Holly Thompson has dedicated more than two decades to wildlife care, primate conservation, and sector leadership. She began her career at Perth Zoo in 2002, and has since contributed in a consultative capacity to conservation across Southeast Asia with orangutan, Javan Gibbon and bears.

A recent highlight of Holly’s work has been overseeing the completion of the White Cheeked Gibbon Crossing habitat, at Perth Zoo, and coordinating the transfer of Asian elephant Permai to Monarto Safari Park SA, one of the longest elephant road transfers in Australia. Her conservation fieldwork has focused on Sumatra, where she coordinated the release of Perth Zoo born Sumatran orangutan Nyaru to the wild, a world first.

Recently Holly has been in Laos working with Free the Bears, to help close down bile farms, applying many of the strategies developed through her Churchill Fellowship.

Thursday 24 September 2pm
Margaret River District Club, 11 Tunbridge Street

The Rebuild of Wallcliffe House
A Vision for this Famous Property

Wallcliffe House is a heritage listed homestead built between 1857 and 1865 for Alfred and Ellen Bussell.
It had many owners before it was destroyed in the major 2011 bushfire.
Now under redevelopment we will hear from Matt Middleton, who has spent the last seven years as lead architect.
Matt grew up in Margaret River through the 1990’s, enjoying a childhood connected to the forest and ocean of the Capes region. He graduated as Head Boy at MR High School and was a Rotary Exchange Student to Brazil. Matt Graduated from UWA with Honours in Environmental Design and Architecture.

Thursday 30 July 2pm
Margaret River Men’s Shed, 5 Shepherdson Place

The Odd Couple

Pam Townshend and Peter Lane, taking different approaches, will lay the groundwork for a (hopefully!) lively discussion on how we can best protect our environment, especially mitigating and coping with our planet’s rapidly changing climate.

10am Wednesday 3rd June
Margaret River District Club
11 Tunbridge Street

Stay for morning tea.
FREE event for members.
RSVP by Friday 29th May
u3a@paramor.net.au

Western Australia’s Marine Plants
John Huisman

Dr John Huisman is the Curator of the Western Australian Herbarium and also undertakes taxonomic research into Western Australian marine plants. Mostly hidden beneath the waves, our marine plants include an impressive range of colours, shapes and textures. In addition to their important ecological role, marine plants have an incredible potential for human use, either as food or in a range of industrial and agricultural processes.
John’s presentation will concentrate on the seaweed flora of Western Australia, including historical and recent studies, and will attempt to raise an appreciation of the value and beauty of this often-ignored group of plants.

Stay for afternoon tea.
FREE event for members.
RSVP by Monday 16th March
u3a@paramor.net.au

This significant find changed the future of the whole mining industry
in Western Australia.
Jeff Gresham—geologist by profession, lived and worked in Kambalda
from 1976 to 1985 and will tell us the story of this remarkable time
when Australia’s gold industry was waning and the iron ore industry
was at an embryonic stage.
Jeff’s illustrated talk will include the early European exploration of the
Eastern Goldfields, the discovery of nickel and the sensational but
short lived mining boom that followed.

ANTÓNIO CARRILHO—VIRTUOSO RECORDER PLAYER

António Carrilho is a visiting musician from Portugal who will discuss and demonstrate Baroque recorders including Bass, Tenor, Alto and Soprano as well as modern instruments. António has performed as a soloist, in chamber music groups and with orchestras in Europe, Japan, Brazil and the Netherlands.

11 am Thursday 22 January 2026
Margaret River Uniting Church
60 Tingle Avenue

(FREE event for U3A members, visitors welcome)

Nature’s Bee All and End All:
Why “Winged Wonders” must bee protected

Engineer, Farmer and well known Bee Keeper Rod Pavy will
detail just how important bees are to our lives and our planet.
Rod as managed over 700 hives and is one of Australia’s
leading bee keepers. His family business Red Earth Pollen are
the largest supplier of premium bee pollen collected from the
spectacular and diverse flora of WA.

Thursday 27 November
Margaret River Men’s Shed, 5 Shepherdson Place
10 am—Stay for morning tea afterwards.

Taste and Experience Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) is now one of the exciting key foods of our region. U3A Margaret River is delighted to present another session on this wonderful product.
This time the presentation panel will comprise three national and international EVOO judges from WA. They are Thelma Burnett, Isabella Okis and Carolyn Reid.
The focus of this new 2 hour session will be the latest information on tasting and using EVOO.
In this interactive session you will taste and enjoy specially selected award winning oils with examples of food prepared with EVOO.

This event has a 20 person maximum so book now!

Join us for an enlightening talk from

Tim Crimp, third generation dairy farmer from Rosa Brook

From a Glass of Milk to a Glass of Wine and Now to Acres of Houses

Thursday 28 August 10am
Margaret River District Club, 11 Tunbridge Street
Stay for morning tea afterwards

Thursday 3rd July 4pm to 7pm
Margaret River District Club, 11 Tunbridge Street

Bar opens at 5pm – enjoy a complimentary Welcome drink and a very delicious supper!
Live Latin American music provided by Tomas Cano will add to the atmosphere!
Cost: $20.00 – U3A members and visitors welcome
Pay with cash or card at the door or deposit to U3A Bank:
BSB: 086 798 (NAB) Acc: 140224516

Future State—the Great Expectations for Western Australia!
Join us for an enlightening talk from the

Chief Scientist of Western Australia, Professor Peter Klinken AC

What are the opportunities for WA through energy transmission and decarbonisation?
Professor Klinken will answer these questions, followed by a Q&A.

Friday 23 May 10am
Margaret River Mens Shed, Shepherdson Place, Margaret River
Stay for morning tea afterwards.

Stories Quilts Tell… have you ever stopped to listen?

Friday 4th April 10.30am
Arts Margaret River Foyer Gallery, HEART, Wallcliffe Road Margaret River
Join Maureen Munro for a walk and talk through this fabulous display of textile art… every piece has a story to tell.
Morning tea served in the Foyer

The Catalpa under sail with Fenian escapees approaching in the whaleboat

Join Peter Murphy, writer of historical novels, telling the true story of the Fenians, Irish political prisioners held in 19th-century Fremantle Prison.

Bill Bunbury interviews Peter to discuss how he brought together this history which has many perspectives.

One person’s freedom fighter is another person’s terrorist and this story is an excellent example of history’s dilemmas.

Tuesday 11 March 10am

Margaret River Mens Shed, 5 Shepherdson Place

Stay for morning tea afterwards.

Twenty interesting courses will be available and you may enrol in person on
Monday January 20 between 11:30am and 2.00pm
Or Thursday 30 January between 1pm and 2.30pm
In the Foyer of the HEART, Wallcliffe Road
On this enrolment date only, membership and course fees can be paidin cash, by cheque or by credit card at the HEART.
You may also enrol on-line using your computer, tablet or smartphone at

https://u3amr.org.au/members/ at any time from 11:30 am on January 20th.

And Your Favourite is Back!

Living & Travelling in Remote Places

While our organisation mainly attracts older members of the Margaret River community, we are pleased to welcome anyone who is interested in life-long learning and would like to join us.

Come and hear CSIRO oceanographer George Cresswell tell us his fascinating story of sea voyages on the vessels of eight nations and how the Leeuwin current affects
us all.

“We’re all going to the Zoo today and you can come too!!”

Perth Zoo – A World Leading Conservation Zoo

A talk by Brian Easton AO

Margaret River District Club, 11 Tunbridge Street
Thursday 21st March at 10.00am

Stay for morning tea afterwards

February 2024

View the INSIDIOUS installation, then join in a WEED WALK to identify the key weeds we are highlighting in the Barrett St Reserve.

THURSDAY 29 February, 2024. 8.30am to 11am

Early start to avoid potential heat, as we do a short walk to the INSIDIOUS
installation behind the Old Settlement.
Meet at the main school building and follow the signs.

Then informative talks from Mike Griffiths (Nature Conservation MR),
Hayley Bain (Shire of AMR), and Maureen Munro (Friends of Barrett St Reserve).

Morning tea, provided by the Historical Society at the Old Settlement.
Please remember to bring hat and water bottle!

November 2023

Friday 24 November 2pm at the Margaret River Uniting Church, 60 Tingle Avenue followed by afternoon tea.

Come and listen to this fascinating talk by partners Paul and Jodie, both originally from WA and now world leaders in their own fields of expertise

August 2023

10am Tuesday 29 August, Margaret River District Club, 11 Tunbridge Street

A free for U3A members talk by Peter Lane, visitors welcome with gold coin donation.
Please RSVP to bunty@paramor.net.au by 27 August.

July 2023

February 2023

It goes without saying that this presentation will feature dazzling Clara Butt recordings.

Thursday 23 February
Morning tea at 10 am followed by the talk
Margaret River District Club
11 Tunbridge Street, Margaret River

January 2023

You can attend U3A membership and enrolment days at the
Mainbreak Room, Shire Offices, Wallcliffe Road, Margaret River

Thursday 19 January between 10.00am and 12.00 noon

or Monday 23 January between 1.00pm and 3.00pm

On these two enrolment dates only, membership and course fees can be paid in cash or by cheque at the venue.

Twenty four courses to choose from – and NO exams

While our organisation mainly attracts older members of the Margaret River community, we are pleased to welcome anyone who is interested in life-long learning and who would like to join.

November 2022

Dr Mike Donaldson OAM will share his knowledge and research of Aboriginal rock art.
He has extensive global background in mineral exploration, associated research and geological mapping.

Joint SPECIAL EVENT with the U3A Naturaliste Club of Busselton

Margaret River District Club
11 Tunbridge Street, Margaret River.

Friday 18 November
10.30am arrive for morning tea
11am presentation.

October 2022

Spring time is nature at its best.

Come for a walk round some of Augusta’s loveliest gardens.

Starting with Sally and Peter’s home garden, this year with a new theme.
Followed by morning tea (U3A shouting coffee/tea)
Then a walk around Flinders Bay oldest gardens with Criena.

Wednesday 26th October
10am

Please meet at 5 Molloy Street, Augusta.
11.15am at Colourpatch Café for morning tea or lunch.
1.30pm Meet at 5 Wishart Road, Flinders Bay.
Remember to wear study shoes and a hat.

September 2022

Tasting and Experiencing Extra Virgin Olive Oils
Uses and Benefits of EVOO

Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) is now one of the exciting key foods of our region.
Jill James and Thelma Burnett, two experienced national judges will lead a two hour interactive session to explain the importance, flavours and aromas and health benefits of using EVOO in different foods.

Participants will have an introduction to olive varieties and regional differences.
The importance of flavours and aromas and tasting new seasons local EVOO will be explained in fun group exercises.

The session will conclude with pairing EVOO with your
favourite foods plus some tasty treats.

This session has a 20 person maximum so get in quick!

RSVP By Monday 12th September to bunty@paramor.net.au

August 2022

More than just football!

We are delighted to advise you that our August Event is something you will find awe-inspiring!

In 2000 two men had an idea that would become a National Educational program that encourages young Indigenous men to stay at school to Year 12. Using football as a carrot, to keep them at school there are over 10,000 young men in the program across Australia. Many gain tertiary qualifications, vocational education, and apprenticeships, therefore, allowing them to look forward to having a better future..

It is a remarkable story and one you will enjoy.

Please join us on Thursday 25th August when Ross Kelly AO, Chairman of The Clontarf Foundation will tell you the story.

Thursday 25th August 6pm
Bar open from 5pm
Margaret River District Club Tunbridge Street, Margaret River

July 2022

Patrick trained as a journalist in Wales, and over more than half a century has written thousands of newspaper and magazine articles … many of which have born out his view that people are endlessly fascinating.
But fallible.
He is now a freelance journalist, a regular contributor to the West Australian … and has written well over 650 obituaries.
Patrick’s major priority now is writing books with a biographical bent.

Thursday 28 July
11am with lunch from 12 midday
Margaret River District Club
11 Tunbridge Street, Margaret River.

May 2022

‘The Country is Alive:
A sense of place among Aboriginal and other West Australians.’

Thursday 12 May
11am with lunch from 12 midday
Margaret River District Club
11 Tunbridge Street, Margaret River.

As relative newcomers to an unfamiliar continent early settlers attempted to reconcile themselves to its ecology and its people.
Bill illustrates this in literature and poetry.

Bill Bunbury joined the ABC in 1969 with his Radio History talks, has written 14 books and was awarded an Order of Australia for his services to broadcasting and Aboriginal communities.

March 2022

‘Making Life Comfortable’ WA: From Campsite to Thriving State

In his talk, author and historian, Richard Offen, will trace how, from very humble and difficult beginnings, Western Australia, specifically the South West, slowly evolved from nothing more than a camp site into a thriving area with all ‘mod cons’ laid on.

Tuesday 15 March
10.30 am
Augusta Community Resource Centre

Residents of Augusta are being offered an introductory U3A new member annual subscription of $25 (usually $40) to access over 25 U3A courses and monthly events.
Go to https://u3amr.org.au to register and enrol.

February 2022

Ever wonder how planes fly … and stay up in the sky?
Max Collings will enlighten us all!

Thursday 17th February
10am
Church Gallery, MR Community Centre
33 Tunbridge Street, Margaret River

Max has had 48 years in aviation, starting with the RAAF,
then Cathay Pacific, Ansett, China Southern College.
Author of “International Safety.”
Max has flown everything from a Fokker 28 to a Boeing 707!

January 2022

In-Person Enrolment
Monday December 13 2021 10:00 am – 12:00 noon
OR
Thursday January 13 2022 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm

You can attend U3A membership and enrolment days at the Mainbreak Room, Shire Offices, 41 Wallcliffe Road, Margaret River
On these two enrolment dates only, membership and course fees can be paid in cash or by cheque at the venue.

Twenty five courses to choose from – and NO exams

BRAND NEW !!

Catholic Church Reform… WA’s Railway History… Traveling to Out-of-the-way Places… and MORE!

All welcome – you need to be aged 50 or over and not in full-time employment.

November 2021



A Visit to Max’s Garden
Patton Road, off Ellenbrook Road, Cowaramup
Thursday 28 October 10.30am

Morning Tea Fundraiser for River Angels
(Please bring $5 cash)

Enjoy walks around the garden
(note: water and steep slopes hazards)

October 2021

The earth needs us to grow food differently!

Aquaponics is on the rise as more people turn to fish poo to grow local fresh produce.
John Bowskill’s Margaret River Aquafarm is the largest of its kind in Western Australia, come and learn more during our U3A visit.

Wednesday 13 October 10.30am

20 Morris Road Forest Grove

Head south from Witchcliffe, turn left into Rocky Road,
200 meters past the end of the bitumen turn right into
Morris Road, continue to end of the road and follow
the signs to the Aquafarm

September 2021

July 2021

Tasting and Experiencing Extra Virgin Olive Oils
Uses and Benefits of EVOO

Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) is now one of the exciting key foods of our region.
Jill James and Thelma Burnett, two experienced national judges will lead a two hour interactive session to explain the importance, flavours and aromas and health benefits of using EVOO in different foods.
Participants will have an introduction to olive varieties and regional differences.
The importance of flavours and aromas and tasting new seasons local EVOO will be explained in fun group exercises.
The session will conclude with pairing EVOO with your
favourite foods plus some tasty treats.

This session has a 20 person maximum so get in quick!

RSVP By 15th July to bunty@paramor.net.au

June 2021

We have two events on offer this month: In-person enrolment for Semester II courses, and a talk by Dr. Paul Wilkes. Enjoy!

In-Person Enrolment

Semester II is almost here! We will offer in-person enrolment at the Shire offices in two sessions-

• Monday 14 June, 10am-12pm
• Thursday 24 June, 1pm-3pm

The course program will be made available on the website here on 7 June. Enrolment on-line in UMAS will be available from 10am 14 June.

And for course leaders, a short session on course presentation will be held on Monday 14 June from 1pm to 2pm, also at the Shire offices.

Talk: Climate Change, Renewable Energy And Ways Forward by Dr. Paul Wilkes

Monday 21 June 2pm

Duggan Pavilion, Hall Road, Cowaramup

A summary of the most important aspects of global climate change and the consequences.
We clearly need to markedly reduce greenhouse gas emissions in electricity generation, agriculture, industry and transport.
This talk will provide Australian and international examples of how we can achieve the required changes.

Presented by Dr. Paul Wilkes, a geophysicist with wide international experience in energy ranging from nuclear power to oil, gas and geothermal.
Paul has worked in the private sector as well as in the public sector including time in Geoscience Australia, Curtin University and CSIRO.

Please RSVP By 15th June to bunty@paramor.net.au

Look for our U3A sign on Bussell Highway
Stay for afternoon tea after Paul’s talk.

May 2021

This month, rather than have our own event, we instead are recommending that you consider attending one of the free events on offer at the Margaret River Reader’s and Writer’s festival.

See below for more information on these events- note that registration is required for several of them.

For more information about the Festival, click here.

Fantastic FREE EVENTS at the Margaret River Readers and Writers Festival

The 2021 Festival program is now LIVE and boasts a number of FREE events across the weekend, suitable for all ages.

38. Put it in Writing with Mark Greenwood Friday 14th May, 10.00am – 11.30am Augusta Council Chambers FREE EVENT, REGISTRATION REQUIRED

39. Ignite your Writing Workshop with Sasha Wasley Saturday 15th May, 10.00am – 11.30am Busselton Library FREE EVENT, REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED

41. Creating Stories Writers Workshop with Rebecca Higgie Saturday 15th May, 2.00pm – 3.30pm Dunsborough Library FREE EVENT, REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED

JULIA solo dance theatre work Readers & Writers Room, Margaret River HEART Friday 14th May, Saturday 15th May, Sunday 16th May 1.25pm – 1.45pm, 15min performance followed by 10min Q&A. FREE EVENT, ALL WELCOME (no ticket required, just come along and join us)

44. The Wilding Stories Listening Lounge 14th – 16th May, HEART Upstairs Balcony Please be advised this audio installation contains emotive content.  Three listening experiences, allow one hour. FREE EVENT, REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED

March 2021

Hubert Wilkins and Douglas Mawson – Chalk and Cheese

A Talk by Peter Alcock

Tales of an extraordinary life as a Polar explorer, cinematographer, aviator and spy!

Monday, 22 March, 10am

Duggan Pavilion
Cowaramup

Please RSVP to Bunty via email
bunty@paramor.net.au
or text 0411 101 373

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December 2020

OR attend U3A membership and enrolment days at the
Mainbreak Room, Shire Offices, Wallcliffe Road, Margaret River
on the following dates and times:

Monday 14 December 2020 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
OR
Thursday 14 January 2020 12:00 noon – 2:00 pm

On these two enrolment dates only, membership and course
fees can be paid in cash or by cheque at the venue.

Twenty eight courses to choose from – and NO essays or exams

All welcome – you need to be aged 50 or over and not in full-time employment.

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November 2020

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October 2020

Thursday 15th October 10am
The Church Gallery, Margaret River Community Centre

Barbara Scott OAM.

“I became very outspoken, saying every child in WA should
have access to early childhood development”

A champion of children, a teacher, activist and politician over the years. Writing government policies for expanding kindergarten and early childhood learning.

Limited numbers so please RSVP By 12 Oct
to
bunty@paramor.net.au

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September 2020

Tuesday 29th September
Visit Leeuwin’s famous Art Gallery with a guided tour by
the curator Tricia Horgan.

Meet at Leeuwin Estate Arts Gallery
downstairs entrance at 10.30am.

Limited numbers so please RSVP By Tuesday 22nd Sept
to
bunty@paramor.net.au