Kiama U3A is the local arm of the worldwide U3A organisation that provides informal and affordable learning as well as social activities.

Its members are generally 50-plus who are retired or semi-retired and are looking to keep their minds and bodies active.

“This Christmas, Kiama U3A is offering a special ‘Gift of Membership’ that is a great present for anyone with a little extra time on their hands who would enjoy meeting new people and participating in interesting activities” Kiama U3A president Charles Walker told The Bugle.

Walker added that “for just $30, you can give a gift of 12-month membership that covers all four terms in 2026”.

Your membership gift entitles the recipient to a range of benefits including:

- Free weekly talks on topics ranging from Famous Empires to Gorilla Trekking in Uganda.

- Low-cost general courses covering everything from Great Inventions to Living in Victorian Times.

- Exercise classes such as Tai Chi for Beginners and social activities such as Mah Jong.

- Excursions to various places of interest such as Cockatoo Island.

Next year is shaping up to be a great year for Kiama U3A members with several new courses in the pipeline.

For instance, some short courses being considered are an introduction to AI, how to take great photos with your smart phone as well as guest speakers from the University of Wollongong who will talk about their research projects.

Kiama U3A is also looking to introduce Lunch and Learn sessions which would combine a social lunch with a thought-provoking guest speaker.

Other activities being planned are excursions to places such as Venus Shell Systems in Nowra where they produce innovative products from seaweed, a tour of the Sydney Observatory, musical performances, and more!

For those who feel like getting more involved, there are also lots of opportunities for members to take a more active role.

As a member-run organisation, members are welcome to participate in a variety of tasks ranging from planning activities to providing technical support to giving a talk on an area of interest.

To arrange your gift membership, simply go to the “Events” section on the Kiama U3A website where you can order your gift online.

Please note - this is paid content