U3A Rockhampton and District Inc.
ABN 83 907 668 103
NEWSLETTER – AUGUST 2026
Welcome to our new members. We look forward to meeting you at our various events throughout the year. It would be appreciated if members would please wear their name badges to meetings and events when attending. New members can collect their badges from our Secretary, Jo Coyne upon visiting at one of our general meetings.
FROM THE PRESIDENT: We appreciate the value that all of our volunteers provide to our U3A members and thank you for giving of your time and support. Our Vice President position is currently vacant and I encourage you to please contact me if you are interested in fulfilling this role.
I am also asking that our members consider volunteering for the Treasurer’s Position, as the current term finishes at the end of 2026. Please contact me on my mobile 0417 042 870 if you are interested in supporting U3A Rockhampton & District Inc membership.
FROM THE TREASURER:
RECEIPTS -The By-Laws as of September 2023 were changed on the management of receipts being issued for membership fees and that no receipts will be issued to members for payments for social activities. Up until recently receipts online have been issued for all payments; as we are experiencing more participation to social activities, requires considerable processing.
To reduce the workload receipts will only be issued for social activities if a request by email/written is sent to the Treasurer.
CREDIT TRANSFERS – Due to having a large file on Credit Transfers with many members using their credit for Social Activities, this has produced extra administrative tasks; any overpayments/approved cancellations for Social Activities that is transferred to Credit can be reassigned to the following years membership. If a refund is requested an email must be sent providing the bank details for transfer of funds. Prior to the due date of membership, in November an email will be sent to the creditors advising of the balance of their membership payments.
FORMER MEMBERS – Please remember that once you do not renew your U3A membership, you are no longer a current member and cannot attend any U3A events.
GUEST SPEAKERS: At our 4 August meeting we will hear from Simon Irwin, CEO, Beef Australia who will provide us with an outline of Beef Australia 2027. This event has grown to become the cattle industry’s national exhibition, attracting over 100,000 people from across Australia and around the world.
Today, Beef Australia exists for the advancement of the Australian beef community and has a vision to be a world-class organisation that promotes, advances, and celebrates a sustainable beef industry.
From 2-8 May 2027, Beef Australia will put Rockhampton under an international spotlight in a weeklong celebration of all facets of the industry, including producers, scientists, chefs, students, exhibitors, and everyone in between.
Our 1 September meeting guest speaker will be Paula Ryan from the Fitzroy Community Hospice who will provide us with community information.
MONTHLY LUNCH:
Date: Monday 10 August 2026
Venue: Parkhurst Tavern, 800 Yaamba Road, Parkhurst.
Time: 12 midday.
RSVP: Tuesday 4th August Via Facebook, text/phone 0438284871 or see Robyn at the August General Meeting.
SOCIAL OUTINGS: Fashion Parade 2026
When: Thursday, 27 August 2026 at 10.00am
Venue: Taking Shape, Stockland Shopping Centre, North Rockhampton Venue limit: 35 persons
Cost: $2.00 gold coin donation or morning tea
RSVP: Monday 10 August 2026 by text to Bev mob 0410 341 843
U3A ‘Paint and Chat’ Devonshire Morning Tea
When: Thursday, 20 August 2026
Venue: Bluebirds United Sports Club, 407 Richardson Road, Frenchville
Time: 9.30am – 11.30am
Cost: $25.00 per person includes morning tea, paints and canvas
Tutor: Club Member Artist Gail Meyer will create a morning filled with artistic fun and great conversation.
RSVP: This activity is capped at 30. Contact Rhondda by text 0407 141 881 to register.
QUARTERLY FLYER: The next issue of the U3A Rockhampton Quarterly Flyer will be published by 1st September.
Deadline for all articles is Friday, 31st July. Please send any photos or information to flyer@u3arocky.au or phone 0428 452 836 to discuss. Editor Cheryl Wickes
DEVELOPING DIGITAL SKILLS:
Wednesday 5th August 2026 (9am-11am)
Snapfish (Day 1 of a 3 day workshop)
Bring a magical photographic moment to life by creating a Photo gift for a special occasion for a special person …. using SNAPFISH!!
Pre-registration is essential … to participate in this 3 day workshop, please contact Judi Blanchard on 0447 227 630
VENUE: Depot Hill State School (Library Building)
53 O’Connell Street, Depot Hill
(located at the top of Depot Hill accessed via Wood Street)
Wednesday 19th August 2026 (9am-11am) Wednesday 2nd September 2026 (9am-11am)
Snapfish (Day 2 of the 3 day workshop) Snapfish (Day 3 of the 3 day workshop)
Creating a Photo gift using SNAPFISH! Creating a Photo gift using SNAPFISH!
U3A ANGELS: Meet on third Monday of the Month, 1.00pm-3.00pm at Fred Fox Hall. They are crafting Fiddle Mats for North Rockhampton Special School as well as other sensory items, as well as creating cutlery holders for North Rockhampton Nursing Home. Donations of clean plastic bags from cereal packets, and felt pieces for these crafts would be appreciated. Contact Christine on Ph 4926 1845.
WALK AND CHAT: Our month of August walks will be held every Saturday, meet at 6.20am for 6.30am start at Queens Park. Any questions please ring Christine on 49261845.
UKULELE GROUP: Ukulele practice is held every Wednesday 1.30 – 3.30pm at Fred Fox Hall, 3 Gladstone Rd, Rockhampton. During August, playouts will be held at Mercy Day Care, Leinster Place and Benevolent Aged Care. If you play a ukulele and would like to join the group, please contact Barry Lloyd on 0437 636 801.
BIRD WATCHERS: Our next outing is the second Wednesday 12 August. Currently we hope to go to the Old Coach Road site or if that is unsatisfactory the Woolwash or even both. Contact Rod Elder 0409 630 584.
ARMCHAIR TRAVEL: Our next Armchair Travel meeting to be held on 21 August at 9.30 am at Athelstone Bowls Club will be presented by Lex Johnson on his travels to Denmark. Contact Judy on mobile 0457 712 978.
HISTORY GROUP: The next meeting of the History group will be at 2.00pm on Monday 17 August (third Monday of month) at Oaktree Retirement Village, Glenmore Road. Contact Ann on phone 0400 766 112.
CURRENT AFFAIRS: The Current Affairs group will meet on Wednesday 19 August (third Wednesday of month), 2pm to 4pm at Athelstane Bowls Club, Ward Street. Contact Co-ordinator Colin Pender on mobile 0412 808 044 for more details. A discussion list is provided by Colin for attendees. Many topics were discussed at the July meeting, such as: “How prevalent have “Scams” become in our daily lives? Is the new “SMS Sender ID” Register enough to protect vulnerable citizens, or are scammers always one step ahead?”
MUSIC APPRECIATION: The next meeting for 2026 will be at 1.30pm on Wednesday 26 August (fourth Wednesday of month) at 17 Thora Street, Gracemere. For more details, contact Nancy on 49332722.
WRITING FOR PLEASURE: On the first and third Thursdays of each month about ten people meet at Fitzroy by Teman 9.00am-11.30am to write stories. There is always a murder or two; there are laughs and everybody is a critic. We have serious book writers, fiction, and memories. Contact Peter Wilson mob 0407 620 356.
See Activities List for details of more activities for you to enjoy.