Tribute to Julie Porteous

My first connection with Julie came when I was an office volunteer in 2013 and she was talking to some of the people in the office about plans for the State Conference to be hosted by U3A Redlands in June 2014.  One of the proposed activities was a conducted bus tour of the area around Cleveland and I said, “I could do that”, meaning that I could do the commentary.  Little did I know that I would soon be on the organising committee for the Conference and that this would then lead to the job of Secretary of U3A Redlands at the 2014 AGM.

The Redlands Rendezvous Conference was a great success and this was due in no small part to Julie’s organising abilities, her persuasiveness in securing financial and material support from the Council and local businesses, and her attention to detail.  But it was mostly her leadership that made the committee work so well.  It was a great team.

At that time, Julie had been on the U3A Redlands committee for six years, firstly as Vice President with Ted Grant and then as President.  She worked and lobbied ceaselessly for U3A and for Redlands Seniors.  She was in contact with the Mayor and Councillors and with our local State and Federal Members of Parliament.  Julie was also on various boards and committees including the Board of the Donald Simpson Centre, and was part of the Queensland Government Community Reference Group – Queensland an age-friendly community (Seniors Strategy).  Her commitment was recognised when she was awarded the title of Senior Citizen in the Redlands Australia Day Awards in 2014.

Since 2012, Julie has been on the management committee of U3A Network Queensland, the advisory body for U3As throughout the State, first as a committee member, then Vice President, and in 2015 was elected President.  I joined her on that committee as Secretary.  Under the Network Constitution, the position of President is limited to a three-year term and when that term ended in 2018, Julie nominated for Vice President so that she could continue the project of forming liaisons with Queensland universities.  That really illustrates her dedication and commitment to U3A’s vision of “Connecting Seniors to Lifelong Learning”.

Many people in the Redlands know that Julie has worked tirelessly on behalf of our own U3A but they may not be aware of what she has done on a State and national scale.  She has travelled to U3A State Network Conferences in other States and was the keynote speaker at the Western Australia Conference in 2017.  She has participated in face to face meetings of U3A Alliance Australia (U3AAA) and has contributed to the U3AAA Bulletin. 

In Queensland, Julie visited U3As throughout the State - from Cairns and Townsville in the north to Twin Towns in the south and as far west as Dalby - to conduct Regional Presidents Councils and has been in contact with all of the U3As by email and by phone.  When she became Network President in 2015, Julie set a goal for every U3A in Queensland to be a member of the Network and that goal was achieved, with all 33 becoming members by 2016.

In addition, Julie was instrumental in establishing a Memorandum of Understanding with the Local Government Association of Queensland and another MoU with COTA Queensland.  She has established contacts with many academic figures who have a special interest in adult learning and also with executive staff in the State Government’s Office for Seniors. 

Julie’s knowledge, dedication, commitment and sheer hard work are awesome, in the true sense of the word.  She is an amazing woman and an inspiration.

 Thank you for all you have done for U3A over many years and for your friendship.

Expressions of Interest needed for a brand new -Total Beginners Italian Course - to be offered in Term 2.   April - June 2019

To register your interest please contact the office to be put in touch with the Tutor, Greg Cudmore.

New 10 week Course commencing Term 2 

Contract and Consumer Law 

Thursdays 1.30pm - 3.00pm in the Cleveland Library 

Please contact the office on admin(at)u3aredlands.com.au to be put in touch with the Tutor, Greg Cudmore.

New Class - Financial Literacy for Over 50's - Interest List for Term 2

The Term 1 class is currently full, good news due to popularity a new course will be offered in Term 2. 

Please get in contact the U3A Redlands Office at admin(at)u3aredlands.com.au to be added to the interest list. 

Subjects to include Budgeting Basics, Managing Debt, Centrelink, Superannuation and Pensions, Property, Retirement Villages, Aged Care, Estate Planning and more.

Classes to be held at Cleveland State High School on Thursdays 3.30 - 5.30pm from 2 May, 9 week course.

Call out for Tutors

Do you have a skill, specific knowledge or passion you are willing to share?

Becoming a tutor of a course at U3A can open the door to a whole new world: not just for the participants but the tutor as well. If you wish further information about becoming a tutor and joining our enthusiastic band, please contact the office on 3821 3888 admin(at)u3aredlands.com.au or one of our tutor liaison officers Nahn Shimmons tutorliaisonacademic(at)u3aredlands.com.au or Karen Buhmann tutorliaisonleisure(at)u3aredlands.com.au

Our Life in Australia program has returned to the Donald Simpson Community Centre. 

Life in Australia is held during school terms on a Monday, 9.30am in the Donald Simpson Community Centre, Cleveland. 

March 18:   CAPTAIN ROGER RUSLING - Ernest Shackleton - the heroic age of exploration in the Antarctic.

March 25:   FERRY TRIP TO NORTH STRADBROKE ISLAND - $50.00 including morning tea and lunch. Tickets still available.

Caravan, Cabin & Camping Club - Update

The next adventures have been arranged - 

Friday 29 March to Monday 1 April to Boyds Bay, Tweed Coast Holiday Park. 

To book or enquire phone the Caretakers Shane and Angela on 07 5524 3306 or 1800 234 121.  Or check out their website at boydsbay(at)tchp.com.au 

** As April will be a busy time for many with Easter and Anzac Day we are not organising an event for April.

Friday 24th to Monday 27th May to Kenilworth Showgrounds.

This site has no cabins for which we are sorry but there is a pub very nearby.  It is pet friendly. To book ring (new) onsite Caretakers Tony and Erin on Mobile 0438 849 947 7am - 6pm daily. When booking mention you are with U3A Redlands as they are keeping us together. Payment once set up. Have cash in case no Eftpos. * Please inform (stand-in co-ordinator)  Bob Woods.