Our Organisation

The University of the Third Age (U3A)

U3A is an international movement that fosters lifelong learning for pleasure. It is a self-help body of volunteers interested in their own and community education. There are no prior qualifications or exams and no degrees awarded; the only requirement is that you are aged 50-plus and retired or semi-retired.

U3As operate in Europe, UK, USA, South America and Asia. 

In Australia, the first programs were offered in the mid 1980’s and currently national membership exceeds 100,000 with over 300 U3As. A general promotional video about U3A can be viewed HERE.

U3A Banyule 

Founded in 1986, with an initial membership of 59, U3A Banyule is one of the oldest U3As in Victoria. Today there are over 900 members - the largest seniors’ group in the City of Banyule. Further details about the organisation are available on this website and in U3A Banyule’s general information brochure. Also see The Story of U3A Banyule, which traces our growth and development 1986-2016.

U3A Banyule operates on behalf of its members according to the Constitution. Other documents relevant to its governance and procedures can be viewed in the Document Library.

We depend on members offering their services. For further information, see Volunteering on this website. 

U3A Banyule's Office is located in the Ivanhoe Library and Cultural Hub (ILCH), 275 Upper Heidelberg Rd, Ivanhoe. Click HERE for a map and our contact details.  Members of the local community are invited to participate in some of our activities, such as our annual fundraising sale of handcrafted goods made by our members and activities during Seniors Week in October (in 2024, these included: Come and Try Knitting, Singing with the Choir and Come and Try Watercolours).

U3A Banyule in a Snapshot 

• is for retired or semi-retired residents of the City of Banyule and surrounds.
• is not for profit.
• comprises volunteers – there are no paid staff.
• offers educational, creative and recreational courses and activities to its members, which are led by Tutors.
• provides a friendly environment in which to pursue your interests.  
• is not academic, nor sectarian, nor political.
• operates on the principles of self-management and mutual support.
• is governed by a Committee of Management.
• identifies directions and priority actions as outlined in the Strategic Plan 2022-2024.

U3A Banyule's Mission

U3A Banyule is a volunteer organisation that provides learning opportunities for over 50s by creating an inclusive community whose members embrace lifelong learning and positive ageing by sharing knowledge and skills within a culture of respect, friendship, and goodwill.

U3A Banyule’s Values 

• Learning
• Respect 
• Integrity
• Community
• Inclusion
• Volunteering

Life Members of U3A Banyule

Life Membership is bestowed on members who have made an extraordinary contribution towards the advancement of U3A Banyule, demonstrating outstanding qualities of leadership and innovation. Our Life Members are: 

Edna Bird Award

The U3A Banyule Edna Bird Award, dedicated to the memory of our benefactor and former member, Edna Bird, is awarded annually, in recognition of an outstanding contribution to U3A Banyule.

Recipients: