U3A Townsville Office Relocation
We are on the Move
Branch Update March 2024
In recent months there have been meetings between the management of Senior Citizens (TSCWA) and U3A to discuss the mutual benefits of co-location in the Ryan St. building. Discussions have resulted in a draft contract, a plan for the rooms U3A will have access to in order to operate independently, and shared spaces will be available to both autonomous organisations. Other items such as joint memberships of both organisations, the two-dollar payment for any class/activity attended will continue for U3A and apply to the Senior Citizens membership as well, independent insurance cover, attendance by any members at classes as well as mutual use of space and events held in either area. An agreement that each autonomous organisation will be represented by one person attending the others formal committee monthly meetings.
At a meeting on the 7th Feb. U3A committee members present resolved to take positive action to make this move happen. Senior Citizens (TSCWA) have consulted with their members and are ready to proceed with the internal building of a large classroom space for us at their cost. In order for this to proceed, they have asked that we gather from our members signed Senior Citizens membership forms. We have agreed to distribute those through our classes, to new members signing up and others of our membership who are keen to see us settled as the community-based organisation, rather than the vagaries of being in a commercial building at commercial rates. There is no cost to U3A members who choose to join Senior Citizens, but they will need complete TSCWA form.
Rumours re the Churches of Christ (COC) complex have now been confirmed, with information about the COC building being prepared for sale. Unsure about our current tenancy, we have a meeting in March with a lawyer to discuss our current lease at COC.
At a joint meeting on 7th March 2024 representation from both committees reviewed the latest draft and agreed details in the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) ready for signing. Both organisations are committed to the co-location and have resolved to go ahead with the provision of the U3A classroom space by TSCWA and a plan for U3A to be moved completely from Vincent by the end of this financial year 2024. We have resolved to keep our current membership fees for 2024, with the view of a future plan for reduction in fees as our costs reduce.
We hope the stability of this arrangement and that the useful spaces available to U3A, will suit our membership. We look forward to the opportunities for growth in our purpose of supporting learning and socialising in our third age with this co-location to Ryan Street,
Regards
Pauline Woodbridge, OAM
Branch President