Southbank Residents Group

There’s never been a better time to get involved in your local community.

Here are a few great initiatives that you should be aware of in and around Southbank.

University of the Third Age

University of the Third Age (U3A) is a worldwide network of learning communities for older, generally retired people. The concept began in France in the 1970s, but is now worldwide and there are U3A groups in many countries.

U3As are built on a common philosophy of older people getting together to teach, learn and share their wisdom, just for the satisfaction that it brings – no qualifications are needed for joining and no certificates or accreditations are awarded.

The Melbourne U3A is located in venues across the CBD and Docklands. More than 40 year-long courses or activity groups run weekly throughout the year. There is also a growing range of short courses available. Subjects have included:

• Languages – French, Italian, Japanese, Spanish, German;
• History and insights into other cultures;
• Cinema, literature, writing, book discussion, Shakespeare;
• Economics, current affairs, media insights;
• Music ensemble, choir;
• Painting, craft, floristry;
• Chess, mahjong, cryptic crosswords;
• Nutrition, exercise, relaxation and yoga;
• Philosophy, psychology, personal development; and
• Digital photography, computers, internet.

Membership to U3A is a very affordable $50 per year. To find out more about the current courses on offer from U3A or to join, visit www.u3amelbcity.org.au

Southbank Rotary Group

The Southbank Rotary Club is a friendly and active club that welcomes guests and visitors – whether you are just curious about Rotary, visiting from another club, or thinking about joining the Rotary Club.

The club hosts a weekly dinner (usually held Tuesday 6pm) in Southbank, with a variety of guest speakers from business and community sectors. It’s a great opportunity for fellowship and networking with other residents from the local community.

To find out more about the Southbank Rotary Club or to attend their next dinner event, simply contact the club via their website at www.southbank.org.au

Melbourne Men’s Shed

A positive response has been received regarding the Melbourne Men’s Shed. The newly-formed committee continues to build membership numbers and has once again put out the call for interested men to join the group.

We encourage all men who are interested in being members of the Melbourne Men’s Shed and who also wish to use the facility, to make contact with David Loughton, membership secretary at [email protected] David will be in touch with details on membership and a tour of the site.

Emergency Markers

Most times when you’re out in public, you probably won’t need to call emergency services. But in the rare event that you do, giving the Triple Zero (000) operator your exact location can mean the world of difference in getting emergency support to you as quickly as possible.

Providing an exact location when you’re in a public park/area can be challenging – especially if there is no road intersection nearby. That’s why the Emergency Services Telecommunications Authority and the City of Melbourne have installed emergency location markers around key public areas of Melbourne.

The markers are located on street poles and are easily identified with a large green background and white lettering. The markers carry a six figure alphanumeric reference (three letters and three numbers) which can be quoted when you call 000 and you are asked for your location.

The City of Melbourne has installed emergency markers around:

• The Tan track;
• Birrarung Marr;
• Alexandra Gardens;
• Victoria Harbour;
• Waterfront City; and
• Yarra’s Edge.

A great initiative that helps our community stay safe.

Planning matters

Unfortunately, due to a last minute diary change from the Minister’s office, we have postponed our scheduled meeting with Planning Minister Matthew Guy until mid-August. I’ll provide an overview of our discussions in the September edition.

Joining the SRG

Finally – and as always - you can become a member of the Southbank Residents Group by visiting www.southbankresidents.com.au

And don’t forget to follow us on Twitter (@3006ResiGroup) and “like” us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/SouthbankResidentsGroup) You’ll be kept abreast of upcoming resident group information meetings, and can also find out what’s on in and near Southbank.