U3A BRISBANE

University of the Third Age Brisbane


Connecting Seniors to Lifelong Learning

University of the Third Age Brisbane


Connecting Seniors to Lifelong Learning


Upcoming Special Events
Friday 29th August 2025, 10:15am. Wonderstruck Exhibition - Sheila McKay

Sunday 31st August 2025, 10:15am. Wonderstruck Exhibition - Amanda Roan

More Info and Bookings


Friday 18 July, Term 3 (week 1)



Click on class name to obtain more information, or to enrol.

City Campus


9:00am
J68 Latin - Advanced - Language and Literature of the Classical Period
J68 Latin - Advanced - Language and Literature of the Classical Period
Tutor: Laurie Gaffney
The aim of the course is to enrich our knowledge, appreciation and enjoyment of both the language and the literature of the "golden age" of classical Latin. An underlying premise is that in a close study of the literature, a deeper knowledge and understanding of the language is to be found. There are two elements to the course. The first is an ongoing survey and study of the literature of the period from Cato through to Juvenal and Apulius. The works are studied in their historical, political, and social contexts. The second part of the course consists of the reading and reciting of Virgil's "Aeneid".
Venue: Adelaide St, Room 12
Friday 9:00am to 10:15am


Laurie Gaffney (9:00am to 10:15am)  (Adelaide St, Room 12)
A07 Art of Origami
A07 Art of Origami (class full)
Tutor: Lynette Duffy
Children make fortune tellers, paper planes, hats and decorations - that is origami. You do not have to be artistic to craft origami. Each term is carefully planned for beginners or those wanting to grow their skills and will blend traditional, modern, geometric, composite and practical designs. You will complete multiple designs each lesson and new models every term. Detailed notes will be emailed when you join.
Venue: Adelaide St, Room 17
Friday 9:00am to 10:30am


(full) Lynette Duffy (9:00am to 10:30am)  (Adelaide St, Room 17)

9:15am
H27 History - Events, People and Places
H27 History - Events, People and Places
Tutor: Carmel Lafferty
This class is a friendly group who are encouraged to present, listen to and discuss a wide range of subjects. The presentations are about events, people, and places in history and are chosen, researched, and presented by class members. Every Friday brings new knowledge and insight for all of us. New members are most welcome. It is customary for class members to have coffee together after class and deepen our friendship. This is what U3A is all about - learning and connecting.
Venue: Adelaide St, Room 18
Friday 9:15am to 10:45am


Carmel Lafferty (9:15am to 10:45am)  (Adelaide St, Room 18)

9:30am
J218 Spanish - Intermediate
J218 Spanish - Intermediate (class full)
Tutor: Lily Buttigieg
Students will begin to learn more comprehensive grammar and vocabulary through developing their speaking, listening, writing and reading skills. The aim of this course is for students to progress in their language learning journey through structured instruction to work through B1 to B2 level. This is an intermediate level class, students are required to have a good understanding of Spanish around a B1 level.
Venue: Creek St, Room 4
Friday 9:30am to 10:45am


(full) Lily Buttigieg (9:30am to 10:45am)  (Creek St, Room 4)
J128 Latin - Level 11
J128 Latin - Level 11 (class full)
Tutor: Yvonne McGann
In Term 3 we will continue Virgil's "Aeneid" Book 2. We are doing selected readings from the Cambridge Latin Anthology. Our grammar will be from Paterson and Macnaughton Book 3.
Venue: Creek St, Room 5
Friday 9:30am to 10:45am


(full) Yvonne McGann (9:30am to 10:45am)  (Creek St, Room 5)
B45 Qi Gong for Seniors
B45 Qi Gong for Seniors (class full)
Tutor: Patricia Gordon
In this class we will follow a Qi Gong video with exercises to improve balance, strength, flexibility and mobility. Exercises are specially designed for Seniors. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes.
Venue: Adelaide St, Room 11
Friday 9:30am to 10:30am


(full) Patricia Gordon (9:30am to 10:30am)  (Adelaide St, Room 11)
N12 Classic Movies
N12 Classic Movies
Tutor: Vikki Londy
We view movies from various genres in the Classic period (by our definition 1930s to 1960s). The class is a group effort, and members are welcome to take an active part in suggesting or presenting their movies of choice. This is not compulsory. We can provide support in accessing movies from our library and can also assist with the equipment. The format includes an introduction to the movie followed by the screening of the movie. Each week covers one movie, although sometimes the class may be a spotlight on a famous actor or director.
Venue: Adelaide St, Room 16
Friday 9:30am to 11:15am


Vikki Londy (9:30am to 11:15am)   (2 hours)  (Adelaide St, Room 16)

10:00am
J86 Latin - 3
J86 Latin - 3 (class full)
Tutor: Jeffrey Kernot
This course follows on from Latin 2. It is a combination of Latin grammar together with readings from Cambridge Latin. Although the course is intended for continuing students, a student with a recent Latin background is welcome to contact me to discuss enrolment. It is definitely not suitable for beginners.
Venue: Creek St, Room 3
Friday 10:00am to 11:15am


(full) Jeffrey Kernot (10:00am to 11:15am)  (Creek St, Room 3)

11:00am
J11 Latin - Level 7
J11 Latin - Level 7
Tutor: Yvonne McGann
In Term 3 we will continue Caesar's Gallic Wars book 1. We will supplement this with readings from other authors and will revise grammar.
Venue: Creek St, Room 4
Friday 11:00am to 12:15pm


Yvonne McGann (11:00am to 12:15pm)  (Creek St, Room 4)
M25 Opera Appreciation
M25 Opera Appreciation
Tutor: William Norfolk
A class for those who want to increase their knowledge regarding operas by watching and enjoying operas with others. We will watch DVDs: you will receive a synopsis of the operas and any other important information about them.
Venue: Adelaide St, Room 11
Friday 11:00am to 12:30pm


William Norfolk (11:00am to 12:30pm)  (Adelaide St, Room 11)
J189 Latin - Medieval
J189 Latin - Medieval
Tutor: John Galligan
In Term 3 the class will continue to translate interesting Latin material from the Medieval period whilst exploring its historical context. We will also further our reading of the history of Medieval philosophy.
Venue: Adelaide St, Room 12
Friday 11:00am to 12:15pm


John Galligan (11:00am to 12:15pm)  (Adelaide St, Room 12)
F05 Cryptic Crosswords - Advanced 2
F05 Cryptic Crosswords - Advanced 2 (class full)
Tutor: Jennifer Nunn
This class is for those who have completed intermediate classes and want to go on learning how to crack the code. Learn to unravel more complex clues, extend your thinking skills and have fun. Sorry, this is a continuing class and it is full. Please contact me to discuss your experience and to go on the waiting list.
Venue: Adelaide St, Room 14
Friday 11:00am to 12:15pm


(full) Jennifer Nunn (11:00am to 12:15pm)  (Adelaide St, Room 14)
H05 An Introduction to Cornish History and Culture
H05 An Introduction to Cornish History and Culture
Tutor: Cheryl Hayden
H05 is a 20 week course. In term 3, we will cover Part 1 of the course and ask the question: 'What Makes Cornwall Different?' We look at culture, language, ethnicity, religion and traditions and the relationships the Cornish people have had to the sea and to the mining industry. We also look at some of the literature that has formed our understanding of Cornwall and some of the places you might want to visit if you are planning to travel there.
Venue: Adelaide St, Room 18
Friday 11:00am to 12:15pm


Cheryl Hayden (11:00am to 12:15pm)  (Adelaide St, Room 18)

11:30am
J48 Latin for Beginners
J48 Latin for Beginners (class full)
Tutor: Jeffrey Kernot
This course is for those with no background in Latin, or who met it long ago. It comprises an introduction to Latin grammar, reading Latin stories, and learning about these remarkable people from long ago. There will be a text book purchase required, for about $60 new, but used copies are available.
Venue: Creek St, Room 5
Friday 11:30am to 12:45pm


(full) Jeffrey Kernot (11:30am to 12:45pm)  (Creek St, Room 5)

12:00pm
B55 Mental Health and Transformation
B55 Mental Health and Transformation
Tutor: Michael Visser
The course integrates psychology, neuroscience, and insights from NDEs to cultivate mental health. We build on four pillars, guided by evidence: principles, self-awareness, possibilities and transformation. Through reflective exercises, mind-mapping techniques, and guided introspection, you'll learn to release past conditioning, set healthy boundaries, and align with your authentic self. Sessions explore topics like overcoming fear, embracing emotional resilience, and shifting to a life of clarity and purpose. By the end of this course, you'll have practical tools to navigate challenges with confidence, transform negative thoughts.
Venue: Adelaide St, Room 13
Friday 12:00pm to 1:30pm


Michael Visser (12:00pm to 1:30pm)  (Adelaide St, Room 13)

12:45pm
H19 History Case Studies
H19 History Case Studies
Tutor: Mary McVay
Each week, this class explores a different topic, or topics, from any period of history. Past topics include: the History of Coffee, the Kingdom of Ur and The Incas, Afghanistan and Iran, the History of Body Art and Bodybuilding, famous people and lots of topics from European history. Classes are led by group members on a voluntary basis. A brief question time allows for different points of view to be discussed in a supportive environment. We learn together with new enrolments always welcome. Most of the class meet for a friendly cup of tea or coffee afterwards.
Venue: Adelaide St, Room 16
Friday 12:45pm to 2:00pm


Mary McVay (12:45pm to 2:00pm)  (Adelaide St, Room 16)

1:15pm
P02 Digital Photography
P02 Digital Photography (class full)
Tutor: Hazel Sempf
We are a small friendly class who share our interest in photography. In class we show our photographs of the weekly subject, discuss camera settings, and/or the inspiration for the photograph. We also discuss camera settings for achieving particular outcomes. We aim to incorporate some field trips during the term, usually around the CBD.
Venue: Adelaide St, Room 14
Friday 1:15pm to 2:45pm


(full) Hazel Sempf (1:15pm to 2:45pm)  (Adelaide St, Room 14)

Zoom Classes (Online)


9:00am
L01 Sharing Nonfiction Books That Are Better Read in Company
L01 Sharing Nonfiction Books That Are Better Read in Company
Tutor: Christopher Davidson
In this class, we aim to make non-fiction literature more rewarding by reading a book in stages, and meeting online fortnightly (Friday 9-11am) to review what we've read, supported by a powerpoint presentation I share in advance. This term, the book is Money - A Story of Humanity by Irish economist, academic and author David McWilliams. In this entertaining book, McWilliams charts the relationship between humans and money from clay tablets in ancient Mesopotamia to today's cryptocurrency, and shows how fundamental the concept of money is to our human identity. To help you decide, click on ENROL for more information.
Venue: Online via Zoom
Friday 9:00am to 11:00am
Fortnightly


Christopher Davidson (9:00am to 11:00am)   (2 hours)
Fortnightly (Class is on today 18-Jul)

9:15am
H44 History - Events, People and Places
H44 History - Events, People and Places (class full)
Tutor: Carmel Lafferty
This class is a friendly group who are encouraged to present, listen to and discuss a wide range of subjects. The presentations are about events, people, and places from the 17th century up to today and are chosen, researched, and presented by class members. Every Friday brings new knowledge and insight for all of us. This is what U3A is all about - learning and connecting.
Venue: Online via Zoom
Friday 9:15am to 10:45am


(full) Carmel Lafferty (9:15am to 10:45am)

10:45am
E17 Politics and the Economy - Hopes and Fears
E17 Politics and the Economy - Hopes and Fears (class full)
Tutor: Bruce Holdsworth
Amid fears, problems, we seek hope, solutions, via politics, economics, considering: the worsening Climate and Environment; Inflation, Recession and Trump's America vs China, World; Democracy in decay: Oligarchies, Money Politics and growing Inequality here, in US, UK, etc; other Dangers: Health: COVID; bird flu?, etc; ; Technology (AI), Education (public vs private schools; unis); Conflicts: Israel/Middle East; Ukraine; USA and/vs "allies" vs China, Russia, Iran; BRICS vs G7; and Social Divisions (rich vs rest, women's position, crushing dissent, media bias, racism, bigotry).
Venue: Online via Zoom
Friday 10:45am to 12:00pm


(full) Bruce Holdsworth (10:45am to 12:00pm)

Logan District


9:00am
J214 Spanish - Beginner
J214 Spanish - Beginner
Tutor: Ae Sook Mankiewicz
Lets learn Spanish together. Did you know people who speak more than one language often have sharper memories, enhanced problem solving skills, better concentration and a greater tendency for creativity? Why not join us and have fun learning Spanish together.
Venue: Beenleigh Neighbourhood Centre
Friday 9:00am to 10:15am


Ae Sook Mankiewicz (9:00am to 10:15am)  (Beenleigh Neighbourhood Centre)

10:30am
J167 Spanish - Advanced
J167 Spanish - Advanced
Tutor: Ae Sook Mankiewicz
This is an advanced class with a lot of conversation.
Venue: Beenleigh Neighbourhood Centre
Friday 10:30am to 11:45am


Ae Sook Mankiewicz (10:30am to 11:45am)  (Beenleigh Neighbourhood Centre)

12:00pm
M29 Guitar Group
M29 Guitar Group
Tutor: Grant Croft
Enjoy playing guitar with other beginners and intermediates in a relaxed group. This is not a tutoring class as such as we play along with prepared songs. Help is available to assist where able. Please contact Grant Croft for all enquiries.
Venue: Beenleigh Neighbourhood Centre
Friday 12:00pm to 1:30pm


Grant Croft (12:00pm to 1:30pm)  (Beenleigh Neighbourhood Centre)

Southside


9:00am
H48 Canada: The Other America
H48 Canada: The Other America
Tutor: Gary King
Canada: The "Other America" - A History of the USA's Northern Neighbour. Our sessions will take a deep look into the centuries of interaction between Canada and its neighbour to the south. We'll examine Canadian & North American history from its earliest beginnings to the middle of the 19th century, focusing on the ebb and flow of the events, conflicts and cultural differences that helped shape the distinct Canadian perspective. And along the way, we'll make time to examine and discuss some of the more recent developments in relations between Canada, the U.S., and its other American neighbours.
Venue: Holland Park Library
Friday 9:00am to 10:15am


Gary King (9:00am to 10:15am)  (Holland Park Library)

9:30am
F19 Mahjong - Western Style
F19 Mahjong - Western Style
Tutor: Yvonne Mappas
We play for fun, no scoring and no walls. If you would like to play in a relaxed and yet challenging way, then this is for you. Beginners to more advanced are welcome. The book "The Mahjong Player's Companion" by Patricia A. Thompson and Betty Maloney is needed for this and you will need to have your own copy.
Venue: Club Southside
Friday 9:30am to 12:30pm


Yvonne Mappas (9:30am to 12:30pm)   (3 hours)  (Club Southside)

1:00pm
X15 Experiencing China
X15 Experiencing China
Tutor: Bryan Iles
The course provides the opportunity to study various aspects of China, including special topics such as Chinese New Year, its legend, its importance and impact on China. Other topics include study of the social and political structure of China, including the four forms of local government. Within each local government region time is spent looking at the geography, location, economy and any other important features. Topics include infrastructure development: roads, railways, fast speed train network, airports and water resources. Living standards and lifestyle changes are discussed, with a particular emphasis on their rapid change.
Venue: Sunnybank Hills Library
Friday 1:00pm to 2:30pm


Bryan Iles (1:00pm to 2:30pm)  (Sunnybank Hills Library)

Northside


11:30am
A83 Art - Creative Portraiture
A83 Art - Creative Portraiture (class full)
Tutor: Carol Owens
Our group has developed into a strong community of practice. We provide sessions focusing on creating portraits. This class is conducted via an email discussion group and twice a month Friday catch-ups in New Farm Park. We use the mediums of pencil and charcoal predominantly, and some have also begun to experiment with other mediums such as watercolour and acrylics. Students should hope to develop their ability to capture and produce proportionately accurate and realistic portraits.
Venue: New Farm Park
Friday 11:30am to 2:30pm
Weekly email discussion group and class 1st and 3rd Friday of month.


(full) Carol Owens (11:30am to 2:30pm)   (3 hours)  (New Farm Park)
Weekly email discussion group and class 1st and 3rd Friday of month.