The countdown is on for the 2023 U3A Network Queensland Conference and 50th anniversary of U3A worldwide to be hosted here in Rockhampton, 8-11 May.
U3A (University of the Third Age), brings together people who have retired from full-time work but not from living an active and fulfilling lifestyle.
First formed in France in 1973, the concept of promoting learning, fitness and fun for everyone into the years after retiring from work, their ‘Third Age’, captured the imagination and soon spread throughout the world.
A normal U3A Network Queensland Conference attracts one or two representatives from each of the 35 member branches throughout the state, however, with the promise of birthday cake and a 50th celebration, these estimates have grown to a possible 200 visitors to our city!
On 8 May, an exciting program begins with a Meet and Greet at the new Rockhampton Art Gallery in the evening.
On 9-11 May, the conference itself will be held at Central Queensland University and includes international speakers such as Professor Francois Vellas (son of founding member Professor Pierre Vellas in France in 1973) and President of the Association of International Universities of the Third Age (AIUTA).
The full line up of guest speakers will also explore issues that affect all seniors, including developments in health both physical and mental, social media and IT; our future!
There will be two dinners, includng the main one on the Tuesday night where the celebration cake will be make and decorated by our Counceller Drew Wickerson.
Many tours and add-on activities are being offered to conference delegates to entice them to stay beyond the conference and to experience all our region has to offer.
Delegates will be able to take horse and carriage tours and Phil Hore from Safaris Rockhampton will conduct short historical walking tours.
Gallery staff will be conducting a tour of the art gallery.
It will be an exciting week for U3A Rockhampton.
Please check out the conference website at u3aqld.au/conference2023/
For more information, on U3A Rockhampton, go to u3arockhampton.org.au/
