U3A Pine Rivers
What is a U3A?
U3As provide learning, social and physical activities to retirees. Run by volunteers, we offer a great community to help you get the most out of your retirement.
Why is attending a U3A good for my mental and physical health?
Social connection is important for mental and physical health and links to our sense of self, group identities, sense of purpose and quality of life. How we experience and view the world and how we were raised within our family, or our culture, can shape our understanding and perception of being and connecting in the world.
The evidence tells us:
- One in four Australians, aged 12 - 89 years, experience 'problematic' loneliness (approximately 5 million people).
- Some research indicates that Australians over 65 years are often less lonely than younger people and experience less depression, social anxiety and are more engaged socially.
- A recent survey by the Federation of nine Councils on the Ageing (COTA) across Australia suggests that of 22% of Queenslanders aged 50 years and over were not content with their friendships and relationships, 5% hadn't had contact with anyone in a week and 8% felt lonely all or most of the time.
- The same survey indicates that older Queenslanders find support for their wellbeing (and mental health) through family and friends, exercising, good nutrition, hobbies, connecting with nature and through staying connected with digital technology.
- Connecting with friends, family, acquaintances and even one-off or semi-regular casual interactions, can assist in preventing or alleviating social isolation and the feeling of loneliness. Good health adds life to years.
What happens at a U3A?
U3As provide opportunities for you to try something new, make friends and share your knowledge and skills with others. Courses range from physical fitness to desk-based classes, language studies, art and craft classes, social activities and more.
Do I need to be a member to attend any courses or activities?
Yes - only financial members are eligible to attend any courses or activities.
May I try a class prior to joining U3A?
Prospective members may try one class for free, prior to joining.
How much does it cost?
Membership costs $35 for the first year, then $30 when you renew your membership for the next year.
There are usually additional fees for excursions and social activities such as luncheons.
I have a carer, do they need to become a member?
If a carer is employed by an agency, they are already covered by the agency insurance, so they do not need to become a member. For insurance purposes, private carers do need to become a member however if they will only be attending classes as a carer, they can become an honorary member. There is no cost for honarary membership, but they do need to apply for membership.
Where is the U3A Pine Rivers located?
Our main centre is the U3A Pine Rivers Centre at 1480 Anzac Av, Kallangur (behind the Kallangur Community Hall).
We have two other locations: Kings Cottage, Petrie and Calala Drive Hall, West Strathpine.
For more details on all the venues we use, see our Venues page
How do I get there?
There are bus stops near to the U3A Centre, Kallangur and Kings Cottage, Petrie. Translink app and website can provide travel details.
For more details on all the venues we use, see our Venues page
Is there parking at the U3A Pine Rivers locations?
All three locations offer free parking including disabled parking.
Is U3A Pine Rivers accessible?
All of our U3A Pine Rivers locations are accessible and have disabled parking available.
For more details on all the venues we use, see our Venues page
Do I need to study for exams?
Part of the fun of attending a U3A is that there are no exams or tests but learning for the joy of learning.
What educational level do I need to have to go to the U3A?
The U3A model does not require any prior educational level.
Are children able to accompany members to a class or activity?
No - under no circumstances may a child accompany a member to a class or activity.
Is there a limit to the number of classes I can join?
Your membership allows you to join an unlimited number of classes and activities pending availability and subject to clashes of classes. There is a waitlist for some classes. A $2 fee per class is generally applied, but there are some classes that have a higher fee due to the venue or a contract tutor. There may also be a cost for materials required for a particular class.
Terms/Semesters
We have two semesters each year:
- January – June. There is a two week winter break that occurs around the school holiday, to allow volunteers to rest and refresh, and for grandparents to enjoy the company of their grandchildren.
- July – December. There is a four week break over the Christmas season that coincides with part of the summer school holidays.
Can I join the U3A at any time of the year?
Membership of U3A Pine Rivers is from 1 January to 31 December each year, however you are welcome to join at any time.
A reduced membership fee of $20 applies for enrolment from 1 July.
How much time will I need to set aside?
Most classes run for approximately 2 hours. Social activities such class outings, coach trips, theatre outings and special events will be more leisurely.
What if I can't attend a class or wish to drop out?
Please advise the tutor if you are unable to attend.
Three consecutive unexplained absences from a class can result in a deletion from the class or activity.
As some classes have a waiting list, members are requested to advise the tutor if they no longer wish to attend.
How do I register for a Coach Trip?
Contact the Coach Trip Coordinator and sign up for the trip, or join a waiting list if it is already full. If you have a place you then need to make the payment for the trip by the due date.
How do I register for Theatre or Ballet?
Contact the Theatre Outings Coordinator and sign up for a musical or ballet production. If the outing is already full, you may choose to join the waiting list. If you have a place you then need to make the payment for the theatre production by the due date.