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.

L-R, Susan Webster, UBH Network representative, Paul Hamer MP for UBH’s state electorate of Box Hill, Seng Poon, and Manfred Bartz, UBH Technology Manager.

The ceremony at Parliament House recognised nearly 30 tutors; members of both houses of Parliament were briefed on the ceremony, and several joined the event to learn more about U3A or to help recognise those award winners in their electorates.

Those wanting to learn more about Seng’s career at UBH can read his citation shortly on the U3A Victoria website where photos of the event will appear with full details of each award winner.

— Susan Webster

Can you spot our own Seng Poon among the recipients of this state-wide award?

Parliament House provided a prestigious setting for the fifth annual U3A Victoria Tutor Recognition Award. Here 28 outstanding volunteer tutors from across Victoria were recognised for their exceptional contribution to lifelong learning.

More than 100 guests attended the ceremony, including award recipients, their families and supporters, representatives from U3As across the State, and six Members of Parliament, each of whom spoke warmly of the contribution U3A makes to Victorian communities. The Members of Parliament highlighted the importance of the U3A movement in promoting healthy ageing, lifelong learning and social connection, and congratulated U3A Victoria on its continued strong growth in membership across the State.

The ceremony recognised not only this year’s award recipients but also the invaluable contribution made by the many volunteer tutors who give their time each week in communities throughout Victoria. Every class, discussion group, walking group, lecture and workshop reflects the commitment of volunteers who willingly share their expertise for the benefit of others.

Congratulations to the 2026 award recipients and to every tutor whose dedication continues to enrich the lives of older Victorians and strengthen the U3A movement.