HOW TECHNOLOGY AND SCIENCE ARE INFORMING VICTORIA’S COVID RESPONSE

MARTIN FOLEY, VICTORIAN MINISTER FOR HEALTH & GERARD MANSOUR, VICTORIAN COMMISSIONER FOR SENIORS

9 OCTOBER 2021

Lessons learned in the pandemic

The large audience that tuned into U3APP’s Seniors Festival Saturday Seminar was given wide ranging, thoughtful and candid insights into Government’s response to the COVID19 Pandemic by the Victorian Minister for Health, Martin Foley and the Victorian Commissioner for Seniors, Gerard Mansour.  A refreshing change from the combative and obfuscating style of media interviews that we have become all too accustomed to.

Both speakers acknowledged that the advent of Coronavirus had impacted heavily on people’s lives and even more so in the last months with the emergence of Delta.  Both speakers also acknowledged the challenges in responding to the Pandemic – the uneven impact it has had on Victorians through isolation, economic hardship, misinformation, and issues of mental health.

Minister Foley stressed the fundamental importance of science and technology as essential tools in the health crisis.  He acknowledged that the development of effective vaccines was the biggest breakthrough internationally; but locally Victoria’s universities and scientific bodies like CSIRO, the Doherty and Burnett Institutes had responded with modelling, tracing, genomic sequencing, the testing of sewage and ventilation control and the upskilling of staff.  Lives, because of the science and technology, have been saved.

The Minister stressed the high level of cooperation and genuine support of Health Ministers, Health Departments and Health Bodies and Officers across Australia irrespective of political persuasion.  These lessons will carry over as we emerge from the crisis.

Gerard Mansour, the Commissioner for Senior Victorians also pointed to changes in the Victorian senior’s activities in this period: acquisition of new IT skills, engagement with neighbours and developing greater resilience.  The Commissioner praised U3A as an organisation that fosters connectivity and learning that embodies his logo of “never stop exploring”.  The Commissioner’s presentation can be accessed by clicking here.

The Webinar was most ably facilitated by Marcel Colman, a Current Affairs Tutor of U3APP, with insightful comments and thought-provoking questions.  Move over Leigh Sales!

To view a recording of the seminar, click HERE.

Pam Caven, COVID-19 Working Group, Committee of Management

How to Enrol

On-line: after bookings have opened

On-line enrolments are preferred as this significantly reduces the amount of back-office work for our volunteers.

  • Login to the U3APP.org.au website.
  • Go to the Courses & Enrolling page.
  • Scroll down to find the course that you are interested in.
  • Does the course have spaces available?
    • Click on the course name to go to the booking page.
    • Click on “Book for this course or event”.
    • You will receive a confirmation email.  Please check your Junk/Spam folders as these automatically-generated emails often finish up there.
  • OR is the course shown as FULL?
    • Click on WAITLIST.

Paper Enrolment Form: before bookings open for First Semester

  • Obtain a paper Enrolment Form either from the Office or by printing an online copy available here.
  • Complete the paper Enrolment Form and submit it to the Office.

The start date for acceptance of paper Enrolment Forms for first semester is published on the U3APP website and in the e-Bulletin. Enrolment Forms received before this date are treated as though they had been received on the start date (ie there is no advantage to be gained by submitting early). On the start date and thereafter, paper Enrolment Forms are numbered in order of receipt.  Paper Enrolment forms are processed by U3APP volunteers on the same day as on-line bookings.

If your enrolment is successful, you will receive a confirmation email.  Please check your Junk/Spam folders as these automatically-generated emails often finish up there.

If your enrolment is unsuccessful,  you will receive an email telling you that you have been waitlisted.

Via the Office: after bookings have opened

  • Contact the office in person, or by email or phone.