Today I was pleased to celebrate the twentieth anniverary of Eastlakes University of the Third Age in Parliament. This is what I said:



On Sunday 2nd February I was delighted to take part in the twentieth birthday celebrations of the Eastlakes University of the Third Age (Eastlakes U3A).

The event also marked the official opening of the Eastlake U3As new base in Glover Street, Belmont. It was clear that a lot of work had gone on to renovate the facility in preparation for the celebrations, and for the year ahead. The leasing of the new premises, in partnership with Lake Macquarie City Council was made possible by a bequest from the Estate of Shirley Miller, one of the early members of the group, and at the opening a plaque was unveiled in her memory. Lifelong learning is not just good for your brain, it is a fantastic way to keep healthy and socially engaged.

I am enormously grateful to President Barbara Thomson, and her team, for providing a fantastic array of courses and activities, and a necessary support and friendship network for the retired and semi-retired in my local electorate of Charlestown.