The Courthouse and grounds look stunning thanks to the work of Ken Bagley, Michael Meredith, Trevor Thwaites and Bill Woods. Lawns are mown, gardens are weeded and mulched and edges are trimmed. Rebecca Doig and her Courthouse Volunteers have cleaned inside the building as well as the toilets, so ………. We are ready!

With the 80% vaccination mark quickly approaching (anticipated to be from 6pm Friday 29th October) we can resume face-to-face classes on Wednesday 3 November pending the final go-ahead from the Shire. Given that density limits may have an impact, Course Leaders may need to do some planning. We are also conscious that some may still feel a little uncertain about gathering again. So, your Committee is leaving it up to each Course Leader to specify the exact commencement date for each course but it would be good to have as many courses as possible up and running by Monday 8 November.

Attendance limits

Limits on numbers in venues will provide a challenge for some courses at this stage. Until further notice the maximum numbers, using the 1:4 ratio, are as follows:

• Courthouse – 13 (2 must be seated up on the stage); the smaller room allows 4
• Senior Citizens Hall – 20
• Lions Club Hall – 27
• Outdoor activities can operate with a density limit of 1 person per 2sqm

Guidelines for entry

The following guidelines for any member entering a class must be followed:

• Each member attending a class or activity must be double vaccinated and will need to show proof of vaccination on attending their first class (ideally on your phone but if not a paper/card document will suffice which your GP should provide). If a member has an approved medical exemption certificate they should contact me so we can discuss their particular situation.
• A COVID Marshall must be appointed by each class who needs to manage entry requirements of all members to ensure appropriate procedures are followed: QR Code Check-in (or signing the Covid register), sighting proof of vaccination status and noting it on the class roll for each member on first entry to a class.
• Masks are required to be worn inside, unless an exemption applies.
• Rolls must be taken
• Name badges must be worn
• Previous practices such as cleaning obligations remain in place.
• If a member is feeling unwell or has any symptoms we ask that they not attend.

While it is easy to believe that Healesville has been relatively untouched by Covid, we are a tourist destination and weekends will be busy. It will be good to have some of the old energy back in Healesville – our shop keepers cannot wait. But it does increase the risk of Covid.

With this in mind, and as we reopen classes, the primary concern of your Committee is the well-being and safety of all U3A members. We ask that each of us be similarly concerned for the well-being of all members. The best way to do this is by following health directions and supporting each other. We know that further easing of restrictions is planned and that in all likelihood we have not yet reached the peak in Covid numbers. So, we must be patient and careful.

If members need support in downloading their Covid vaccination certificate please contact our Secretary, Rebecca Doig, who can offer help. If the need is there we may be able to run a small workshop on how to do this.

I look forward to seeing you as we return to the U3A. It has been a while. We will hold two ‘Friday at 5’ events this term. While the dates are yet to be finally confirmed we are looking at Friday 26 November and Friday 17 December when the Theatre Group, and possibly string groups, are planning some entertainment. These dates will be confirmed after our next Committee meeting on 16 November.

As always, take care and stay safe.

In kindness

John Pascoe (President)

Mobile: 0410537097

Email: jpascoe175@bigpond.com