After the 2021 Minutes acceptance, both the President’s and Treasurer’s reports were presented to Members. Sheila gave special thanks to all the U3APP’s volunteers participating as Tutors, Office Volunteers, IT Teams, Committee of Management and Margaret Smith for her continuing role as Minute Secretary, who have all been identified in the inaugural 2022 Annual Report.

The nominations for Committee of Management for 2023 were announced and all elected, they are:

Gillian Wood, William Logan, John Hawker, Allan Aberdeen, Rosalind Christie, Branko Colavizza, Sheila Quairney, Hannah Len, Margo Anderson and Gaye Mason

The new CoM will meet on 13 December to elect the Officers and allocate Portfolios; this information will be available on the website as well as the forthcoming e-Bulletins.

Sheila Quairney was delighted to announce awards for Honorary Life Membership and Meritorious Service:

Honorary Life Membership Awards
Diane Boyle, Helen Vorrath, Karen English & Kevin English

Meritorious Service Awards
Lorna Wyatt and Lorraine Brophy

Annie Grigg, President of U3A Network, spoke briefly about the services available to members U3As and congratulated U3APP on the successful year in both increasing membership and the success of face-to-face and zoom courses and the assortment of very informative seminars conducted through the year.

Branko Colavizza, U3APP Secretary

Our annual end of year celebration got off to a shaky start. On Friday afternoon we were informed that the air conditioning had failed at the Port Melbourne Town Hall and we could no longer hold the function there. We were offered the St. Kilda Town Hall as a replacement venue but everyone attending had to be notified. Our sincere apologies to anyone who fell through the cracks and didn’t get an email, phone call or text.

The St Kilda Town Hall turned out to be an excellent venue and the staff provided us with all we needed and more. The turn up was great, especially considering the sudden change of plan and our first scorcher for the summer. About 115 - 120 attended the event.

Sheila Quairney welcomed all present, then awards were presented to members who had made considerable contributions to our organisation by the immediate past Mayor of the City of Port Phillip, Marcus Pearl.

Sandra Mason did an outstanding job of organising the catering, the food was delicious and the bar was well run by Alan Aberdeen, John Hawker and Di Gameson.

The whole event was most successful and a nearly perfect way to finish off a good year for our organisation.

Photos by Branko Colavizza
Article by Di Gameson

We were in safe hands in this introduction to our potential future. Our presenter, Joel Emery is an expert in the field, a lawyer and Oxford graduate who has worked in companies using cryptocurrency and adopting blockchain technology on a range of crypto/blockchain legal matters.

Joel explored the history, development purpose of crypto currency. He explained that Cryptocurrency is digital money processed through a digital database (blockchain) It is a peer-to-peer electronic approach using smart technology

He pointed out that Bitcoin was the first of many cryptocurrencies and associated. blockchain technology; that it emerged as a distributed rather than a centralised approach in 2009 because of disillusionment with the traditional banks following the Global Financial Crisis.

Joel also outlined the pros and cons of both cryptocurrency and blockchain technology and discussed why FTX collapsed? Is cryptocurrency just a home to speculators? Because the market is currently immature, is it in need of more comprehensive regulation?

Our thanks to Max Nankervis for his very insightful, searching, illuminating and at times provocative questions in Q&A and for organising Joel to make the presentation.

Now you are ready for that dinner party conversation or indeed perhaps to begin trading or consider buying your new Tesla with cryptocurrency.….

See the video of Joel's presentation HERE.

From Pam Caven

The aftermath of the World War upheaval wrought major changes in social and artistic worlds. The surrealist and modernist movements influenced Picasso’s depiction of the human figure. This presentation also covered some lesser-known modernist painters represented in the NGV exhibition: André Masson, Suzanne Valadon (best known to many as the pretty young girl in Renoir‘s The Dancers), the American Dorothea Tanning, and the Russian Natalia Goncharova (who also created costume designs and stage sets for Diaghilev’s Ballets Russes).

This second lecture continued its celebration of the important women in Picasso‘s life: Marie-Thérèse Walter, who introduced a new note of dreamy sensuality to Picasso’s nude studies; Dora Maar, a painter and modernist photographer who also documented the evolution of Picasso’s Guernica, a political painting that expressed his volcanic eruption of rage at the slaughter of the people of the town of Guernica in 1937 by General Franco; and Françoise Gilot, another modernist painter who, at age 100, is still alive and still painting.

Picasso continued to experiment and create extensively in all media until his death in 1973. A colourful life, and an epic career, indeed!

U3A Port Phillip has been a fortunate beneficiary of Dr Adcock’s generosity with regular contributions to our Saturday Seminars. His scholarly approach to the arts, both its history and critically, continues to be appreciated by our member audiences.

See a VIDEO of Dr Adcock’s presentation.

From Mark Denniston of Saturday Seminars.

The program was from 2.00pm to 4.00pm and the performers were Minuk Richards two ukulele groups, Fun Ukes and Beaut Ukes and David Sharples Mens’ Choir. David also performed a bracket of solo songs, some accompanied by ukulele group members.

The audience was encouraged to sing along with the performers and did so with enthusiasm, the sound was terrific.

Afternoon tea prepared by Sandra Mason was served after the performance.

Report by Dianne Gameson

Click on the photos for larger versions.

Photos by Aziza Khamlichi

Introduced by facilitator Rosemary Rule, the Co-Chair of Port Phillip Citizens for Reconciliation, as the Father of Reconciliation and a “national living treasure”, Senator Dodson set the context for the need for an Indigenous Voice. He gave us an informative and moving account of the history and experiences of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples since colonisation in 1788.

He touched on topics such as the infamous doctrine of Terra Nullius and the successful Mabo judgement. He also talked about the 1967 referendum which voted to change the Constitution so that, like all other Australians, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples would be counted as part of the population, and the Commonwealth would be able to make laws for them.

Now that the current government is actively committed to holding a referendum, Senator Dodson described this as a moment in our history that we can’t afford to pass up. “Wouldn’t it be a great thing in our country to exercise our vote for a Voice for First Nations peoples so that they can speak on behalf of themselves on policy?” he said, inviting all Australians to walk with the Aboriginal people to create their voice in the Constitution.

One interesting aspect of his talk, and the subject of a couple of questions from the audience, was the issue of the well-publicised opposition to a referendum by some of the other First Nations politicians. The Senator pointed out that all politicians of whatever background have to speak for, and represent, their constituents and their party, regardless of their personal views. He also described the need to update the Machinery Act, which governs the rules relating to referenda, as well as the overriding need to get agreement on the words in the referendum.

This was a highly informative, measured and thought-provoking seminar, spoken from the heart with clarity and impact, and is well worth tuning into if you were unable to hear it live.

For those of you interested in further discussions on this important topic, there will be a public forum on the Referendum for an Indigenous Voice to Parliament presented by Port Phillip Citizens for Reconciliation in the St Kilda Town Hall at 6.30pm on Thursday 3 November 2022. Details are on their website: www.ppcfr.org

A video of Senator Dodson's talk is HERE.

Sheila Quairney
on behalf of Pam Caven, Seminar organiser

• Take the simplest approach to the safeguard mechanism
• Determine a clear link between targets and policies
• Sort out priority gas issues
• Coordinate leadership on policies
• Establish emission standards for light vehicles

Linda Condon U3APP tutor ably facilitated the seminar and managed a wide-ranging list of questions from participants. A copy of Tony Wood’s slides in PDF format is HERE.

Here is a VIDEO of the Seminar.

Report by Pam Caven, Saturday Seminars

You can view a VIDEO of Seminar here.

Report by Pam Caven, Saturday Seminars

How to capture the artistic achievements of Pablo Picasso? Michael borrowed from Winston Churchill’s description of Russia “a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma”.

Michael attempted to deconstruct the riddle – the child prodigy born in Barcelona, tutored by his artist father who finds his artistic flowering in turn of the century Paris. Picasso was a student of the old masters at the Louvre, drew inspiration from fellow artists, literati, street life, travel, African masks and of course collaborators and lovers. In the period covered in the seminar (1889 until 1918) Picasso’s work went through significant stages – frenzied lover of modern life, blue period, rose period, “primitive” phase, cubism. What an insight we received into this versatile, complex, and capricious great man.

Michael is keen for people to visit the Exhibition. His advice- avoid the crowds, give yourself time, if necessary, borrow an NGV folding chair.

We are indebted to Mark Denniston, U3APP member and art lover for organising and facilitating another wonderful presentation by Dr Adcock.

 A video recording of seminar is available on the new LIBRARY page on our website. It is listed under "Recordings – Saturday Seminars" with a link to "The Picasso Century". 

Report by Pam Caven

Rec Room is a leader in the burgeoning "metaverse" space – where the internet breaks free of its "text and photos" roots and embraces the immersive 3D worlds of modern video games. Cameron told us that RecRoom has 75 million users.

A veteran of twenty-eight years in developing computer applications, Cameron was the perfect presenter to trace the history of developments in the shared virtual environment. He explained the meta (after or beyond) the universe, the technology that enabled it, demystified the cloud. He introduced us to a rich and diverse world of immersive technology. Why go there? - video games, socializing, collaborating, educating. The possibilities are endless.

Such was the enthusiasm of the audience, that questions kept coming which meant that the seminar was extended by 30 minutes

Some comments from participants:

• “That was a wonderful webinar!! Cameron was a marvellous presenter”
• “What a great session - I timed out at 4pm but learned so much.
• Cameron is a brilliant educator…..and such an enthusiast. It was a superbly well-structured and delivered seminar. It was also a great advertisement for U3APP and an indicator of the appetite for learning about new things from our seniors' community.
• Thanks to you all for being brave enough to schedule it too - a very apt departure from our normal offerings.
• Move, Look, Do Something - maybe that should be our new slogan......I love it”

Lois Best as the mother of Cameron Brown was justifiably proud of him – mother and son in the same seminar was a first I think for our seminars. Her well-honed teacher skills were evident in her enthusiastic facilitation of the seminar.

The recording of the seminar is now available on the U3APP website.

From Pam Caven

About 56 attended and, judging by the noise and general ambience, it was a happy and successful event, many saying that they hadn’t caught up face to face for a long time.

Our Vice President, Hannah Len, welcomed the gathering and gave a heartfelt tribute to the tutors and volunteers who have given so much to our organisation.

We have some great photos of the event thanks to Branko Colavizza, some of which are shown here.

Sandra Mason, Ros Christie and other helpers organised drinks and delicious finger food. A good time was definitely had by all.

By Dianne Gameson, U3A Committee

What followed was a fascinating insight into the rise of China – its deep connection to its Confucian past, its engagement with the world – its open-door policy from 1976 and its spectacular success in lifting vast numbers of its people out of poverty.

The key to China’s booming wealth according to Richard Cullen was investment in education and in infrastructure. China is expected to be the biggest economy in the world by 2030.

Inevitably this emergence of China as a dominant world power has led to changes in the world order.

Foremost is the changing and uneasy relationship with the USA.

Australia while continuing to benefit hugely from trade with China has been wary of the new assertiveness of China

Professor Cullen stressed that the Canberra- Beijing relationship should not be the same as the US- Beijing relationship. He highlighted that the USA spends nearly 3 times as much on defence as China. He reiterated that Australia had to find its own ways of working with Beijing that suited our interests and that a new Government in Australia has an opportunity for a renewed relationship. He thought that perhaps we could learn from New Zealand by keeping the batteries for the megaphone in the cupboard!

Professor Cullen’s presentation was fascinating – clear, coherent, research based and provocative. Marcel Colman proved himself again to be the consummate facilitator.

Click on this link to see a video recording of the seminar.

Pam Caven

Max based his story around the lives of the Shaw family. James and his two sons in 1853 were among the many migrants from Scotland making the hazardous journey to Australia aboard sailing ships that brought huge families (few surviving to adult hood) in their quest for new lives, respectability, and a fortune.

John Shaw (son of James) and his wife Julia Osborn Payne were the first occupants of Somerset in 1902 (later the Mary Kehoe Centre). The Shaw’s story is the story of successful migrants contributing to business life in Emerald Hill including as ginger beer makers, drapers and property developers (John Shaw). They were middle class people who attended church (Baptist and Anglican) and were involved in social movements of the time such as the temperance movement (Julia)

Following the Shaw’s, the house had a rich history of owners and tenants, including the Good Shepherd sisters and finally the City of Port Phillip, the current owners.

University of the Third Age Port Phillip was given tenancy of the Mary Kehoe Centre in 2003 and has fought to keep it, but that is another story for Max Nankervis, historian, and town planner to tell on another day.

Judith Klepner, former COPP councillor and fierce advocate for the Centre was an able facilitator.

Pam Caven

Building on his 2021 seminar on Impressionism and the Post Impressionists (the 2021 National Gallery of Victoria Exhibition) in this seminar, Michael brought fresh insights into the development of the movement and the role of the Parisian Salon in determining success. He explored the artists’ lives, their relationships with fellow artists and the influence on their work. All were illustrated by slides of the artists’ paintings.

Michael introduced this seminar by examining the works of a range of female artists. Their portraits were often of people they knew and were delicate and evocative. They succeeded often against the odds in a society where women were not expected to be professional artists

We were treated to an overview of some of their male contemporaries, all worthy although their art not necessarily displaying in Michael’s words “the symphonic grandeur and freedom of a Monet or Pissarro”.

Michael Adcock’s joy and love of this period of French art is infectious. Mark Denniston, an art enthusiast, facilitated the seminar with aplomb.

A recording of the seminar is available on the Course Guide – Public Events page under Saturday Seminar 23 April 2022 - French Impressionism Part 2.

Pam Caven

From the initial six founding members working around their kitchen tables, the fledgling organisation grew to an impressive membership of 778 in 2021, and currently offers members a choice of 90 broad-ranging courses. It has been a true success story. The publication tells of countless volunteers engaged in a broad range of important roles almost too numerous to mention: volunteers who have worked tirelessly over the years to ensure the organisation flourished. It has, from its inception, provided a place of learning: learning of many kinds and the publication emphasises that strongly. Importantly, there is a continuous thread throughout the story about the sense of community, belonging and support that the organisation always has, and continues to provide. Personal stories within stories have been and remain the fabric of the organisation. Thus, this excellent publication weaves a complex pattern of survival and growth, of colour and diversity, of excitement, newness and continuity.

With just the appropriate amount of pomp and ceremony, the book was officially launched by Freda Erlich, Chair of the City of Port Phillip’s Older Persons Advisory Committee, the body appointed by the Council to advise on issues that affect the health and well-being of older people in the city. U3APP must be one of the jewels in its crown because it was a small subgroup from that advisory group that convened a public meeting to gauge interest in establishing a U3A in Port Phillip in August 2003. That was the catalyst for what we have today. Within 3 months, the embryonic U3A Port Phillip ‘went public’ to great acclaim with an inaugural event featuring internationally renowned Melbourne astrophysicist Doctor Andrew Prentice.  This was the first of the ongoing Saturday Seminars Series that was intended to and still attracts attention from the wider community. 

U3APP opened its doors to take enrolments in February 2004 with courses starting the following month. Eighteen courses were offered in that first semester and some are still running. It has not looked back – but you should read the story for yourselves. The story is indeed about 19 years of determination, imagination and organisation. And that determination came to the fore in 2020 when COVID hit. Over the ensuing 2 years, when many organisations and groups around them were floundering, they quickly rallied forces and with a lot of effort and organisation many courses went online very successfully.  It was no mean feat.  What a triumph, attesting to the foresight and skills of the management committee and a small group of dedicated members. The story of how this was achieved and how the organisation adopted a new and IT-savvy approach to running the organisation is mapped out in the book.  It was a mighty effort. But you really should read the story yourselves!  The COVID working group, the ‘Gang of Three’ – Pam Caven, Jim Pribble and Diane Boyle – were deservedly awarded Meritorious Service awards for their work. They gathered around them an impressive team to produce this publication. They are to be heartily congratulated as are all those who contributed.

At this special launch event and paying homage to the organisation were Josh Burns, Federal Member for Macnamara, and Marcus Pearl, Mayor of the City of Port Phillip. Both congratulated the organisation and particularly its members, each emphasising the importance of the organisation to the City of Port Phillip. They acknowledged the contribution that U3APP has made and continues to make to the welfare of older people in the area and wished it well for the years to come.

At the launch three awards were presented personally to people who were unable to attend the 2021 award presentations at the Christmas party. Barbara Fisher was awarded Life Membership, and Heather Wheat and Lindsay Doig were presented with Meritorious Service awards.

It was a happy occasion, superbly catered by Sandra Mason and her team, touched with nostalgia and a little sadness that the inaugural president, Ron Ashbolt, was not there sharing the limelight. It was, however, a joyous celebration of an excellent account of a marvellous organisation.

Report by Heather Wheat, photographs by Barry McIntosh

The story is available as an online book or a printed book.

The printed book is available to borrow from the U3APP office and, in due course, from the local and state libraries.  The printed book can also be purchased through Amazon.  Find it by going to  https://www.amazon.com.au/  and typing in “The story of U3APP” in the search.

The online book is available on our website, click here.

Graham Gosling, U3APP President, welcomed everyone on behalf of the Committee of Management.  He paid tribute to their outstanding contribution during the past year.  Tutors and Volunteers rose to the occasion during Government COVID restrictions and kept Members engaged in learning and with one another.

Graham reported that U3APP is regarded by U3A Network as a model for other Victorian U3As, a proud achievement.

While the recipients of Life Membership and Meritorious Awards were announced at the AGM in November 2020, Graham was able to present 2020 recipients with their framed awards for their enormous contributions to U3APP over a ten-year period.

The worthy recipients were Sandra Mason and José Simsa who received Life Membership awards and Ming Tim Yek, a Meritorious Award.

Tutors and Volunteers mingled over a glass of  sparkling and delicious finger food organised by Sandra Mason, U3APP Catering Manager.  Sandra was ably assisted by U3APP Members, Barbara Fisher and Claire Keech.

By Pam Caven, U3APP Committee of Management

We've had a wonderful array of photos sent to us by our resident U3APP photographers, Barry 'Mac' McIntosh and Aziza Khamlichi.  We're delighted to be able to show many of them here and thank Mac and Aziza for their time and effort in taking and sending them to us so quickly.

The school has grown from one campus with 150 students in 2011 to 1,600 students in 2022. Classes are now held across six campuses.

The campuses work on an open plan, open also to the Port Phillip community. All  are first class architecturally designed buildings and fit out, a source of delight for all.

And there is more to come – a new Arts precinct with the Victorian College of the Arts on the industrial site in Gasworks Park.

From its inception Steve has worked hard to integrate the school with the community

The glue however that binds the school community under Steve’s leadership is a shared sense of core values: positivity, a culture of excellence, creativity, and commonality of purpose. Steve’s expectation is that these values are shared by students, staff, and parents.

Steve is most optimistic about young people, he feels despite what could be perceived as trying times, that our future is in good hands.

Much of the webinar was conducted as a conversation. Lyn Place a U3APP tutor as the facilitator was brilliant – knowledgeable, relaxed, and entertaining.

The recording of the seminar is available, click HERE

The 2021 President, Graham Gosling welcomed attendees. He reflected on the achievements and challenges for U3APP in 2021. He presented the Life Membership Award to Barb Fisher and Meritorious Service Awards to Dennis Muoy, Heather Wheat, and Lindsay Doig and to members of the COVID Working Group: Jim Pribble, Diane Boyle, and Pam Caven. Graham also announced the eight elected members of the 2022 committee of management.

The Celebration was a joyous occasion. Attendees enjoyed delicious refreshments organised by the U3APP Catering Manager, Sandra Mason  and her team of Di Gameson and Ros Christie. Rob Gullan, Dave Robson, and David Blair ensured no one went thirsty. Alex Mifsud’s team Sheila Quairney, Libby Smith and Jim Pribble ensured a COVID safe environment.

The photos tell the story thanks to Barry Macintosh and Aziza Khamlichi.

We will give Barry Macintosh the last word “The afternoon had a happy feel and everyone had a chance to reconnect. The 'buzz' was very positive”.

Best wishes - Pam Caven

The talk began with the art scene current in the mid-1800s, live models, portraits or scenes representing biblical events, allegories and literary scenes.  Artworks were entered in an annual “Salon” for sale, acceptance being granted to those artists whose work complied with the general practice.

Three major technical changes however allowed artists to shun the restrictions of this process.

1. The development of a railway system allowed painters to get out to the countryside quickly and at little expense. So subjects such as forests, beaches, boats, villages, farms, windmills and haystacks, etc., were easily accessed, and replaced the restrictions of the studio.
2. The development of paints in screw-top tubes removed reliance on mixing powders and could be applied directly onto a canvas.
3. The invention of photography that could capture an image for painting at a later date.

In Victoria the parallel is that same freedom allowing our own impressionists to take a train to the north-east countryside and create the works that are now revered as works of the Heidelberg School.

The influence of the art dealer Paul Durand-Ruel was highlighted for his influence in that he bought up many works of these Impressionists, selecting only the very best of those available and took them to America to be sold to institutions and private collections. A consequence of that was  partly the artists’ financial well-being, the spread of understanding of what “impressionism” was, and as a consequence, the quantity of these paintings in American galleries and private collections.

Michael then moved on to some other groups or schools of painters such as the Barbizon School with Monet, Renoir, Sisley and Bazille; and the Batignolles Group of Manet and Degas. With each he displayed appropriate works to enhance understanding.

A series of questions concluded what was an absorbing and erudite introduction to arguably the most significant period of art. 

Mark Denniston - Facilitator

Both speakers acknowledged that the advent of Coronavirus had impacted heavily on people’s lives and even more so in the last months with the emergence of Delta.  Both speakers also acknowledged the challenges in responding to the Pandemic - the uneven impact it has had on Victorians through isolation, economic hardship, misinformation, and issues of mental health.

Minister Foley stressed the fundamental importance of science and technology as essential tools in the health crisis.  He acknowledged that the development of effective vaccines was the biggest breakthrough internationally; but locally Victoria’s universities and scientific bodies like CSIRO, the Doherty and Burnett Institutes had responded with modelling, tracing, genomic sequencing, the testing of sewage and ventilation control and the upskilling of staff.  Lives, because of the science and technology, have been saved.

The Minister stressed the high level of cooperation and genuine support of Health Ministers, Health Departments and Health Bodies and Officers across Australia irrespective of political persuasion.  These lessons will carry over as we emerge from the crisis.

Gerard Mansour, the Commissioner for Senior Victorians also pointed to changes in the Victorian senior’s activities in this period: acquisition of new IT skills, engagement with neighbours and developing greater resilience.  The Commissioner praised U3A as an organisation that fosters connectivity and learning that embodies his logo of “never stop exploring”.  The Commissioner’s presentation can be accessed by clicking here.

The Webinar was most ably facilitated by Marcel Colman, a Current Affairs Tutor of U3APP, with insightful comments and thought-provoking questions.  Move over Leigh Sales!

Pam Caven, COVID-19 Working Group, Committee of Management

The webinar started with a recording of a youthful 13-year-old Zoe conducting an interview with Sir Thomas Blamey.

We then went on to learn much about Zoe’s stellar career beginning with Melbourne theatre companies. In these she played opposite local luminaries such as Frank Thring, Barry Humphries, Freddie Parslow and John Sumner. As Sherryn pointed out Zoe left Australia “in a time of cultural cringe”. Zoe became an acclaimed international actress. She gained fame in the theatres of Stratford-Upon-Avon, London, and New York. She acted with acting royalty. Her skill and virtuosity were recognised with the award of four Tonys. 

While Sherryn provided the overview of her career, Charlie gave us wonderful insights into Zoe Caldwell’s craft as one of the great dramatic actresses of her time: her scholarship, her discipline, and her capacity to identify the essence of her characters. Her recognition was such that she was even featured in a Disney animated film as the authoritative grand dame ruler of the universe.

Zoe was of course more than the grand dame of stage to Sherryn and Charlie. As aunt and mother, she was to them warm, lovable, and playful.

How fortunate we were to be taken into Zoe’s private world as well as her public one.

Zoe Caldwell, a remarkable woman!

by Pam Caven, U3APP CoM, COVID-19 Working Group

Robin pointed out that Paris was the centre of the Art Deco movement, but it was prevalent in other countries in Europe, USA and other parts of the world.  Shanghai was similarly a centre of Art Deco.  Inspiration for the designers came from many sources including Africa and Egypt.  New materials, woods, veneers, lacquers and Bakelite enabled the styles.  As a result, furniture was lighter, more streamlined and more functional to accommodate changing lifestyles: radios, telephones, cocktails and ashtrays. Precious jewellery was designed in geometric patterns by top end jewellers such as Cartier.  Those on more modest budgets could purchase decorative Bakelite jewellery from Woolworths.  Art Deco designs were advertised in magazines and of course Hollywood embodied it all.

Robin Grow, author of books on Art Deco architecture and design provided us with an authoritative and fascinating presentation in yesterday’s seminar.  The seminar was very ably facilitated by Linda Condon.

Pam Caven, U3APP CoM, Working Group

We were fortunate that Professor James Walter Emeritus Professor (Politics) Monash University and U3APP member who has spent decades studying political leadership styles showed us why we must dispel the myth of the strong leader in order to identify the characteristics of effective leadership in the contemporary context.

Professor Walter discussed the characteristics of strong leaders and compared them with those of effective leaders.   He did this by examining the leadership styles of three recent Prime Ministers, Bob Hawke, John Howard and Julia Gillard and the current Victorian Premier Dan Andrews.  He highlighted the specific skills and failings of each. What was common to all was a clear set of objectives, good working relationships with colleagues and public servants, the capacity to listen to and incorporate the views of others, even if it meant changing the initial message.  On the latter Julia Gillard was an exception. Professor Walter indicated that even without a parliamentary majority the government under her leadership passed more legislation than any of the subsequent Parliaments. However, for a variety of reasons she was not able to achieve rapport with the public.

The seminar was well facilitated by Dr Maurita Harney Honorary Senior Fellow, Historical and Philosophical Studies, University of Melbourne and U3APP tutor.  As Maurita pointed out the enthusiasm of the audience was reflected in the number of questions. As she concluded, much food for thought!

Pam Caven, CoM, Working Group

He described how Angela Merkel rose through the ranks of the CDU from her initial appointment as the Minister for Women’s Affairs to Chancellor. He described Merkel’s personal qualities - fierce intelligence, a scientific approach, a cool, calm manner, and her incorruptibility.  On the latter apparently one commentator noted “to claim that Angela Merkel can be bought is the same as saying The Donald Trump takes his marriage vows seriously”.

Dr Joe Hajdu explained how Merkel’s formidable intellect, leadership skills and  Christian humanism allowed her to achieve much in Germany including: abolition of National Service, support for renewables and the phasing out of coal and a liberal refugee program. None of this was achieved without some criticism. He maintained that Angela Merkel was a shrewd politician and a pragmatist who has been a remarkable leader in Germany and internationally. She is a woman for our time.

Marcel Colman, a Germanophile and U3APP tutor was a very able facilitator of a most fascinating seminar.

Pam Caven, CoM, Working Group

What a journey, what an insight into Australia’s rich cultural heritage!

Helen Robinson was our virtual guide, drawing on her knowledge and passion for Indigenous works of Art in the National Gallery of Victoria.  Helen chose ten works of art to illustrate the history and diversity of Indigenous artists. The artists, men and women, were drawn from diverse parts of Australia, different tribal groups using different techniques and materials - so much more than most of us realise. 

Although the i-Phone has more computer power than the first space craft to the moon in 1965, this growth in computing power has not been universally used to enhance the ways our society operates. In the 1980s Dr Jones had hoped that the digital revolution of recent decades and the great increase in the number of Australians gaining tertiary degrees would have promoted serious debate about the big issues facing our country and humanity. He now maintains that the opposite has happened. There is now a dearth of debate, and political engagement has declined.  Australians are not joining political parties; and too many of our federal politicians now see Parliament as career opportunity, rather than a place for engaging with the big issues. To Dr Jones the existential future of liberal democracy is at stake. The most recent demonstration of these trends is the emergence in recent times of authoritarian world leaders.

There are however some optimistic signs. State and territory governments have  demonstrated strong leadership and attention to science in their responses to COVID-19 and they are leading the way on climate change.  Industry is also starting to take the lead, ahead of governments, in setting targets for reduction of carbon emissions.

What is to be done?  Barry Jones explored the need for more people to fully engage in the political process, not just political party members but all of us no matter what our interests or backgrounds.  Individually we can make a difference.

Marcel Colman proved adept at facilitating this seminar dealing with these big topics. There was positive audience response including one suggestion that Barry Jones be the first head of an Australian republic!

Pam Caven

Jane stressed that the mindset of older people needs to change and we must overcome the “tyranny of still”.   The thinking that “I can still do this” or ” I can still do that” - as this is just us reinforcing the inherent ageism in our society.  We should instead be celebrating what we are achieving and doing and learning.

Jane showed us that Australians are living longer, and they are healthier; which is not to say that people do not, or will not, have health issues.  It is all about management of our circumstances - remaining healthy, positive in outlook, connected to family and friends, and stimulated.  Take a bow U3APP!

It was a manifesto for healthy ageing from a health professional who has spent years researching the topic.

The seminar was ably facilitated by Sheila Quairney, U3APP Committee Member and Tutor of Helping you to Relax.

A recording of this Seminar will be available on the U3APP Website shortly.

Pam Caven, U3APP Committee of Management & Covid-19 Working Group

Reflective Piece by Sheila Quairney "My Third Age"

After facilitating Jane's Seminar, Sheila was inspired to put her feelings down on paper as a way of reflecting her life and what the third age means to her:

Yesterday I facilitated a presentation by a gerontologist about ageing well. The content was much as I expected - around being positive, focusing on ability, not disability and following the four commandments for a healthy old age: think, move, socialise and eat well. Yes, I thought, I do all that – cryptic crosswords for the thinking, daily walks for the moving, doing activities with friends for the socialising, and eating well (probably a bit too well sometimes).

But one of her recommendations struck a chord with me. It was something I hadn’t heard before and somehow it resonated.

She talked about not focusing on what you “still can do” but on celebrating the changes in your life that have come with age. Not the nasty stuff around aches and pains, but what you do now that you couldn’t or didn’t do in your youth.

So that got me thinking. How could I reframe my view of myself to celebrate the many changes that have happened in my Third Age?

I’ve just about got over the shock of being described as elderly by the media, especially during the past year. That can’t be me they’re talking about, can it? But at least it means I’m nearer the front of the queue for the long-awaited Covid vaccine. So maybe it’s not that bad being over 65.

Retirement is often talked about as a golden age, free from the stresses of employment, with ample time to enjoy the grandchildren and the garden.

The Third Age is a concept born in the 1970s with the establishment in France of the University of the Third Age movement, offering, as we know, study opportunities to relatively healthy and active seniors.

It became framed as a positive ageing theory for developed countries in 1987 through the work of British historian Peter Laslett.  He posited that one’s life comprises four Ages. The First Age is for learning, the Second Age is for working and child rearing and the Third Age is the culmination of one’s life after retirement. With the Fourth Age comes final dependence and ultimately death.

Clearly I have embarked on my Third Age and hope to continue in it for many years to come. I’m in the novel position of no longer being the oldest person in the workplace, but often the youngest person in the room. Most people I now meet and socialise with are older than me, but what interesting and varied lives they’ve led, and what stories they have to tell.

My life has also changed enormously in the past five years since taking voluntary redundancy from my full time job. I was working with entrepreneurial students and graduates, all of course way younger than me!

Three years ago I met my partner Brian.  At the age of 64 (but not quite wasting away, despite what the Beatles’ lyrics said) I moved to Australia. And now I’m in the final throes of getting a resident’s visa, just waiting on a medical which hopefully will establish that I’m fit enough to be allowed to stay.

I still do lots of the same activities I did in my Second Age – I sing, I walk, I travel, I visit the theatre. There are things I can’t do as well as I used to due to injury, such as swimming, but I’ve adapted and try to do what I can.

I’m still, very fortunately, a daughter (to a 95 year old father), a mother, a sister and a step mum, though not yet a fully fledged grandparent.

But what can I celebrate as new achievements and activities as I settle into my Third Age?

Well, clearly I am a creative writer! Being in Pat’s group at U3APP has renewed my enthusiasm for writing – I no longer have to write project reports or policy documents or instructions, but I can develop my love of the written word in other ways, like in this piece and many like it. And because I want to, not because I have to.

I’m a cyclist – having finally got back on my bike after many years of living in hilly Yorkshire in the UK, I’ve discovered the joys of cycling along the beach at daybreak. And cycling frees up my creativity too – I thought of this piece whilst pedalling along the seafront this morning.

I’m a relaxation teacher – I’ve taken the bits of my 26 year Yoga teaching career that I always enjoyed best and honed them into two weekly 30 minute U3A classes to help my peers.

I’m a student of dance  - I attend a fantastic Exercise to Music class and have rediscovered the joys of moving my body to the beat. I’m not sure that I’d want to see a video of my dance moves, but in my mind, I’m creating beautiful shapes.

And finally, I am a Victorian! I love living in this tolerant, diverse, stimulating place. I love the bush and the hills and the sea. I love the food and the wine and the friendships I’ve made. I love my house in Port Melbourne and the history all around me.

I’m not quite ready to say that I’m an Australian. But I hope that one day in the not too distant future, that will be another change that I can wholeheartedly celebrate and I can live out my Third Age in this wonderful country.

Sheila Quairney, U3APP Committee of Management & Tutor

John Pilbrow, PHD candidate and specialist in American election patterns gave us what Marcel Colman the facilitator referred to as a forensic account of how the various American states voted in the recent election.

He began by claiming that there has never been an election like this, nor has any former President refused to concede defeat despite the numbers.

John then went on to analyse the data comparing how States voted in 2016 and 2020 and  discussed the importance of the states that flipped to the Democrats and possible future states progressively moving into the Democrat camp. He confirmed that more Americans voted than ever before. Urban areas favoured the Democrats, rural the Republicans. African American women massively favoured Joe Biden whilst the Cuban origin Latino community favoured Donald Trump. Joe Biden won the popular vote and significantly, the votes in the Electoral College.

It is not yet over, and more is to come. As John pointed out Donald Trump still commands a fanatical base of support. The USA is strongly divided along party lines. The concept of bipartisan agreement seems to be far from any reality, the votes in the Senate are unclear and in the House the Democrats have lost votes, even the media is  divided – ‘fake news”?

Overall, John provided as Marcel Colman said- “ A brilliant forensic dissection of the issues”

John Pilbrow is a PhD candidate in the School of Social Sciences at Monash. He specialises in United States politics, with a focus on presidential elections and trends, and the rhetoric and discourse conveyed by political leaders. Primarily, his research combines political science and history to explain past and present attitudes among voters and office seekers in the United States. John's PhD is centred upon electoral trends in US presidential elections and how voting differs within and among the 50 states. He holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) and Bachelor of Economics, both from Monash University.

In 2016 Professor Hocking initiated legal action in the Federal Court against the National Archives of Australia, seeking the release of the secret ‘Palace Letters’ between the Queen and the Governor-General, Sir John Kerr, regarding the 1975 Whitlam dismissal, which were embargoed by the Queen, potentially indefinitely.

In a land-mark decision in May 2020, the High Court of Australia ruled that the ‘Palace Letters’ are official ‘Commonwealth records’, overturning the Queen’s long-standing embargo over them and paving the way for their public release.

The High Court decision ended decades of Royal secrecy over a key aspect of the dismissal - just what the Queen knew before Kerr dismissed, without warning, the elected Whitlam Government. The Letters were released on 14 July to immense media and public interest and extensive commentary, and shed new light on the events surrounding The Dismissal.  The Letters, according to Professor Hocking, reveal the complicity of the Palace via the Queen’s private secretary, Sir Martin Charteris in the dismissal of an elected Australian Government by the Queen’s representative, Sir John Kerr in 1975. The Dismissal, she maintains, has ramifications for Australians 45 years later.

Professor Hocking’s quest was a superb lesson in tenacity and adherence to documents.

Over 160 participated in the webinar and in the words of one audience member the presentation “was a ripper”-  in the words of another, “What a coup for U3APP to have her as a presenter; I've enjoyed all our Saturday presentations, but this was just beyond brilliant!”

Professor Hocking’s next book The Palace Letters will be published by Scribe Publications in November 2020.

For those who missed it, the recording of this Webinar will be available on U3APP's Website in November to coincide with the publication of Professor Hocking's book.

After a rocky start with some questionable developments there are now more promising signs with recent Government approvals capping the size and nature of residential developments and aligning more closely with the expectations of the Framework with respect to urban design, internal and external amenity. The importance of public transport, particularly a tram, through to the CBD was stressed.

Brendan Coates, Program Director, the Grattan Institute pointed to the early COVID period data that suggest, at least in the short term, we will see impacts on Melbourne that will have some effects on Fishermans Bend: population growth in free fall, no international visitors, no new international students, no vaccine, new ways of working - people have experienced working from home and many like it, especially young families. The latter may translate into a preference for 3 bedrooms rather than one/two-bedroom apartments and a lesser demand for office accommodation.

However, given the emerging data whether the current assumptions underpinning the Fishermans Bend planning framework hold up is yet to be seen.

The need for assertive and energetic governance of the Fishermans Bend project was highlighted if the potential of the area is to be realised and much more energetic engagement with the project is needed to maintain public confidence.

Of paramount importance is funding, Governments – Federal, State, and local need to step up and invest and if there are changes to the underlying planning assumptions, then new ways of developer contributions should be considered.

The long-term impact of COVD 19 may well be positive. Australia’s success in dealing with COVID may attract people here.

Perhaps we can revisit Fishermans Bend in 2021? The conversation goes on . . .

Fifty-five people participated in yesterday’s Webinar. If you missed it Brendan Coates slides, together with the recording of the webinar today, are now available on our website - you can access it by clicking the 'Urban Development' button below.

It was loved by Mussolini, hated by the Nazis, and promoted by Hollywood.

As we discovered through Robin’s gorgeous photos, its reach was enormous – from France to New York, Chicago, Shanghai, Hanoi, Phnom Penh, Tel Aviv, and Buenos Aires to name only a few of the sites that he covered.

The monuments to Art Deco were equally diverse, office blocks, apartments, banks, abattoirs, statues, and houses. They were in Robin’s vernacular “stylish” and inspiring.

Melbourne too has wonderful examples of Art Deco, a treat to explore in the future!

A footnote: If after our Saturday seminar on Art Deco around the world you are intrigued by Art Deco and Modernism, you should not miss our Holiday activity, The Glass House on Tuesday 22 September.

Pam Caven - U3APP Committee of Management & Covid Working Group

Max Nankervis, town planner and academic ably facilitated a panel of three speakers: Janet Bolitho, Members of the Fishermans Bend Development Board, Bernadene Voss, Mayor City of Port Phillip, David Weston AM, Fishermans Bend Business Forum.

Some of what we learnt -

Fishermans Bend, a site bounded by the river, the bay, and the largest Port in Australia. It has been a home to industry (World War 2), home to General Motors Holden (GMH) and Urban Renewal (2012 rezoning by the Planning Minister Matthew Guy) and a new planning framework from the Andrews Government, The Fishermans Bend Framework. 

The site is a complex mosaic of precincts  involving every level of government with immense challenges (90% of the land is owned by private developers), contaminated soil areas, prone to flooding, availability of sustainable public transport, but also great opportunities: proximity to the CBD, home to Melbourne University’s Engineering Department and innovative industries.

We learnt about the absolute imperative for public transport, about catalytic projects and about cloudburst technology and more…….

We also were informed that. unlike other major urban renewal projects around the world and in other parts of Australia, there is no central authority guiding or managing the overall project.

A short term timetable for the development at Fishermans Bend can be viewed here.

There is clearly an appetite for more information on the development of Fishermans Bend. A capacity crowd of 105 (not counting other people who shared a computer screen) participated in the webinar. If you missed the seminar or want to revisit it, you can find a recording on the U3APP Online Course Links .

Vivacious and fiery, Julia Sorell’s marriage to Tom Arnold in 1850 propelled her into one of the most renowned families in England and into a circle that included Lewis Carroll, George Eliot and Cardinal Newman.

Mary’s research commenced when she read about a young woman who had thrown stones at a Catholic church, and from there it took her from Tasmania to the Balliol College, Oxford.

Mary has deservedly won numerous awards for her book, reflected in the many comments made by U3A members following her seminar, best summed up by one: “Mary’s talk was totally absorbing. Writing a book is certainly not for the faint hearted – mad, dedicated, enthused or whatever”.

Pam Caven, Committee of Management, Covid-19 Working Group

Judy spoke of the architecture of the villas and the history of their terraced gardens, the abundance of azaleas, rhododendrons, exotic plants, arranged in the style of English gardens, classical Italian design and the bamboo clusters of Japan.

Judy concluded with reference to some of the writers that have been inspired by this Italian beauty.

Comments from the participants included that "the online session was absolutely fabulous, informative and uplifting" and that "it was such a delight today to travel to Italy without leaving the house."

by Pam Caven

As a social historian he connects the effect of history on art and how art can affect can the flow of history. As we discovered, art had a profound effect on the social upheaval in Russia leading up to the Revolution. The rapid industrialisation of the late 19^th and early 20^th centuries, combined with the transition from rural serfdom bred a discontent that finally concluded in 1923 with the Bolshevik establishment of the Soviet Union at the end of the Civil War.   

Initially the realist style of painting would picture the hard working peasants or factory workers striving to improve the lot of the labourer. But it was the work of the leaflets and posters that gave impetus to the speechmakers’ idealism. As most peasants would have been unable to read or write, the graphic displays of the fat, greedy plutocrats denying basic human rights to the downtrodden workers became the driving force of the revolt.

Michael’s comfortable style of presentation; sometimes amusing, always interesting and often very graphic, informed an audience which, whilst having a rudimentary knowledge of the subject, may not have been aware of the severity of the privations endured by the average Russian peasant.

For those members who were unable to hear this seminar or those who did and would like further information, Michael has made both the spoken and graphic content available for distribution. Please let me know if you would like an emailed copy.

Over 60 people attended the seminar, which was conducted online as a webinar.

Mark Denniston

mdenniston@bigpond.com

0412 565 503

Michael has recently had another article on France published at https://academytravel.com.au/blog/the-architectural-gem-of-le-musee-du-petit-palais/

Each of our Volunteer groups set up information 'booths' where Members could ask questions and get an idea of the best area for them to Volunteer in:-

• IT & Enrolment
• Events
• Office
• Course Coordination
• Tutors
• Audio Visual

If you were unable to attend, but would like to find out more about where your skills can best be utilised please contact us at webmaster@u3app.org.au

He spoke about the size of the charitable sector, the dimensions of need across our community, the benefit to the overall economy, and the value of the volunteer work that goes into the sector.

He spoke clearly about sources of funding, from the public, individual benefactors, corporations or government and that the costs of running such organisations must come from the donations or grants received.

His major focus however was the work of the Smith Family. His description of how the Smith Family charity started and how it has changed with the times was very enlightening. He indicated that it is now Australia’s largest national education-oriented charity which supports disadvantaged Australian children to participate fully in their education, giving them the best chance at breaking the cycle of intergenerational disadvantage.  

With the support of success stories, he outlined the range of learning support, mentoring programs, and scholarships provided to help children in need to fit in at school, keep up with their peers, and build aspirations for a better future for themselves.

It was an inspirational start to the U3APP 2020 Saturday seminar series

The UN Global Assessment report painted a stark picture into the global biodiversity crisis – nearly one million species are at risk of extinction. Sadly Australia leads the world in mammal extinctions: 31 species have gone since European settlement and a further 56 are threatened. The AWC team is reversing the tide. Their model has allowed them to secure populations of iconic endangered species such as Bilbies, Numbats, Nail-tailed wallabies and more.

The AWC leads the way with innovation, working with indigenous groups, pastoralists and governments to deliver effective conservation. AWC now manages 29 sanctuaries covering more than 6.5 million hectares.

It was proudly pointed out that over the last 10 years around 87% of AWC’s expenditure was incurred on conversation programmes, including land acquisitions. The balance was allocated to development (fundraising) and administration.

Mark Denniston - Course Coordination Team

 The Thursday afternoon event was also very well attended.  We thank Geoff Parr-Smith and his Recorder consort for the informative introduction to the recorder and for the splendid range of tunes and styles they played.  Our evergreen and always popular Allsorts treated the audience to a variety of folk songs and more and were followed by the breezy sound of our new Jazz group. The café style setup of the hall made for a most relaxing afternoon.

As always, thank you to Sandra Mason and her team for the magnificent refreshments on both days.  Thank you also to our paparazzo Barry McIntosh for the photographs.

Buildings were made to look like steam-liner ships. Ships were made to look like futuristic palaces. Traditional shapes were abstracted into geometric and angular patterns. Everything was a motif for modernity and developments in technology. 

The rapid expansion of Melbourne in the 1920s and 30s called for the construction of new buildings for public use. For a short few years, Art Deco became the preferred architectural style for places of political or cultural significance. And Melbourne has been blessed with many examples. Thanks to the tireless work of Robin Grow and the Art Deco Society a large number of these have become protected under heritage listings but sadly many have been lost under the banner of “progress”.

Buildings such as the Astor Cinema, the Rivoli in Camberwell, the Heidelberg Town Hall, the Meyer Emporium and Foys corner store, and the Manchester Unity building are significant highlights. On a more local front the many apartments that flourished in Elwood and St Kilda; factories in Port Melbourne like General Motors Holden’s and the Rootes assembly plant all still stand and reflect Melbourne’s adoption of the ethos of the time.

Robin’s extended photo presentation included all these and many more, all explained in detail with amusing anecdotes and fond reminiscences from the audience.

Mark Denniston

Course Co-ordination Team

Many gardens were presented in the strict formal French layout, controlled by box hedging and often in collaboration with water in ponds, lakes and cascading canals. These contrasted with the more casual layouts with daffodils appearing en masse out of acres of grass, and trees in random plantings.

Finishing with Monet’s Garden at Giverny, again with colour, water and very informal plantings I think many of the audience were left contemplating a return to this wonderful city!

Mark Denniston

Course Coordination Team

Mary accomplished these acts in a very Australian way and in doing so Mary’s service was not without obstacles. She was excommunicated, expelled from the Adelaide diocese and forced to withdraw her Sisters from both Bathurst and Queensland diocese. This presentation seeks to share Mary MacKillop’s story.

Anmaree Iaccarino presented an enlightening talk and subsequent discussion with an audience of 32 members on the extraordinary, selfless and at times unconventional contribution Mary MacKillop made to colonial Australia. She rubbed bureaucracy the wrong way, drew the ire of the bishops but with her Sisters of St Joseph never wavered in their dedication to assist those for whom life’s burden had become too great.

by Mark Denniston

Thanks, as always, to Barry McIntosh for this wonderful photography of the event and Anmaree.

Thanks to Barry McIntoch for this wonderful collage from the Event.

Life membership was awarded to Robyn Foy and Di Gameson.  

Meritorious Service Awards were presented to Claude Miller, Pat Ryan, Maurita Harney and Serena Carmel.

And here are some photos of the Event, taken by resident photographer, Barry (Mac) McIntosh

For those interested in the details you can view the programme notes by clicking on the following link Hedy Mameghan & Friends Programme Notes

Mark Denniston - Course Co-ordination Team

Our thanks, as always, for these photos kindly taken by our resident photographer extraordinaire, Barry (Mac) McIntosh. 

Numbers visiting the Art Exhibition were up on last year and the newly painted hall with hanging rails was almost as picture perfect as the Artworks. Watercolour, Artworks, Chinese Ink Painting and Life Drawing were all well represented. The group of artists who work outside of the U3APP were again represented and pleased to see their work on show.  Thank you to Di Gameson, Lea Levy and Shirley Armstrong for hanging this impressive exhibition.  Thanks also to Diana Stock for toasting the artists and their work at the Concert.

The Festival Concert on Thursday 18^th was most successful with the Choir and Allsorts performing both separately and together to a full house.  We enjoyed a selection of classical and quasi-classical music, pop, Gilbert and Sullivan, folk and traditional music.  Thanks to Claire Keech and her catering team for providing the “sumptuous” afternoon tea to which we have become accustomed.

You can view photos of the U3APP events below. With thanks to Barry McIntosh for his usual wonderful camera work, and Mark Denniston for the final three photos at the Concert.

Report by Kate Anderson

On Sunday 21 October, at the "Port Phillip Writes" event, many U3APP members were honoured with Seniors' Writing Awards. Among those whose entries were read out were Jan Harper, Lois Best, Bob Croker, Wendy Butler and Roderick Waller. Award winners included Jan Harper, Toni Ladanyi, Peter Thorne, Lois Best and Bob Croker. Another of Lois's pieces was Highly Commended, as were pieces from Wendy Butler and Alex Njoo. Authors permitting, we will post their poems, fiction and non-fiction stories in our Writers' Showcase.

Congratulations also go to member Lesley Greagg, instigator of the writers competition and one of the judges, and to Kate Anderson, also on the judging panel. And just in case you think this gave U3APP members an advantage, entries are anonymous when they are judged. Lastly, congratulations to Pat Ryan, whose work with our two Writers Groups has inspired many of our members to enter the competition.

Report by Helen Vorrath

For Paris’s less affluent workers, entertainment was provided by cabarets, bistros and music halls. Bohemian lifestyles gained a different glamour.  Amongst the clowns, singers and dancers was the development of a sense of modernity with serious, controversial singers such as Aristide Bruant, avant-garde writers, impressionist artists and the beginnings of modernism. All this led to Paris becoming the centre of La Belle Époque, an antidote to the memories of preceding wars and civil disruptions.

Michael populated his talk with many images of the music halls and the dancers such as La Goulue and Jane Avril, recordings of songs by Bruant and Yvette Guilbert and examples of the posters by Lautrec, the Moulin Rouge the Folies Bergere and the Can-can.

Michael has a passion for Paris and a depth of knowledge that impressed all members of his audience.

Mark Denniston

Course Co-ordination Team

Keeping her talk around three of her books - the Frankston Murders and their perpetrator, the unsolved Phillip Island murder and a biography of the legendary “old school” copper Brian “The Skull” Murphy. Interspersing the bloody details with her humorous anecdotes and asides, and always thought-provoking, Vikki kept the audience totally engrossed; at times shocked then laughing out loud.

An hour seemed to pass in a few minutes, the 42 members giving Vikki a sincere and well-deserved applause.

Mark Denniston

Course Co-ordination Team

Our Vice president John Craven thanked all of the tutors and volunteers for their ongoing commitment and generosity.  As our membership and number of courses continue to grow so also does the percentage of members volunteering in some way. Whilst he noted that it was not possible to list individual contributors, John specifically mentioned that of Colin Jones for his many years of informing and entertaining with his “Tales of the Sea” and that of Di Gameson with her seamless catering for events over many years.

Mention also was made of the generous ongoing support given to our U3A by the City of Port Phillip.  The freshly painted hall looked splendid and the balloons and glitter added to the celebratory vibe. 

Finally a thank you is due to Claire Keech and her catering team for the sumptuous and calorific afternoon tea and, as always, to our photographer Barry McIntosh

Enthusiastic members of the audience continued with questions and discussions over tea and coffee as Arnold signed copies of his novels.

A memorable afternoon at U3A Port Phillip! We are happy that Arnold has agreed to come back next year for another Saturday Seminar.   

Geoff Levy

Our thanks as always to Di Gameson and her catering team for the splendid refreshments and to our IT team and Office Volunteers who ensured that all new members were personally invited. Thanks also to Barry McIntosh for these wonderful photos. A good time was had by all.


Kate Anderson - Event Coordinator

Judith opened on the very early history of the area, the original inhabitants; the European “invasion”; Sir Thomas Acland owner of the schooner “The Lady of StKilda”, the former giving his name to the street, the latter to the city; and the Chinese fishermen as the Gold Rush lost its impetus. Acland Street, the first street in St Kilda together with the surrounding streets developed into a significant part of the fabric of the formulative and wealthy period of Marvellous Melbourne.

An eager collection of 40 U3A members and public continued their discussions over tea and coffee with Judith signing many copies of her book, the basis of her talk.

Mark Denniston - Course Co-ordination Team

The social impact to the benefit of the bourgeoisie and the detriment of the working class was detailed, as well as the improvement in living standards. Supplying fresh water by aqueducts, the creation of a vast sewerage system and the construction of the five great railway stations, opening up access to and from the outlying countryside, serve today’s Paris well. Overriding all this were memories of the barricading of the streets in the revolt by the working classes in 1848 that ended the reign of Louis-Phillippe and led to Napoleon lll’s election and ultimate assumption of complete power as Emperor. The creation of the elegant avenues that today are admired for their beauty in fact supported his perceived need to defend the Paris of the future by enabling the rapid movement of troops across the city along these avenues to any point of conflict.

In closing Michael also included discussion of those who saw this modernisation as the destruction of a beautiful medieval city to enhance the glory of the emperor.

The audience of over 60 members, friends and others were united in their appreciation of Michael’s knowledge of this favourite city.

Mark Denniston

Course Co-ordination Team

Notes to the Saturday Seminar "Civilising the City”

“A Guide to the Complexities of French History” by Michael Adcock

The meeting then voted in favour of a motion proposed by Geoffrey Levy, which has the effect of amending two of the Association Rules.

Honorary Life Memberships were awarded to Barry McIntosh and Margaret Ireland. In addition, new Meritorious Service Awards were made to Sheila Harris, Julie Paxton and Henry Wenig.

Nominations to the Committee of Management were received from Kate Anderson, Lois Best, John Craven, Mark Denniston, Richard Edwards, Karen English, Geoffrey Levy, Renate Mattiske, Ian Shaw – and all were declared elected for the coming year.

Julie Paxton Sheila Harris Margaret Ireland Barry McIntosh (Mac)

This year was the 50^th Anniversary of the founding of the ‘Middle Park Elderly Citizen’s Club’, Mary Kehoe was its founder and first President. It was also the 30^th Anniversary of the Betty Day Centre. In his speech following the introduction, historian Max Nankervis stated that the building at 224 Danks Street was named in honour of Mary Kehoe and a ceremony acknowledging the naming was held at the Centre in October, 1984.

Two panels outlining a short biography of each lady and prepared by the City of Port Phillip under the supervision of Sandra Khazam, Art & Heritage Team Leader, was on display.

Special guests at the function included Councillor Katherine Copsey of Lake Ward, Max Nankervis, President of Middle Park History Group, Marie Kehoe a daughter of Mary Kehoe (her sister Kathleen, due to a minor accident was an apology), Joyce Lugg, President of the ‘Middle Park Senior Citizen’s Club’, John Craven, Vice President of U3APP (apology from the President Renate Mattiske) and Danielle Fraser, Coordinator Community Health & Service Planning for the City of Port Phillip.

Max Nankervis gave a short biography of Mary Kehoe and her community work and Councillor Katherine Copsey made a short speech to mark the occasion. They were followed by Hedy Mameghan who introduced fellow musicians of the quintet and gave a brief introduction about the Mozart Clarinet Quintet which they performed.

Their performance was thoroughly enjoyed by the audience. Finally afternoon tea, sponsored by the City of Port Phillip, was served by volunteers from the University of the Third Age Port Phillip.

The quintet: Bill Forrest (violin 1), Loma Henry (clarinet), Moya Cummings (violin 2), Claire Sheppard (Cello) and Hedy Mameghan (viola).

The plaque.

Prepared by Mike Perkal.

Janet Bolitho and Margaret Bride co-ordinated this project for the PMH&PS with a generous endowment from the Auty family, descendants of the original settlers of Port Melbourne, the family of WFE Liardet.

The landscape of Port Melbourne has been hugely changed by human intervention since white settlement. The shape and the course of the Yarra River have been changed, the swampy terrain is now covered with roads and other hard surfaces, and there is a new landmass at the mouth of the river. Through a series of maps and aerial photographs, “Mapping Port Melbourne” graphically presented these changes that were planned, some discarded and others implemented, and their effect on Melbourne’s ports.

An active Q&A ensued with recollections of life in the 1930s and 40s and discussions on future developments of our ports to enable the receipt and discharge of goods into the second half of the 21^st century.

Sharon went on to explain that Advance Care Planning is a process that ensures your family and treating healthcare team understand what is important to you and how you want to be treated if you become unable to make decisions or communicate your wishes.

In conclusion she stressed that it’s never too early to detail the way you want to live at the end of your life and therefore the need to communicate the kind of care you do or don’t want for yourself. Alfred Advance Care using their wealth of experience in these matters is well placed to guide and record these decisions.

A continuous stream of questions indicated a genuine interest from the almost thirty-strong audience.

Selections from works by Johann Sebastian Bach, Joseph Haydn, Ludwig Van Beethoven and Franz Schubert were delivered with great passion, receiving warm applause from an appreciative audience. Hedy introduced each selection with an explanation if it’s construction and significance within the development of classical music in the 18th and 19th centuries.

A final encore set a “guess the composer” test for the audience, most of whom felt it was Piazzola. The correct answer was “Por un Cabeza” written in the 1930s by the Argentinian, Carlos Gardel making an interesting contrast to the preceding works.

As the friends usually play once or twice a month, enjoying making music in a home environment, the opportunity to extend their talents in an open space was relished. The volume of the final applause was their reward and capped off an entertaining afternoon.

Mark Denniston, Course Co-ordination Team

She ended up in Australia in a society that encouraged her independence and a determination to right all political wrongs, espouse women’s liberation, marry, have a child then continue at the same time to write plays, act on stage and latterly to write books. At last count 13 published and the 14^th, a history of Acland Street about to be released.

As some one said to me afterwards – “..she made me feel very inadequate. I am in awe of her energy”.

Mark Denniston - Course Co-ordination Team

Beginning with the First Fleet, through wars, emancipation, Liberation and political achievements she wove a pattern of independence and resilience that resonates today with the freedoms available to all Australians but still with all the indignities and restrictions that face our women.

Mark Denniston - Course Co-ordination Team