Tutor Recognition Awards 2026: Celebrate the Volunteers Who Inspire Lifelong Learning
Parliament House provided a prestigious setting for the fifth annual U3A Victoria Tutor Recognition Awards, where 28 outstanding volunteer tutors from across Victoria were recognised for their exceptional contribution to lifelong learning.
More than 100 guests attended the ceremony, including award recipients, their families and supporters, representatives from U3As across the State, and six Members of Parliament, each of whom spoke warmly of the contribution U3A makes to Victorian communities. The Members of Parliament highlighted the importance of the U3A movement in promoting healthy ageing, lifelong learning and social connection, and congratulated U3A Victoria on its continued strong growth in membership across the State.
The annual awards celebrate the dedicated tutors who are the foundation of every U3A. By generously sharing their knowledge, skills and experience, they enable thousands of older Victorians to continue learning, stay socially connected and lead active, purposeful lives.
The ceremony recognised not only this year’s award recipients but also the invaluable contribution made by the many volunteer tutors who give their time each week in communities throughout Victoria. Every class, discussion group, walking group, lecture and workshop reflects the commitment of volunteers who willingly share their expertise for the benefit of others.
The Tutor Recognition Awards provide an opportunity to thank all those who make lifelong learning possible. Now in their fifth year, the Awards have become an important tradition for U3A Victoria, recognising excellence in volunteer tutoring and celebrating the people who inspire learning, friendship and community across the State.
Congratulations to the 2026 award recipients and to every tutor whose dedication continues to enrich the lives of older Victorians and strengthen the U3A movement.
The enthusiastic support shown by Members of Parliament reflected the growing recognition of U3A Victoria as one of Victoria’s leading organisations promoting healthy ageing, lifelong learning and community connection.
To view the list of our 2026 Tutor Recognition Award recipients, please see below:
2026 Award Recipients
| Recipient | Activity | U3A |
| Gerald Engwerda | Current Affairs | Albury Wodonga |
| Janice Kelly | Philosophy | Banyule |
| Danielle Andrews | Yoga | Bayside |
| Seng Poon | Digital Literacy | Box Hill |
| Keith Ashfold | Philosophy/Chess | Bright |
| Michael Sammut | Digital Literacy | Brimbank |
| Helen McGrath | Tai Chi | Casey |
| Marilyn Kimber | Travel | Corangamite |
| Stephen Morris | Line Dancing/Dance | Cranbourne |
| Timothy Keane | Photography | Dandenong |
| Jone Gaillard | History | Deepdene |
| Bernadette Delahunty | Music | Dunmunkle |
| Leonie Price | Course Coordination | Frankston |
| Maggie McPherson | Yoga | Glen Eira |
| Donald Roberts | Bird Watching | Goulburn Valley |
| Margaret Clarke | Bird Watching | Goulburn Valley |
| Sheelagh McLeod | Exercise | Hastings |
| Carolyn Macafee | French | Hawthorn |
| Hilary Harwood | Photography | Kingston |
| John Butsleaar | Bushwalking | Kyneton |
| Margaret Thompson | Art and Craft | Mornington |
| Ian Blencowe | Music | Mt Dandenong & District |
| Brigitte Ciurleo | French | Nunawading |
| John Miller | Environment | Port Fairy |
| Diane Gameson | Drawing | Port Phillip |
| Peter Wingett | Digital Literacy | Prom Coast |
| Linda Robertson | Patchwork and Quilting | Ringwood |
| Timothy Tsui | Art | Wheelers Hill |
| Barry Giddings | Pickleball | Yarra City |