U3A online

U3A Online is a world-first virtual University of the Third Age delivering online learning via the Internet. All that's needed to study online is access to a computer with an Internet connection - and some basic computing skills.

Its courses are open to all older people anywhere in the world. They are especially suited to older members of the community who are isolated either geographically, or through physical or social circumstances (including carers).

The U3A Online website provides up-to-date contacts for all Australian and New Zealand U3As as well as facilities for their members to exchange ideas, resources and information about regional U3A events. The wide range of helpful information, including news items and links to many interesting websites, will also prove useful to other groups of older people.

U3A/PCUG Computer Chat Group

The network centres around an informal monthly meeting with an open agenda, where people gather for a coffee and to chat about computers and the internet.  The key is openness, friendliness and sharing.  Please click on the above link to the NonGeeks network public home page for details of meeting dates and venue.

Outside of the monthly meetings, the network operates through two important networking tools: a contact list for members only, and a private Googlegroups email list.

U3A Network - Victoria

U3A Network Victoria is an incorporated association whose members comprise some 82 Universities of the Third Age (U3As) in Victoria with over 22000 individual members. The central role of the Network is the promotion of the U3A movement, particularly on behalf of its members. This involves:
- fostering the creation of new U3As and the further development of existing U3As.
- serving as a reference body, a central linkage in the U3A Network Victoria, and acting as a central resource facility for all U3As.
- providing publicity, promotion and profile for the U3A movement generally, and in particular to member U3As, the general public and to government and other public bodies. Information is disseminated through a Quarterly newsletter, this website and Council meetings of representitive members of Network.

U3A Network - New South Wales

The U3A Network (NSW) Inc. is an elected body representing 50 separate U3A groups in NSW and the ACT and 14 groups from interstate. Its pupose is to:
- promote and facilitate the exchange of information, interaction and networking among member U3As
- provide an advisory and consultative service for its members, while recognising the autonomous nature of individual groups
- provide a coordinated interface, as appropriate, with government bodies and other bodies outside the U3A movement
- promote and assist with the formation of U3As within New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory.

Network NSW Resource Library

The Resource Library is the home for the U3A Network NSW educational course material. The material provided can be used by any U3A organization for the benefit of its members. Individuals may find the resources of interest for their own benefit.  It contains downloadable course notes on computing and internet skills, creative writing, history, literature, philosophy etc.

ANU Centre for Continuing Education

The Centre for Continuing Education is the not-for profit outreach arm of The Australian National University (ANU). Its role is to develop and maintain ANU as a leading provider of lifelong learning opportunities in community, workplace and professional education. A wide range of short courses are offered in archaeology, art, business, languages, life skills, nature, computing and art. In addition it organises overseas study tours. Courses vary in length from one full day to a semester and course fees apply.

CIT Solutions

Short courses designed to develop skills for work or recreational pursuits provided by the Canberra Institute of Technology. Courses are given in the categories of business and work skills, languages and writing, creative arts, lifestyle and house, garden and shed. Course fees apply.

The Brain Gym

The Brain Gym is a Community Education Program offered by the Canberra College. It provides a diverse range of interesting and stimulating courses at the Stirling and Phillip campuses of the college. Courses include computing, business, arts, crafts, health, fitness, languages, communication and many others. Course fees apply.

ANU Emeritus Faculty

The Emeritus Faculty of the Australian National University consists of former academic and general staff of the University who seek to serve the University's interests and those of the wider community. Other persons, linked to other universities or similar institutions such as galleries, libraries, CSIRO, museums, government departments, community groups and the like, are also welcome to join.

The aims of the Emeritus Faculty are to:
- foster collegiality among the membership;
- encourage and enable members to contribute to the intellectual, creative, and cultural life of the University and other scholarly institutions, and the wider community;
- develop a wider network to include organisations and members who have the same values and aspirations as the Emeritus Faculty;
- enhance the visibility and reputation of the University and of other organisations from which membership has sprung.

Australian Seniors Portal

This is the Australian Government's premier source of information for Australians over 50. Seniors.gov.au provides you with a single point of access to Government and non-Government information and services for older Australians.

National Seniors Australia

National Seniors is a not-for-profit membership based community organisation which has as its major objectives:
- to provide economic and social benefits for people over 50 years
- to represent its members views to Government at all levels
- to make donations and provide service and advice to charitable institutions assisting people 50 years and over.

With a membership of 280,000 and growing, National Seniors is Australia's largest organisation representing those aged 50 years and over. Membership is divided between those in the workforce, those on social security pensions and self funded retirees.

Association of Independent Retirees

First formed in 1990, A.I.R. is a non-party political organisation, representing retired and partly retired people who are not in full time employment.

It's a not-for-profit volunteer organisation whose major purpose is to represent this rapidly growing section of the Australian population at all levels of Government.

Council on the Ageing (COTA)

In the Australian Capital Territory, COTA is the peak organisation concerned with all issues related to ageing. It is an independent, non-party political and non-religious organisation working to protect and promote the well-being, rights and interests of all older people in the ACT and their carers, irrespective of socio-economic, ethnic, religious or cultural background. COTA offers a range of services and support options for older people in the ACT community.

COTA also offer interactive education sessions by seniors for seniors. Topics include fall prevention and mobility, use and choice of medecines and dealing with depression.

About Seniors

A very comprehensive listing of information and links for seniors to federal and state government departments, national and state associations, community service groups, aged care and retirement village living, as well as to seniors' lifestyle interests such as computing, wellbeing, finance, hobbies, sport and travel.

Citizens Advice Bureau

Do you need any information about the Canberra community?

The Citizens Advice Bureau of the ACT has been serving the Canberra community for 30 years, providing up to date information, referral and support to all ACT residents. With an "ASK US ANYTHING" policy, they can help you find the help you need, no matter how big or small your enquiry.  From housing to health to hobbies to the weird and wonderful, they never leave anybody without a way forward.  Search their on-line database of over 3,500 local community services and organisations.

ACT Seniors Information Online

This webpage provides a gateway for information of interest to ACT seniors. It includes contact details for a broad range of organisations, including those providing services and programs, health, transport, accommodation, support and legal services.

In general, the organisations listed include:
not-for-profit community organisations;
community service providers,
Government departments and programs and
some commercial entities where they offer services specifically for older Canberrans and essential services to the community.

Born in the Forties (or before)

This website serves an online community for anyone born before Jan 1, 1950. Share your stories of what is happening now or just to take a walk down memory lane for a while. It is also a source of information that may assist you in many areas of your life.

There is no cost involved or membership required.