Activities for seniors

U3A Hawthorn, established in 1984, is a nonprofit, community, self-help organization which provides a range of adult education courses, recreational activities and excursions for retired and semi-retired people. U3A Hawthorn was established for people in their third age who are over the age of 55 and are retired or are semi-retired. Our mission is to provide opportunities for seniors to learn, teach, share and to give mutual support to each other in a friendly and warm environment, regardless of ethnicity, religion, ability or disability. Our courses cover a wide range of interest areas, from academic to physical and artistic activities. Our members enjoy both the intellectual engagement and the social aspect of our courses.

Many of our members are keen and curious travellers, and their journeys take them all over the world. Come and hear their stories, and perhaps share your own. Become a member of U3A Deepdene to access these and over 70 other courses and activities.

Our Art and Craft groups offer essential mind, body and spirit benefits. Stimulate your brain, develop your fine motor skills and have a laugh with a great bunch of people.

Classes include:

Social Stitches
This independently run social group meets weekly. Social stitchers share skills and advice on a variety of needle work and thread-based activities whilst having a chat, enjoying a cuppa and forming friendships.

Pottery
Get your hands dirty and have some fun in our teacher-led pottery class. With a mix of hand building, wheel throwing and turning, glazing and firing you can make a range of pieces to be proud of. Pottery is great for building hand-eye coordination and strength. Individuals work on their own projects with the help and guidance of Ursula, a fellow potter and teacher.

Art Therapy
Join art therapist Eric who guides and facilitates our art class. Eric has an interest in freehand drawing and painting (using varying paint mediums). Materials are provided as is morning tea and the opportunity to meet likeminded class members to meet and chat with.

The Australian Vietnamese Association runs a range of activities including talking, sharing stories, gentle Qigong exercises, traditional dance, table tennis, tai chi, line dancing, gentle exercise, digital skills, singing, games, excursions and events. Runs on Saturday from 9 am to 12 pm. Cost: $20 per year.

BASScare offers BC Connected tech support sessions four times a week. Volunteers can assist you with understanding your device, adding apps and even how internet banking works.

We understand that keeping in touch with old friends, making new friends and socialising can be tricky at any age. We make it easy for men aged 65+ to keep active and engage with others in our men’s only group, Boroondara Blokes.

Rodney, a fantastic staff member, grabs the Boroondara Blokes from their homes every second Monday, they hop in the mini bus and they are off on a new trip.

The Chinese Seniors Cultural Association offers the following activities:
Chinese KungFu, Chinese Tai Chi, dancing and Model Show, table tennis and Majiang;
Learning English on ZOOM, military drum band and paper-cutting.
Runs weekly on Saturdays from 9 am to 4 pm. Cost: $20 per year.

We provide opportunities for older people to participate in group activities to enhance well-being and foster connections, Mah-jong, Line Dancing, Traditional Folk Dancing, Choir, Karaoke, Creative Painting, Table Tennis, and Ballroom (Sequence) Dancing. We aim to encourage our members to be socially active, lead healthy lives, and promote independence. We are holding activities on Monday and Wednesday 9:30 am to 5 pm, and Friday 7 pm to 10 pm (exclude public holidays). Cost: $20 annual membership fee.

我們提供給廣大的中老年健康活動 項麻將 排舞 民族舞 合唱團 卡拉OK 創意水彩畫 桌球 及 澳洲舞等各種活動 包括四個傳統中國節慶的慶祝活動 戶外旅遊等. 歡迎住在 Boroondara 區域的居民前來報名加入會員 活動時間: 每周一三 : 9:30 - 17:00 每周五晚上: 19:00-22:00 (公定假日不開放).

Want to build strength, get fit, meet new friends or just enjoy the endorphins that come with exercise? From Tai Chi. and Line Dancing to Meditation or essential Strength and Balance classes, we cater to all levels of physical capabilities so you, or your loved ones, can continue to live an active and healthy life.

Have a confidential chat with our staff to discuss your goals so we can assist you in finding a class that will best fit you.