays, with the interplay of the comedy, the whodunnit and the drama representing the human condition of life and death. The three plays are:
- No Chocolates by Request by Chris Hodson.
- The Patient by Agatha Christie.
- Der Kriminal Kommissar by Michael McLean.
Here are the mechanics: you book your tickets online. Choose the date, then the number of tickets (adult only, not concession), then enter the ‘202250’ discount code in the ‘gift certificate / promotion code’ box, then pay.
One Act Plays Season (play)
During 2022, Eltham Little Theatre are generously offering U3A members half price tickets for their Thursday evening and Sunday matinee shows. The dates for which this is applicable for One Act Plays Season are: Thursday, 28th April, starting 8pm; Sunday, 1st May, starting 2pm; and Thursday, 5th May, starting 8pm.
There will be three one act plays, with the interplay of the comedy, the whodunnit and the drama representing the human condition of life and death. The three plays are:
- No Chocolates by Request by Chris Hodson.
- The Patient by Agatha Christie.
- Der Kriminal Kommissar by Michael McLean.
Here are the mechanics: you book your tickets online. Choose the date, then the number of tickets (adult only, not concession), then enter the ‘202250’ discount code in the ‘gift certificate / promotion code’ box, then pay.
Much Ado About Nothing (play)
During 2023, Eltham Little Theatre are generously offering U3A members half price tickets for their Thursday evening and Sunday matinee shows. The dates for which this is applicable for Much Ado About Nothing are: Sundays 23rd and 30th April, both starting 2pm; and Thursday, 4th May, starting 8pm.
Here is the blurb: Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing combines elements of robust hilarity with more serious meditations on honour, shame, and court politics. The play is set in Messina and revolves around two romantic pairings that emerge when a group of soldiers arrive in the town. Benedick and Beatrice don’t love each other but then they do. Claudio and Hero love each other but then they don’t but then they do again.
Here are the mechanics: you book your tickets online. Choose the date, then the number of ‘U3A member’ tickets, then enter the ‘202350’ discount code in the ‘gift certificate / promotion code’ box, then pay.
Much Ado About Nothing (play)
During 2023, Eltham Little Theatre are generously offering U3A members half price tickets for their Thursday evening and Sunday matinee shows. The dates for which this is applicable for Much Ado About Nothing are: Sundays 23rd and 30th April, both starting 2pm; and Thursday, 4th May, starting 8pm.
Here is the blurb: Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing combines elements of robust hilarity with more serious meditations on honour, shame, and court politics. The play is set in Messina and revolves around two romantic pairings that emerge when a group of soldiers arrive in the town. Benedick and Beatrice don’t love each other but then they do. Claudio and Hero love each other but then they don’t but then they do again.
Here are the mechanics: you book your tickets online. Choose the date, then the number of ‘U3A member’ tickets, then enter the ‘202350’ discount code in the ‘gift certificate / promotion code’ box, then pay.
Trivia night at Eltham Little Theatre
During 2023 Eltham Little Theatre are generously offering U3A members half price tickets for some of their events. Their trivia night is one such event.
Make up a table of 6 or go along and join others to make up your team.
This is a dinner theatre event so BYO food and drink.
Here are the mechanics: you book your tickets online. Choose your table, then the number of ‘U3A member’ tickets, then enter the ‘202350’ discount code in the ‘gift certificate / promotion code’ box, then pay.
Play in a Day (play)
During 2023 Eltham Little Theatre are generously offering U3A members half price tickets for some of their shows. Play in a Day is one such show.
A group of playwrights, actors, and directors will meet on the Friday, be given a script, and have 24 hours to produce a play to be shown on the Saturday with you watching. What could possibly go wrong?
This is a dinner theatre event so BYO food and drink.
Here are the mechanics: you book your tickets online. Choose your table, then the number of ‘U3A member’ tickets, then enter the ‘202350’ discount code in the ‘gift certificate / promotion code’ box, then pay.
Our Seniors Festival Breakfast
As part of Seniors Month (October), come to our breakfast for both members and their non-member friends. The cost of $19 per person includes a choice of 6 meals plus tea or coffee.
Afterwards, walk a short distance to our Mini Expo, which will start at the nearby Diamond Creek Senior Citizens building immediately after the breakfast.
Mini Expo
One of our most successful and entertaining events pre-Covid was our 2019 Mini Expo (have a look at some photos). It was so much fun that we’re going to do it again!
At this event, many of our classes will demonstrate what they do so that the rest of us can see and hear all that our U3A has to offer. Go along and feel free to take your non-U3A friends with you.
No need to book – just turn up.
Note that 3rd October is in the week after schools have resumed but before our classes have started for Term 4.
Trivia night
Do you like to answer the questions on quiz shows such as Mastermind, Think Tank, The Chase or Millionaire Hot Seat? If so, a night out with friends to help might be just the thing! Perhaps your group(s) at U3A could organise a table
BYO nibbles and drinks (and glasses). Tea and coffee provided. Up to 60 people.
6.30pm for a 7pm start.
Book your place by emailing the Office (office@nillumbiku3a.org.au). Bookings essential. Pay the $5 entry fee at the door (cash only please).
Powerpoint for beginners
On 18th March and again on 25th March, both starting at 4pm.
These sessions are aimed at tutors but anyone is welcome to attend. They are for both beginners and anyone requiring help. Please bring your laptop if you have one. Presenter: Dianne Parslow.