July 2026 Newsletter Welcome, especially to new members who are receiving your very first newsletter. I am grateful to those who have contributed to our newsletter this month and hope you find it interesting. A regular theme in conversations when attending classes is how much our members appreciate U3A Noosa as a place to make connections and form friendships. I know quite a few classes have organised informal get-togethers during the break because two weeks without meeting up seemed like too long. However, it does allow for some maintenance to be carried out – e.g. landscaping; and for all our volunteers, especially our brilliant tutors, to rest and recharge ready to resume again from Monday July 13th. Our team in reception would like to remind everyone that if you are not already registered and attending a class, you must register for classes with reception; especially as a few of the classes have Waiting Lists. Many have room for more though, and we have quite a few new classes commencing in Semester Two. (Details below in Expressions of Interest.) You can find our timetable below. Liz Hansen Editor PS Our ladies in reception have also asked that we remind our members to please not attend if you are unwell with something you know to be contagious. PPS Do you agree with the quote at the end of the newsletter? Please let me know what you think after the break. U3A Noosa Timetable We have lots of things in Lost Property at present. Everything is out on display on the table in the downstairs coffee room. Please check if you own anything there. It will only be there for a few weeks, then the reception ladies will clear it out. |
| Expressions of Interest Our Tutor Co-ordinator Meg has been busy organising some new and updated classes for Semester 2: An Introduction to Travel Writing 11.30am – 1.00pm Thursday 27th August – 17th September 2026 (4 weeks) – Computer Room – Tutor Susan Milne Love to travel, love to write? In this new short course students get to combine their twin passions with an introduction to the basics of travel writing. Bring your own computer and notebook. A more detailed outline can be obtained from reception when you register here. A Guide to Genealogy & DNA with Abby Slinger 2nd Semester – new time 1.00pm – 2.30pm Register here My Life, My Story with Jonathan Anstock 9.00am – 10.30am Wednesday 15th July 2026 – Language Room Register with Reception and to obtain the outline here Apple iPhone & iPad with Gail Attard 9.30am – 11.00am Thursday 16th July – 3rd September 2026. Register here. Basic Guitar Class – Acoustics with Wayne Curran 11.00am – 12.30pm Fridays 17th July – 18th September 2026 Register here Open Art Studio 10am – 12noon Fridays Acrylic; Watercolour; Pastel and Drawing are all acceptable. We do not have a tutor, but members of the class are always happy to help and have a chat. Click here to register your interest in attending. NB It has come to out attention that for some email softwares the links to register don’t work. Please email reception at info@u3anoosa.com.au if you experience any difficulty with the links above. Be sure to indicate which class you wish to register for. Our ladies in reception are pretty talented but ESP isn’t generally one of their special gifts. Invitation to all Acoustic Guitarists Acoustic Guitar Jamming Group 1-00pm – 2.30pm Tuesday 14th July in the Auditorium. Just a few acoustic guitar players getting together for a jamming session. Sign on with Reception or here We don’t have any Friday talks scheduled as yet for next semester. Do keep an eye on our newsletters and notice boards though. U3A Noosa Photography for Fun This photograph was taken by Terri and is a great example of atmosphere, showing the brutalist aesthetic. The sharp vertical cladding panels draw the eye toward the dark heavy cloud creating an intense mood. Terri joined “Photography For Fun” early 2026 and has displayed great work throughout the last six months and is enjoying her photography. Submitted by Gail Attard Check This Out: U3A Noosa Photography for Fun is delighted to let you know that we are holding an exhibition at Cooroy Bendigo Bank. Please come and view our selected works from this talented and enthusiastic U3A Noosa class. See all the details below: Kathie Jordan Semester Break Trivia Trivia questions submitted by Garry Reynolds Compilation Kathie Jordan 1. Which Australian did Geoffrey Rush play in The King’s Speech? 2. Which US sitcom always featured a reference to Superman? 3. What US city hosts ASA’s space centre? 4. Who is the narrator in Moby Dick? 5. What is the French derived word meaning to do something with elan? 6. What is the nautical idiom for between a rock and a hard place? 7. What was the first dam built in the Snowy Mts Scheme? 8. Who wrote the Great Gatsby? 9. What was England’s term for the Berghof – Hitler’s Mountain Lair? 10. What was lyricist Gershwin’s first name? 11. Which fictional cowboy dressed in black, drank sarsaparilla, and never shot first? 12. What is the term for a European who got rich in India? 13. Who defeated PM John Howard in the electorate of Bennelong? 14. What is the name of the corner were SA, NT, and QLD meet? 15. In which country are the Peloponnese? There’s no prize for this, but it may keep you thinking for a while. Don’t cheat. Answers at the very end of the newsletter. Garry, perhaps it’s time to organise Trivia at Michell House.? U3A Noosa Book Chat I thought you might have extra time for reading during the mid-year break, so we have two book reviews for you this month: The Soulmates – Sally Hepworth Sally Hepworth is a New York Times best-selling author who lives in Melbourne. Her best sellers include ‘The Family Next Door’, ‘The Mother-in-Law’, ‘The Younger Wife’, ‘The Good Sister’, ‘Mad Mable’ and ‘The Soulmate.’ She knows her characters well, almost too well, her plots are devilishly clever. The Daily Telegraph calls her “the queen of suburban noir’. With the ‘The Soulmate” she puts a modern marriage under the microscope. Gabe and Pippa seemingly have it all. They live in a picturesque cliff house. “Great location” I hear you saying. Only problem is the location is on top of the beachside cliff, a popular place for those wishing to end their lives. Gabe becomes a local hero after having talked some seven people down from the edge. However, when he encounters Amanda, he fails to save her. Here Hepworth manages to keep us too on edge, as we are led into web of secrets. This is a tale of love, friendship, loyalty and ultimate betrayal. Highly recommended. Erica Aronsten ******* Flesh by David Szalay Winner of the 2025 Booker Prize, Flesh is a deceptively simple novel that follows the life of István, a taciturn Hungarian man whose journey takes him from a bleak housing estate to the privileged circles of London society. Spanning decades, the novel explores class, masculinity, migration, trauma and the role chance plays in shaping a life. The precision of the writing captures an entire life through seemingly ordinary moments. While some readers may find the protagonist frustratingly passive or emotionally opaque, others will appreciate the challenge of filling in the gaps. The novel lingers long after the final page, prompting reflection on identity, loneliness and the unpredictable currents that carry us through life. Not an easy or comforting read, but an impressive exploration of modern masculinity and the mysteries that lie beneath the surface of a life. Szalay’s restrained prose invites readers to draw their own conclusions, with meaning often found in what remains unsaid. The title Flesh is best considered as a noun rather than a verb—emphasising the physical reality of existence, human vulnerability, desire and mortality. Long after the final page, the novel leaves readers reflecting on how circumstance, choice and chance shape a life, and how much of ourselves remains unknowable even to those closest to us. Tania Behan Introducing our U3A Noosa Volunteers Big Congratulations to Sharon Whitecross, our tutor for Beginners Watercolour earlier this year. Sharon achieved an impressive champion award at the Sunshine Coast Ag Show in Nambour for her painting. We agree with the judges that it was very deserved. ************************ U3A noosa can only exist due to all the volunteers freely giving their time and expertise, as tutors, in admin or behind the scenes. Thank you Sharon. Previous Month Quiz Winner: Answer: Dame Nellie Melba There is a tie for the winner of the June quiz. I could not choose between the two following people. Dawn Kalbrunner, our first winner, has an extraordinary link to the $100 note: “Our son Craig is a graphic designer working with Note Printing Australia. He was the concept artist involved with designing the Australian Notes. “ Tania Behan is our other winner for her answer to the June quiz question. Tan went above and beyond with her answer, which I am sharing below. Thanks Tan for your enthusiasm, and Dawn for making us all feel like we have a special connection to cash notes now too. You can collect your book of vouchers to attend classes from reception when we re-open for Semester Two. Tania’s Answer: Did you know that Dame Melba’s portrait on the $100 note is accompanied by an image of an opened fan, representing her theatrical performances. It also features microprint containing excerpts from her autobiography, Melodies and Memories, and a stylised depiction of the program from her 1902 Australian homecoming. (Editor Liz: I did not know that, but I do now and will store that in my memory bank of important trivia.) AND, Tan continues… Sir John Monash is on the other side of the note Monash was an engineer, soldier, and civic leader, and is widely recognised as one of Australia’s most influential military commanders of World War I. I was fascinated to discover that the microprint on his side of the note features a letter written by Monash himself 😮. These banknotes entered circulation on 29 October 2020 and include a range of additional security and design features. Each denomination showcases an Australian wattle species and a native bird. The $100 note features the Golden Wattle alongside the Australian Masked Owl 🦉. After learning all this, I think I’ll be paying a lot more attention before handing over my cash in the future! 😊 ( Editor Liz…I feel the same too Tan.) Current Month Quiz Question: What is the name of the State Electoral District that Sandy Bolton represents? Come on everyone. You know this and can send your answer to me now without even googling. Liz Answers can be emailed here. U3A Noosa Class News and Photo Gallery Jack assisting Sandy with her purchase of broms from U3A. U3A’s Thursday Curly Conversations Class were delighted to host Noosa’s Independent MP Sandy Bolton on Thursday 11th June when we discussed: Political Parties V Independents. Sandy explained what she saw as problematic with two major parties and a unicameral Chamber. Words used were Lack of trust and facts; committee system failings with no public minutes; smoke and mirrors; toxicity in chamber; no political will to change; vested interests; and much more. Sandy was clear that she represents her community rather than a party and she does her best to bring “opposing groups’ together to work things through. Her Facebook page posts her speeches to the Qld Parliament. She has been extremely forthright in her comments about the failure of government to deliver promises and effect change in critical issues such as housing for our residents at risk of or experiencing homeless and less well off. She has offered solutions which are rejected. Sandy was able to provide excellent advice regarding the support for our local homeless. Sandy also shared other information on a range of subject matter. We are grateful that she has offered to come back. New members welcome! Jonathan Anstock Happy Singers on location at Zabe Expresso Bar, Tewantin. Looking to brighten up your week? On Tuesdays Zabe is turning up the good vibes with beautiful piano tunes and plenty of singing! Sit back with a warm cup, hum along, or belt out your favourite songs. I have to admit I stole these photos from the Tewantin Community Facebook Page. You will recognise a few U3A Noosa Happy Singers in these photos. Kathie Jordan Local News Items of Interest Temporary Traffic Changes During Construction of Lake Doonella Bridge To minimise congestion and keep traffic moving during construction, temporary traffic arrangements will be in place. The bridge will operate as a one-way, eastbound-only route for the duration of the works (see attached map). Eastbound traffic (Tewantin to Noosaville): The bridge will remain open as normal (except during some scheduled night closures). Westbound traffic (Noosaville to Tewantin): Motorists will be required to use Eumundi–Noosa Road, Beckmans Road and Cooroy–Noosa Road. Traffic modelling shows that a one-way arrangement reduces congestion compared with stop/go traffic controls, which could lead to peak queues of up to 3 km. Electronic message signs, traffic controllers and project signage will be in place to assist road users and provide advance notice of changes. Emergency services have also been advised of the traffic arrangements. The shared pathway and pedestrian bridge will remain open, maintaining access for pedestrians and cyclists Buses (school and public) and emergency vehicles will be exempt and able to cross the bridge under traffic control arrangements. Got the grandchildren for day or so over the holidays? Have a look at what’s on offer at our local libraries: https://noosa.spydus.com/cgi-bin/spydus.exe/ENQ/OPAC/EVSESENQ?ENTRY=Part+of+the+School+Holidays+program&ENTRY_NAME=BS&ENTRY_TYPE=K&SORTS=ESD.SDTE%5DESD.STIM&GQ=Part+of+the+School+Holidays+program&NRECS=10&QRY=EVSEDTE%3A+%22%3E%3D+TODAY%22&QRYTEXT=Upcoming+events&_SPQ=2 Social Games Join us on fortnightly Tuesdays at Cooroy Library for a laid-back social session! Whether you’re keen for a board game (think Scrabble, Rummikub), some mindful colouring, or just a chat over a cuppa, our welcoming volunteers have you covered. No experience needed, drop in, relax, and enjoy some easy-going company. Cooroy Library: 12 – 2pm, Fortnightly Tuesdays. Free. Bookings preferred. Book here. Writing Friday Writing Friday is a free, volunteer-led program for writers at all levels. Come and finish your story, while connecting with other writers in your community. Inspired by Queensland Writers Centre’s successful Writing Friday program, these sessions follow the Pomodoro Technique (25-minute blocks broken up with 5 minute breaks). Cooroy Library: 9:30 – 11:30am, first and third Friday of the month. Free. No bookings required. More Information here. Anna Johnston in Conversation Join bestselling author Anna Johnston, in conversation with Hayley Saunders, as she discusses her new novel When Lemons Give You Life. From the author of the international bestseller The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife, this latest book is a warm, witty and deeply moving story about food, family and rediscovering joy when life has lost its flavour. Described as “Ratatouille meets A Man Called Ove,” the novel follows retired chef Griff Barlow, who rediscovers purpose and joy through cooking, transforming the lives of those around him in an aged care setting. Drawing on her own experience working in aged care, Anna brings authenticity and compassion to her storytelling, exploring themes of ageing, identity, dignity and connection. She will share insights into her writing process and the real-life inspirations behind her work, including the powerful role food plays in memory, relationships and wellbeing. Heartfelt, funny and thought-provoking, this is a conversation about storytelling, second chances and the importance of being seen—at any stage of life. Books will be available for purchase from Annies Books on Peregian. Noosaville Library: 12:30 – 2pm, Tuesday 7 July. Free. Bookings required. Book here. Food as Medicine: Growing and Using Herbs in Daily Life In this talk, local naturopath and medical herbalist Karen McElroy explores how to build a simple home medicinal garden suited to the Sunshine Coast climate, and how to use everyday herbs and whole foods as practical tools for maintaining and optimising health. Discover the 10 best medicinal herbs that are easy to grow or are already in your kitchen cupboard and learn how they can be used for immunity, digestion, stress, sleep, and inflammation. Learn how your garden, kitchen and everyday food choices can become your first line of healthcare. Morning tea provided. Cooroy Community Gardens: 26 Emerald St, Cooroy): 9:30 – 11:30am, Tuesday 14 July. Free. Bookings required. Book here. This event is a partnership between Noosa Libraries and Permaculture Noosa. I am sure you’ve read or heard about the Doonella Lake Bridge Upgrade, but on the odd chance that you haven’t, or would like a printed version, you can grab it here. Go for a walk, enjoy a coffee, brunch, lunch or coffee at Noosa Marina and don’t forget to drop in at Noosa Regional Gallery. Here’s what’s on or about to start. Be active with Noosa Seniors, find all the information here. A visit to the Cooroy Butter Factory Arts Centre is well worth the visit. Have a look at what’s on display here and also look at other opportunities within the website. Quote “Taking time to do nothing often brings everything into perspective.” Doe Zantamata |
| Newsletter Team Liz Hansen Kathie Jordan Newsletter Editor U3A Noosa Secretary and Newsletter Producer We received most of the content for this newsletter from our wonderful members. A reminder that: If there’s something to share about your class, if you would like to invite more members to join your class, or if you have a story of interest to our members, then you need to reach out to me, Liz Hansen, your newsletter editor, by clicking here. Note: We can’t promote events or products that are for profit. We do however support charity events or sales if appropriate. Trivia Answers: 1. Lionel Logue 2. Seinfeld 3. Houston 4. Ishmael 5. Panache 6. Between the devil and the deep blue sea 7. Guthega Pondage 8. F Scott Fitzgerald 9. The Eagles Nest 10. Ira 11. Hopalong Cassidy 12. Nabob 13. Maxine McKew 14. Mt Poeppel 15. Greece Copyright © 2026 U3A noosa, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you are a member of U3A noosa or have subscribed to the U3A newsletters Our mailing address is: U3A noosa 64 Poinciana Avenue Tewantin, Qld 4565 Australia Add us to your address book Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list. |
