Keeping communities together becomes more important than ever at times like these.
U3A Port Phillip is leading the U3A movement in Australia in going online, with most of our courses running via Zoom, and most of our members attending online classes. For "how-to" information see All about Zoom, below, or select an option from the Zoom and COVID-19 menu.
And we've created this special page of links to information not only about the way we are using Zoom, but also about the current state of affairs, globally, in Australia and locally, and with information about how to survive and suggestions of things to do while in lockdown. And a cartoon to make you smile (scroll down!). All updated as and when things change.
To read the information for any heading, just click on the arrow to the left of the heading and then click on any item in blue to go to the relevant page or website.
All about Zoom
If you haven't yet used Zoom, click Zoom for Members.
If you're a tutor wanting to run a Zoom course, click Zoom for Tutors to get started or Tutor Zoom Tutorials for more advanced tips and techniques. If you still have questions, post them on our Tutors Forum
What's happening in the world and in Australia?
Australian facts and figures from the Australian Federal Government website
Federal Government Vaccination Information & Rollout
The Federal Government has also launched a Coronavirus Australia app and WhatsApp feature. Coronavirus Australia is available from the Apple App Store and on Google Play and was launched alongside the Government's new WhatsApp feature.
Victorian Government CovidSafe Settings
Covid-19 Daily Update from the Victorian Government Department of Health & Human Services
World Health Organisation - Coronavirus Disease 2019 & Vaccination Information
Coronacast ABC daily podcasts
City of Port Phillip Covid-19 News, Updates & Vaccination Program
What's happening at U3A Port Phillip?
Message from U3APP President, Graham Gosling 7 March 2021
Message from U3APP President, Graham Gosling 13 December 2020
Message from U3APP President, Graham Gosling 13 September 2020
Covid-19 Working Group update 13 September 2020
Covid-19 Working Group update 11 July 2020
Message from U3APP President, Graham Gosling 12 June 2020
Covid-19 Working Group update 30 May 2020
Message from U3APP President, Graham Gosling 17 May 2020
Covid-19 Working Group update 9 May 2020
Covid-19 Working Group update 2 May 2020
Covid-19 Working Group update 18 April 2020
Message from U3APP President, Graham Gosling 12 April 2020
Covid-19 Working Group update 11 April 2020
Covid-19 Working Group update 3 April
Useful information for surviving
Starting on 30 March 2020 the Australian Government expanded Medicare-subsidised telehealth services, so you may be able to have a consultation with your health care provider via phone. You can read the Federal government statement here and read an ABC news update about this expanded service here
Australia Post launched a free Pharmacy Delivery Service for eligible members of the community.
Mental Health resources and tips for staying calm and healthy are available from the Department of Health and Human Services
How to wash your hands (with Brahms) click here.
Things to do
A Bit of Everything
Victoria Together offers plenty of free activities - ranging from Free Weekly Concerts, Theatre & Dance, Film & Cinema, Music, Sport & Exercise, Food & Drink, Science & Natures and a section for Older Victorians
Books/Movies
Download a book or movie from the CoPP library - free.
Buy a book on-line from The Avenue bookstore - free delivery.
Port Phillip library has made quite a few free apps available for members, where you can also join up if you're not already a member. The apps include eBooks, eMagazines, eAudio books, Music, Movies/Documentary and Personal Learning.
Music
Support local musicians and stream live classical music concerts at Melbourne Digital Concert Hall
Live-streamed Classical Music Concerts - links to dozens of free concerts from all over the world to choose from
Victorian Seniors Online - the re-imagined Victorian Seniors Festival
Sydney Opera House is uploading conversations, concerts and full theatre productions as part of its 2020 digital season, called From Our Home To Yours. It is leaving its content up permanently, with new content uploaded daily from Wednesday to Sunday each week.
The Metropolitan Opera is releasing a new show online every day. These are complete performances that have taken place throughout the last 14 years and each performance can be watched for only 23 hours.
The Royal Opera House in the UK has an online program titled From Our House to Yours. It will focus on ballet and opera.
Science
Join the Royal Society of Victoria and attend their fortnightly science lectures using Zoom.
Theatre
Shakespeare's Globe is uploading full archival Shakespeare productions to YouTube for 14 days, where they can be watched for free.
The UK's National Theatre also wants to keep its shows available while it's closed. It has chosen to upload a new show to YouTube every week.
The Australian Ballet is uploading full productions twice a month, with the shows being available for two weeks each.
Museums/Galleries/Zoos
Zoo's Victoria Live Streaming - check out Penguin Cam or Zebra Cam - perhaps visit the Snow Leopard Cubs
Museums Victoria has set up Museum at Home - they offer their (virtual) Museums free in your home.
Ten of the world's best virtual Museum & Art Gallery Tours
Linden Art Gallery (St Kilda) offers links to several world class Galleries, such as MOMA
Live web cams from Monterey Bay Aquarium.
Visit 500 museums and galleries from around the world.
Visit Online Visual Art Experiences at public galleries around Victoria
Online Learning
Take up a Course with U3A Online - a virtual U3A, delivering online learning via the internet ($30 annual fee)
Free online courses at Harvard University
Gardening
Perhaps time for some gardening? Garden Express is an online garden supplier and will deliver to your home
Travelling
Take a virtual tour of some of Australia's most spectacular National Parks
EarthCam displays live web cams from around the world
360 degree virtual tour of spiritual locations in Jerusalem.
Photographs of Melbourne Isolated by Gavin John
Photographs of Melbourne by Travel Victoria
WindowSwap lets you see the view from windows all over the world and you can upload your own
Projects at Home
Find a project to upcycle old clothes and other household objects.