WITH an Order of Australia Medal for services to international relations, particularly as a rural development adviser in Cambodia, Charles Davis OAM comes with a lifetime of experience to share with the community in his new role as Vice President of the Nambucca U3A.

Charles worked with the NSW Department of Agriculture from 1969 – 1977.

Agriculture has always been a priority for Charles, giving him the opportunity to contribute to on-farm testing and promotion of new technologies for rural communities in China, Ethiopia, Pakistan, India, Nepal Bangladesh, Myanmar, Cambodia, Fiji and Samoa.

Charles is new to the area, but ready to contribute with new ideas for sharing life experiences and skills with the greater community.

“I grew up in Bylong Valley, a magnificent time and place for a kid.

“Later I worked for the Department of Agriculture with the benefits of overseas travel, working and promoting new technologies in rural communities,” said Charles.

Short Talks is an idea he hopes to bring to U3A.

The idea is an open forum of fifteen-minute talks on any subject.

Charles said, “Everyone has an interesting story, whether it’s about themselves, their skills, or life experiences.

“A fifteen-minute time slot gives speakers a short time frame to work with.”

U3A has a list of new courses lined up for the second semester.

There will be fifteen-minute talks, motion picture history, exploring classical music, Bucca books, bird watching, sustainability, day trippers, Men’s Shed, and Lesley’s Craft.

Prospective members can attend the Nambucca U3A Open Day on July 5 from 10 am to 12pm at Macksville RSL.

“At present we have 280 members and we are looking forward to building on that number with the removal of Covid restrictions,” said U3A President Paul Coe.

For more information visit www.u3a.com.au/ or contact Debbie Anderson at contact@u3a.com.au.

By Karen GRIBBIN