What’s happening?
Upgraded facilities at U3A Redlands have officially opened, with works completed at The Cottage.
The project delivers on a key election commitment and will help local seniors stay engaged, connected and active.
Why it matters?
U3A, or University of the Third Age, is a volunteer-led organisation for retired and semi-retired seniors. It gives members access to educational, creative and leisure opportunities at an affordable level.
Minister for Families, Seniors and Disability Services Amanda Camm said learning and connection remain important later in life. “We recognise the immense health and wellbeing benefits that come from learning, connecting and staying active as you age,” she said.
She said the investment would help seniors access affordable opportunities to enrich their lives. Ms Camm also said the support came after seniors had been “neglected by the former Labor Government”.
Local Impact
The upgraded Cottage gives Redlands seniors a stronger local space to learn, socialise and stay active. It also supports the work U3A Redlands already does in helping older residents remain involved in community life.
Member for Oodgeroo Amanda Stoker said U3A Redlands had long played an important part in the area. “U3A Redlands has been an integral part of the community for decades, helping hundreds of seniors by supporting them to continue promoting active retirement and encouraging better mental and physical health.”
She said the upgrade would make that role even stronger. “This upgrade to ‘The Cottage’ means more local seniors can come together, and affordably learn new skills and foster meaningful connections,”
By the numbers
- A $250,000 capital investment funded the building works at The Cottage, the main U3A Redlands facility for local seniors.
- U3A Redlands has supported the community for decades, with Amanda Stoker saying it has helped hundreds of seniors.
- The organisation supports retired and semi-retired seniors through volunteer-led educational, creative and leisure activities.
Zoom In
The funding was used for building works at The Cottage, a space designed to help seniors learn, connect and remain active. The government said the project also reflects its aim of making affordable learning available to seniors wherever they live.
Zoom Out
The support for U3A Redlands sits within the government’s wider focus on age-friendly communities across Queensland. It said those communities should help people feel connected, included, respected and valued.
What To Look For Next?
With the upgraded Cottage now open, U3A Redlands looks well placed to support more local seniors through learning, connection and active retirement.
