CONNECT,  LEARN  and  SOCIALISE

The University of the Third Age (U3A) is a program providing activities for people in the age of “active retirement” following the first two ages of youth and work. It is a university in the original sense of the word: a community of people devoted to learning. The U3A movement started in France in 1973. While beginning as an academic exercise, the concept was significantly modified in the United Kingdom in the early 1980’s where it was recognized that most people of retirement age have something to contribute and the emphasis has been on sharing, without formal educational links. U3A began in Australia in 1984 and has grown to over 250 U3A groups with approximately 100,000 members.  Each U3A operates independently and takes the needs and interests of their members into consideration when deciding which classes/activities they will offer. 

U3A Port Fairy began in 2018 with first courses commencing in February 2019. Photos from the launch and media articles can be seen here.

U3A Port Fairy is a volunteer organisation for retired and semi-retired members of our community. It offers educational, social, creative and leisure activities. People join U3A Port Fairy to meet new friends, share ideas and skills, find new interests, and learn together in an informal and friendly environment

Our courses cover a wide range of interest areas, from academic to physical and artistic activities. Our members enjoy both the intellectual engagement and the social aspect of our courses. Courses are held from February to November with a semester break in July.

U3A Port Fairy is open to anyone who is retired or no longer working full time. No qualifications are required to join. Our courses are non-competitive, without marks or exams. We focus on enabling members to expand their knowledge in existing areas, and to explore new fields and activities.

We thank Port Fairy Community House, U3A Network Victoria, Volunteering Victoria, The Port Fairy and District Community Bank, Moyne Shire Council and Blarney Books & Art for their support.