U3A Canberra

31/08/2026

Our September Newsletter is now available - download from https://www.u3acanberra.org.au

30/08/2026

There are 10 courses starting in September and dozens of interest groups that have a vacancy. Find out what's available that might be right for you. https://www.u3acanberra.org.au/courses.html

26/08/2026

Interesting article from the ABC (see below) about a person who struggled with the idea of retirement, but then discovered a passion for making art. It talks about taking up "hobbies" as being important for retirees. A recent comment from a U3A Canberra member put a much broader perspective on retirement activities. The person said "the game changer for me in retirement was 'finding my tribe'. Discovering groups of people who enjoy the same things as me, like current affairs, rock music & history changed my idea of what retirement could be like". That certainly resonated with me (a person who lacks the 'creative' gene)!

Annie Delaine finds her retirement passion through the paintbrush, saying art has given her connections and purpose she missed after ending her nursing career.

22/08/2026

🎨 Discover Australia Through the Eyes of Its Artists!
Ever wondered what makes Australian art uniquely Australian? Join Famous Australian Post-Colonial Men Artists, a lively fortnightly interest group exploring the lives, works and styles of some of Australia’s most fascinating male artists.
Each fortnight, a selection of artists from a particular period in Australian history is presented. Participants choose an artist and one or two of their works to explore and share with the group.
🖼️ Discover the stories behind the paintings
💬 Share your thoughts and ideas
🎨 Explore different artistic styles and periods
🤝 Enjoy lively discussions with fellow art lovers
Last year the group explored famous Australian women artists – this year, it's the men’s turn!
No art expertise required – just curiosity and an interest in Australian art. Come along, discover something new and join the conversation!

SIGN UP today https://www.u3acanberra.org.au/courseinfo/AF141.01.html

18/08/2026

Conversations with Canberrans (and the odd outsider) offers an intimate conversation with a prominent Canberran, and an occasional "outsider", to discover what makes them tick and what have been major influences and events in their life. A very popular conversation a few weeks ago was with recently retired MLA Shane Rattenbury. Shane, who five years ago was the first guest on “Conversations”, will reflect on his 17 years in the Legislative Assembly. Find out more https://www.u3acanberra.org.au/courses.html -current-affairs

14/08/2026

There are many reasons for why various U3A interest groups are a success. The two footy groups (NRL, AFL) provide an opportunity to give those retired a replication of the water cooler discussions at work on footy happenings, recent results etc. Whilst the AFL interest group sessions start at 10am it is not unusual to have members arrive way before this such is the keenness to talk footy and maybe rubbish the Blues. Peter, Peter and John making most of Wednesday’s sun to chat before the “official opening hour”. And in a few weeks we have Rohan Connollly former Melb Age chief footy writer joining us via zoom to talk all things AFL.

11/08/2026

This might be a project where some of our U3A followers can contribute their memories.

Do you remember the Blue Moon Café on Alinga Street in the Sydney Building, where it operated from 1928 until 1985?

Established by Richard and Nellie Prowse, the Blue Moon Café was originally an old-fashioned tearoom that offered "meals at all hours" to tourists and the lonely workers who had transferred to Canberra. It also hosted weekly supper dances and catered for the occasional wedding, making it a popular social hub in the city's early years.

There was also a lively atmosphere above the café where the family lived and took in boarders. After closing each night, leftover food was brought upstairs, and everyone would gather for a game of cards or a singsong around the piano.
In 1948, the business was sold to Greek proprietors Emmanuel Gerakiteys and brothers Spyros and Peter Cassidy. They expanded the café's offerings to include delicatessen items, introducing many Canberrans to European foods such as salami.

If you were an owner, employee, or regular customer of the Blue Moon Café or have family members who were, Canberra Museum and Gallery would love to hear your memories and stories. CMAG will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Sydney and Melbourne buildings in 2027 with a special exhibition.

We are looking for people willing to:
• share oral or written histories
• lend photographs, memorabilia, or other items for display

If you can help, please email [email protected] with the subject line ‘Sydney and Melbourne Buildings’.

📸 Blue Moon Café, LJ Dwyer, 1953. National Library of Australia

02/08/2026

Interest groups and courses starting in August:
Let's Sing in Spanish
Understanding your Superannuation (Also Virtual)
Managing Your Retirement Investments (Also Virtual)
African Drumming For Beginners
Modern Folk Singalong aka The Flynn Troubadours
Traveller's Tales - Caucasus, Armenia, Georgia & Azerbijan
Discovering & Enjoying Classical Music - Early 20th C Music
Astrological First Principles
Find out more https://www.u3acanberra.org.au/

26/07/2026

💃 Discover the Joy of Argentine Tango! 🕺
Always wanted to try tango? Now's your chance!
Join our Argentine Tango Flare class and discover how a simple walk becomes a beautiful dance. Learn the fundamentals of Argentine Tango, including balance, connection, musicality, and partner movement, then progress to more exciting combinations at your own pace.
✨ No partner required
✨ Start any week
✨ Relaxed and welcoming atmosphere
✨ No experience necessary
Whether you're looking for a new challenge, some gentle exercise, or simply a fun way to meet new people, Argentine Tango is a wonderful way to get moving and enjoy the music.
Come along and give it a try – no stress, just great fun!
Find out more and enrol at https://www.u3acanberra.org.au/courses.html -recreational

13/07/2026

Brindabella Orchestra is looking for new players! If you play horn, trumpet, trombone, violin, viola, cello, double and percussion, we'd love to hear from you! DM us today or send your enquiry to [email protected]