What’s happening at U3A Box Hill
Update from Ethan – Wed 9 Sep 2026 – 11 am
Hi wonderful U3A members! My name is Ethan and I had the privilege of running a class called The Brain and its Mysteries in 2023 and 2024. Since then, I’ve missed giving lectures while I completed my Master’s and the first year of my PhD at the University of Oxford. My classes always focused on other scientists’ work, but now I have a very special opportunity: for the first time, I can tell you about a scientific discovery that is entirely my own! For the past year I have been studying the brain’s visual system, specifically how brain stimulation can […]
Do You Speak Another Language at Home?
Γεια σας. Xin chào. 안녕하세요. 你好. Hello. 👋 Do you speak another language at home? Many people in Box Hill do. Learning English is easier with other people. Not from a book. Not alone. At U3A Box Hill you can practise English in a friendly group. No exams. No homework. Just talking, tea, and time to practise. You are never too old to learn. And you do not need to be perfect — you only need to be understood. Keep your first language. Add English to it. 📅 Thursdays at 2pm, starting on 7/10/2026 📍 Strabane Hall, 29 Strabane Avenue, Mont Albert North 📞 0488 233 221 Everyone is welcome. Bring a friend. #U3ABoxHill #LearnEnglish #BoxHill #MontAlbertNorth #Multicultural
U3A Box Hill — Echuca Tour 2027
Discover the Charm of Echuca & Beyond: A 4-Day Coach Tour Step back in time and explore the historic heart of Victoria’s river country with our upcoming tour to Echuca and its surrounds. From the nostalgic churn of Paddlesteamers on the Murray to fascinating museums celebrating local sport and wool, this coach trip offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and scenic country towns. Your journey includes visits to the Seymour Vietnam Vets Wall, the quirky Great Aussie Beer Shed, and the breathtaking Great Stupa of Universal Compassion in Bendigo. With three nights accommodation at the Pevensey Motor Lodge, daily breakfasts, and included dinners, all you need to do is sit back and enjoy the ride. Dates: Sun 4 April – Weds 7 April 2027 Cost: $1,050 per person (twin/double share)
SENG POON RECEIVES STATE TUTOR RECOGNITION AWARD
Tutor and member data manager Seng Poon was celebrated on 30 July at the U3A Victoria State Tutor Recognition Award ceremony, held this year at Parliament House. U3A Box Hill nominated Seng for his years of work teaching and supporting members in use of our various technology systems, enrolment routines, and general understanding of how our U3A works. He was an inspiration to new and long-time members at U3A Box Hill with his helpfulness, patience and innovation of information delivery. The ceremony at Parliament House recognised nearly 30 tutors; members of both houses of Parliament were briefed on the ceremony, […]
The Age of Empire: From Revolution to Zenith, 1777–1911
Featured image: Thomas Jones Barker, The Secret of England’s Greatness (c. 1863) Join us on Wednesday 19 August 2026 in the U3A Main Room at 11.00am – Art and History Class for Episode 6 of The Age of Empire covers a remarkable 134 years — a period that begins with Britain losing one empire in America and ends with the map of the world painted red. An empire born of exploration The story opens with the great voyages of discovery. Travelling aboard Captain Cook’s second Pacific expedition was the landscape painter William Hodges, whose luminous canvases of Tahiti, New Zealand […]
AI: A Tool — How We Use It Shapes Our Future
On Wednesday 29th July at 11 am, Susan Webster will talk about AI and its likely impacts on all our lives — An Introduction to Artificial Intelligence. It sounds a bit intense, but Susan assures us it will be a high-level exploration rather than a deep technical dive. She’s mapped out her approach in the graphic above — and there’s a nice story behind it. Susan told her friend “CHAT” what she planned to talk about, but she had no idea how to turn it into a picture. No problem: CHAT did the work. A few tweaks later, and there it is. Wizardry!
Farewell to Seng Poon — and a State Award to Cap It Off
On Friday 24 July, U3A Box Hill members gathered at the RSL to farewell one of our most valued volunteers, Seng Poon. Twenty-four guests came along to celebrate Seng’s long service and to wish him well as he prepares to move to the other side of Melbourne to live closer to his family. UBH Vice-President Manfred Bartz gave a brief presentation on Seng’s time at UBH. Seng joined us in 2016 and took on the role of UMAS and membership coordinator from 2018, guiding UBH through the changeover from our old MYOB-based admin system to the Network’s UMAS platform. He […]
Help Us Make Elgar Road Safer to Cross
If you’ve ever crossed Elgar Road to catch a bus or walk to U3A, you already know the problem. There is no safe crossing point anywhere near the bus stop used by our members. The nearest traffic lights are 400 metres away — an 800-metre round trip just to get to the other side of the road. Every week, hundreds of people need to cross Elgar Road to reach U3A Box Hill, the mecwacare Simon Price Centre, Prime Garden assisted living, and the sporting clubs at Hagenauer Reserve. Many of them are elderly. Some have limited mobility. All of them […]
Cultural Sampling: Discovering Iran from the Armchair
In June, U3A Box Hill Armchair Travellers were treated to a fascinating journey through Iran, guided by Frank Devlin. Drawing on his own travels, Frank took us far beyond the headlines and into the rich history, culture and everyday life of one of the world’s oldest civilisations. Beginning with the ancient Achaemenid Empire (550–330 BCE), Frank traced Iran’s story through more than 2,500 years of history. Along the way we visited the magnificent ruins of Persepolis, explored the country’s literary and artistic traditions, and gained insights into its architecture, religion and social customs. Frank’s interest in Persian culture began with […]
Roll Into Term 3 with Bocce: Fun, Fitness & Friendship Await!
Looking to add a little movement, laughter, and social connection to your week? Then don’t miss the U3A Term 3 Bocce Class, starting Monday 20th July 2026. This six-week program is designed to get you moving, thinking, and connecting—all while having a great time! What to Expect This isn’t the “old-fashioned bocce” you might remember. The U3A Bocce Program, developed by the Veneto Club, is full of variety and movement, with new games and team activities each week. You’ll steadily build your bowling skills, improve hand-eye coordination, and enjoy gentle exercise in a supportive, inclusive environment. Whether you’re new to […]
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