U3A Surfcoast

02/06/2026

30/05/2026

Poets from yesterday's launch of "Shorelines" share extracts of their work with an appreciative audience.

30/05/2026

The U3A Surfcoast poetry class aka the "I Just Don't Get Poetry" group, proved that their title is clearly a misnomer with the launch of "Shorelines", a book of their collected works. The audience was treated to not only readings, but also insights into the poets' experiences and inspirations for the poems. The topics and styles were diverse, but a recurring theme in the discussions was the camaraderie and joy that members got from the group. Copies of "Shorelines" might still be available from the U3A Surfcoast office. The poetry team would like to thank Tuckers Funerals and Bereavement Service for their generous support.

25/05/2026

This event might be of interest with authors Jock Serong, Brooke Davis and Favel Perrett sharing the realities of becoming a published author.
Winchelsea Shire Hall June 20th 12:00-2:00

An engaging conversation exploring the path to publication, insights into the publishing industry, and practical tips for emerging writers.

17/05/2026

John Bartlett’s latest book, Love and its Penalties: a memoir, was launched on Sunday 17th May during a sold-out event at Biyal-a Armstrong Creek Library. John was a creative writing / poetry tutor with U3A Surfcoast from 2014 - 2022 and president for 3 years.

Acclaimed Victorian author and musician Gregory Day interviewed John about the memoir – his 13th book – to the delight of the audience. At its heart, Love and its Penalties is a story of falling in love too easily and too often.

John Bartlett grew up in country South Australia on the Murray as a pious Catholic boy before entering a Catholic seminary in Sydney where he spent seven years training to be a priest before going overseas to work in Mindanao in the Southern Philippines during the political turmoil of the Marcos' Martial Law years and the ongoing wars against Islamic separatists.

In 1980 he left the priesthood and returned to Australia and Melbourne where he came out as gay at the height of the HIV AIDS pandemic.

He took on a variety of jobs, including kitchen hand, masseur and film extra before turning to professional writing. Love and its Penalties is available at Torquay Books.
Below: John Bartlett (centre) with U3A Surfcoast's Committee member Richard Porter and President Jo Turnbull; Stephen and John; KatyAnne, Biyal-a Armstrong Creek Library, introduces John and Gregory Day.

07/05/2026

The venue is Council Chambers again
Friday 29 May, 10am-11.30am.
FREE with Morning Tea
book via email: [email protected]
or phone: Rose Salvo on 03 5261 0600

07/05/2026

This looks like a fabulous season