HUNDREDS have returned for the annual Myall University of the Third Age (MU3A) sign-on day, hosted at Hawks Nest Hall on Tuesday 20 January.
The MU3A is home to more than a dozen different interest groups, and represents one of the largest membership organisations in the Myall Coast.
Courses include arts, languages, music, games, writing, wellbeing and creative interests, with a new psychology course starting this year.
“There has been a strong membership return, a steady stream all morning, with several people even identifying as returning to the classes after a couple of years away,” Felicity Barr told News Of The Area.
Jan Nesbitt, one of the course convenors said, “The Art Group gives [members] the chance to learn new techniques, types of media – including watercolour, prints, gel printing, collage, pastels, drawing, mixed media and even pasta.” “All levels [are] welcome, we have a variety of teachers,” she said.
The Art Group was by far the most popular group in 2025, with more than 50 registered members.
Last week’s registrations have indicated the same for 2026.
The writing group is also ready to start another good year, with visiting writers’ workshops lined up for the year.
Workshops cover the topics of timeless, the necessity of good character development, and dive into artificial intelligence and what it means in the writing space.
“We also do members’ presentations, and have a regular writing slam, where members take three specific words and write for five to ten minutes, and they can work on novels, short stories, poetry, limericks, so long as they write,” course convenor Leight Clayton said.
Jill Parker from the Garden Club noted group members often carpool to visit family, and nurseries out of town, with many destinations grateful for the business after the devastating floods last year.
Deb and Del, music course convenors, explained that the group aims to spark interest in music, supporting mental health and dexterity.
The program will include new songs to learn, “a stronger rock’n’roll direction in 2026, and Australia Day tunes” on the first day back on 3 February.
The Music group fills its calendar with themed Tuesdays, including Valentine’s Day, St Patrick’s Day and St Andrew’s Day concerts, country and western, The Beatles, sea shanties, and a Christmas concert in December.
Building on its successful first year, Brian Ness’ Metaphysics group and Friends of Film group will begin 2026 with a collaboration, examining 1983’s “Gandhi”, the winner of eight Oscars.
The groups will explore the philosophy of non-violence and Indian independence.
The newest course, Psychology, is set to start after Easter, and run by Thys Tace, a new convenor who is experienced in the field.
“We will look at dealing with past memories, but this is not a group therapy session… discussion, information, and group members will hopefully go home with self-help techniques,” Thys explained.
Ros Jones, one of the MU3A organisers, confirmed that 210 members have signed on for 2026, fast approaching the 250 recorded in 2025.
New and returning MU3A members pay a single annual membership fee and can join at any time during the year, giving them access to any courses, classes or workshops, “…in a safe, friendly atmosphere, with a context of learning, socialising and sharing in mutual support,” Ros concluded.
By Thomas O’KEEFE
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