SALE U3A (University of the Third Age) met at a different venue recently and it was a delightful difference.
The name of the building is Nakunbalook, which means ‘Grandfather Gumtree’ – representing ‘knowledge and place’, and is beside the seed community garden at the end of Nakunbalook Place, the road that runs from Guthridge Parade down the side of the Botanic Gardens.
The building is energy friendly with rammed earth walls and a solar system on the roof, plus double-glazed windows.
Sharon Ray (sustainability education officer) and Kaitlyn Morris (waste technical officer) from Wellington Shire Council, were the articulate and friendly teachers who informed U3A about council’s plan for a ‘sustainability strategy’ among many topics. U3A were asked to consider their impact ‘beyond the bin’ as they heard about the landfill and transfer stations.
In one year, the waste collection services that take rubbish to Kilmany collected 11,000 tonnes of general waste and 12,400 tonnes of commercial waste – the combined total being the equivalent of 3600 elephants. As well, recycling collection services took away 3600 tonnes (in kerbside bins) and 27,000 tonnes (bottles, etc), which equals 5000 elephants.
In mid-2025, after careful planning, Gippsland Kerbside will roll out food and garden organic removal and the statewide container deposit scheme is planned to start in November this year.
Sale U3A was established 35 years ago and continues to attract members, as there is always something of interest for enquiring minds and bodies that don’t mind moderate exercise.
For example – cards are played on Monday afternoons, and each Tuesday the morning starts with Tai Chi, which is followed by a guest speaker and cards again in the afternoon.
Wednesday offers a Genealogy class and Mahjong in the afternoon and on Thursday, there is a history class.
There are armchair exercises on Friday and once a month, the group visits the Sale Art Gallery, where very efficient guides take U3A members through the latest exhibition. IT classes are also held from time to time.
In addition, there is a monthly ramble to an interesting venue and lunch is part of the outing.
Trips are on the program too, and last year U3A visited Norfolk Island.
This year, they’ve had three days in the Yarra Valley, a week at Barham on the Murray and coming up is a four-day trip to Werribee with visits to the open range zoo, Newport Railway Museum, RAAF museum at Point Cook and the home of Living Legends being just some of the interesting places planned.
Day trips to Yarram and Port Albert were very successful and the final one for this year will be to Lakes Entrance with a cruise to the Metung Hotel for lunch.
U3A is located in Room 7 at 55 Raymond Street, Sale (old ACES High School).
If people would like further information, phone Trish on 0418 104 840.
