Get ready for an exciting lineup as Wollongong’s University of the Third Age (U3A) unveils its 2026 program featuring an impressive array of guest lectures! These engaging sessions will take place at the Salvation Army auditorium located on Burelli Street in Wollongong.
On Monday, February 9th at 9:30 AM, the spotlight will be on Stuart Traynor, who will delve into the mysterious case of the Beaumont children, who vanished without a trace in Adelaide over six decades ago. This tragic event unfolded on January 26, 1966, when siblings Jane, 9; Arnna, 7; and Grant, 4, disappeared from the bustling Glenelg Beach, leaving behind a haunting mystery that has remained unresolved despite being the most extensive police investigation in Australian history. However, in recent years, new evidence has surfaced suggesting that a prominent businessman from Adelaide, who passed away in 2004, may have been involved in their abduction. Stuart will share the latest findings and theories regarding this enigmatic figure and provide insights into the potential locations where the children’s remains might be found.
Later on the same day, at 11:30 AM, Larry Jennett will present his enlightening talk titled "We are Buying Time," focusing on essential emergency first aid and resuscitation techniques. He will emphasize the importance of knowing how to effectively use a defibrillator, which can significantly increase the chances of survival for an unconscious individual while waiting for paramedics to arrive. Drawing from his extensive 65 years of experience in the lifesaving field, Larry will guide the U3A audience through the operation and safe usage of defibrillators, ensuring everyone is better prepared for emergencies.
On Thursday, February 12th at 9:30 AM, Robyn Menghi will lead a captivating discussion on "Space in Aboriginal Mythology." Beginning her narrative in 1770, she will illustrate the stark contrast between how Australia’s First Nations people perceived the same night sky that fascinated European explorers, albeit through a different lens. For over 65,000 years, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have not only lived under these vast skies but have also expertly navigated using its celestial patterns. Robyn will provide illustrated examples demonstrating how this profound understanding of the sun, moon, stars, and dark spaces has influenced their complex navigation systems, seasonal calendars, resource management practices, social structures, and connections with ancestral Elders and their land.
On Monday, February 16th, Peter McIlquham will kick off the first of a three-part series titled "The Ubiquity of Plastics." This initial lecture will examine the evolution and widespread adoption of synthetic materials known as plastics, tracing their journey from the mid-1800s with innovations like rayon, bakelite, and cellophane during the early 20th century. It will highlight how transformative plastics have been in shaping the foundations of modern society—impacting everything from electrical networks to communication systems. Peter will also discuss the surge of plastic use following World War II and explore how deeply embedded these materials have become in our daily lives, showcasing household items that many take for granted, such as nylon, Tupperware, cling wrap, and silicone.
On Thursday, February 19th, under the theme "Divided Nations," Simon Hodsden will explore the complexities that make the United Kingdom a nation marked by division. His lecture will begin by recounting the historical context of how the various parts of the UK came together, including the unification of the crowns of Scotland and England, which led to the Act of Union. Simon will explain Ireland's incorporation into the UK and touch upon the challenges this integration posed. As he leads the audience toward the 1970s, he will address the growing calls for referendums aimed at establishing separate legislative bodies in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. He will conclude with an analysis of the divisive effects of the Brexit movement and the rise of modern English devolution movements that have further complicated the governance of what is meant to be a united kingdom.
Finally, Peter McIlquham will return on Thursday, February 26th at 9:30 AM to discuss the fascinating aspects of Earth’s constant companion—the Moon. The presentation will commence with an exploration of the Moon's allure to early civilizations and its worship as a deity. Peter will then look at how major calendars from various cultures were historically based on the lunar cycles. Attendees can expect to learn about intriguing phenomena related to the Moon, including its phases, lunar eclipses, blood moons, supermoons, and the reason why we only observe one side of the Moon.
The Wollongong U3A holds its informative talks and lectures every Monday and Thursday morning throughout school terms, welcoming the public to participate in this enriching program designed for retirees eager to continue their journey of lifelong learning.
