Time to… volunteer and organise

Joe Lane has immense energy and is willing to give to others in many directions.

His volunteer opportunities allow his breadth of working and living experiences to keep expanding. Joe moved to the Illawarra (after escaping Sydney) 18 years ago and found the Northern Illawarra University of the 3rd Age (NIU3A) to be exactly what he needed. A wealth of past friends and new ones opened his life.

“My wife, Jenny and I, have lived and worked abroad in India, China and Indonesia for many years – and also Lockhart near Wagga Wagga proved influential for my upbringing and early experiences – but coming to the northern Illawarra, I found another home,” Joe said.

“I am well aware of how fortunate I have been and volunteering allows me to give back to others, that just may need a little hand up occasionally.”

As part of NIU3A, Joe Lane organises weekly talks at Thirroul Community Centre each Wednesday morning at 9:30am (during school term).

“I find available local and other speakers and liaise with them to deliver talks throughout the term,” Joe said. “There is a 200+ membership in our group so any number may turn up each week, but all are eager to be continued learners. Our members have a varied past, so it is a daunting task sometimes to cover all interests and speaking styles.”

“I am always open to hear of interesting speakers. Some come from the experiences of our group, such as Frank Nowlan, who may talk on art, or aging health or history, or another local like Maurie Mulheron, who examines music and entertains at the same time.

“Other times it may be a lecturer from Wollongong University on climate change and energy options, such as Ty Christopher. Most recently we had a talk on the ‘back stories’ of nursery rhymes by Susan Ackroyd. So many listeners found it all most revealing, while opening their own memories and past.”

Joe said the role of speaker-organiser can be onerous – finding speakers, ensuring they are there on time, keeping them to an allocated time schedule and ensuring library facilities are all working. “The job can have some angst, but generally we all work through the issues and it all comes together each week.”

While this year's speakers program continues to shape up, NIU3A also offers special interest groups at various times of the week.

“Some of these groups like the film society group, the choir, table tennis, the Italian speakers group, various book groups, a creative writing group, a drawing and painting group, exercise groups, Australian/Pacific studies, current affairs, drama and many more groups have been going for over a decade,” Joe said.

“Even line-dancing may be held this year. I still find it astounding that for the single yearly payment of $50, you can enjoy any or most of these groups,” Joe said.

“Joe is also integral in the Northern Illawarra Neighbour Aid (NINA), driving buses which enable many, particularly the elderly, to socialise, shop or attend doctor’s appointments. NINA has different size buses (a 22-seater, a 15-seater and a car), but also relies on volunteers using their own vehicles, for which they are recompensed.

“It enables some who are house-bound to easily get out and remain with friendships etc,” Joe said. “The conversations on the buses are always lively as many meet up each week. Sometimes they are dropped at Thirroul Bowling Club for lunch, a drink and maybe some games, and once there was a portrait artist, who was wonderful.

“It is the relationships that are most important and they want to hear about each other’s grandchildren etc.”

Joe helps deliver food through the Northern Illawarra Meals on Wheels Association. “I drive and deliver meals for those in need in the local area and it all provides a service, but it certainly keeps me active and busy,” he said.