The organisation - which has over 200 local members - is built around the concept of life-long learning for semi-retirees and retirees, offering weekly classes and activities on a range of subjects by run by volunteer presenters with an interest in the respective fields.

However, once the pandemic hit, then when such activities could resume with a COVID Safety Plan, management was of the utmost importance - considering that the members belong to a demographic considered vulnerable. Currently six classes are running in-person with the Current Affairs course continuing online.

Judith Darling, who concluded her second three-year tenure as the local branch president at the AGM, said a significant amount of work has been ongoing since March.

"Managing the classes has been a roller coaster ride as government requirements continued to change it has meant we have needed to remain vigilant and sensitive to local and individual needs and requirements," she said.

READ ALSO:

While keeping in mind the social aspects that U3A offers.

"Some of the key benefits that members identify are making new friends, adjusting to retirement, better physical and mental health, mental stimulation, being able to attend on my own, avoiding isolation and loneliness, a sense of purpose, feeling part of a caring community and a new future with new opportunities and challenges," she said.

In the end, Judith said that if a course could continue [some couldn't due to venue restrictions] the decision to do so was put to the members - which was also symbolically important.

"As your aging, holding onto independence is extremely important and there are a lot of decisions that are out of your hands. And certainly U3A was one area that I felt the last decision has to come from each member, because we don't know everyone's health issues," she said.

"Even if it's deciding 'no, I don't want to participate' they're still in charge of what they want to do."

More information on the local U3A organisation at mudgeedistrictu3a.org.au