U3A Baw Baw 20th Anniversary

After 20 years in the local Shire U3A Baw Baw celebrated its 20th Anniversary with a special function.  At the function on Friday 9th August there was a book launch documenting the homes, locations and early lives of several U3A members. Over 90 past and present U3A members attended and were entertained by some very talented musician and singers all members of U3A with Rod Wellard as the MC.

At the anniversary function several Baw Baw Shire Councilors attended including the Mayor Cr Mikaela Power, Cr Tricia Jones,  Cr Keith Cook and Cr Jessica O’Donnell.  Other distinguished guests included Glen Wall, the Vice President of U3A Network Victoria, Anne Grigg U3A Network Development & Support Officer and other local community people who support U3A Baw Baw.

The organising committee for the 20th Anniversary event and Book production was headed by Margaret Theile with U3A president Mary Howlett, John Parker, Mary Gibson, Patricia and Geoff Clynes, Mary Anglin and Joy Vikas supporting.

The very first President of U3A Baw Baw in 1999 was Jim Connelly with the very first meeting held at the Health & Community Care Services building in Young Street (the old Shire Office, Drouin). The venue for meetings, classes, courses and presentations changed many times until 2014 when U3A Baw Baw moved to its present location the RSL Building in Drouin.

Pictured from left to right Geoff Clynes, John Parker, Patricia Clynes, Margaret Theile, Joy Vikas, Mary Anglin, Mary Howlett and Mary Gibson.
From left to right: Norma Bayliss, Anne Connelly, Dawn Gough and Rod Wellard
Mary Howlett speaking at the 20th Anniversary function.