Students break the mold

It’s well documented that Southbank has a big student population, but that doesn’t necessarily tell you much about our age demographic.

Take Pat and Lance Collins for example. They are more mature than the typical university student, and they attend the University of the Third Age (U3A), which is not your typical university.

U3A is situated in Flinders Lane in the CBD, which makes for a casual stroll for Pat and Lance, who are surprised with the number of people is Southbank who have not heard of the facility so close to home.

“When you know about U3A, you take it for granted that everyone else does too,” Pat exclaimed, adding: “But recently I’ve spoken to neighbours who have never heard of it.”

Southbank only provides 23 of the centre’s 900 members, a number that Pat is astounded by.

“I really encourage Southbank retirees to take advantage of this great amenity only a stone’s throw away,” Pat said.

There are a number of different courses available to attendees, and they are also always in need of volunteers. Pat and Lance have both studied and served as volunteers for the centre.