QA Forum

About Dorothy Braxton

Hallo: I’m delighted that, like me, you’re interested in learning in later life. The older I get - and that’s now pretty old - the more I want to know about things.

I’ve been a journalist and writer all my life with a career in New Zealand and Papua New Guinea before coming to Australia in 1970. I then worked in CSIRO in the area of science communication. All of that still gives me a licence to ‘stickybeak’ when I travel.

I 'discovered' U3A in the Austrailan Capital Territory (ACT) in 1990. I’ve been an enthusiast ever since, seeing it not just as an Australian organisation but as an international movement with millions who share my love of learning. It’s also a way of meeting old friends and making new ones - being lonely and isolated as you get older is no fun.

I was President of U3A ACT for three years then, in 1998, three of us founded U3A Online. I remain on its Management Committee.

Along with two colleagues, I’ve also just completed a big research program about 80 and 90 year olds. When published, we hope it will change some of society’s attitudes to people in the age group.

I still love travelling to remote places. Special interests include both Polar regions where I’ve been lucky enough to work and spend time, Papua New Guinea, and the Fiordland area of my native New Zealand. Last month I summited two modest peaks in Fiordland but this time did it in a very small helicopter - a lot easier than climbing! Now that was a learning experience. Enjoy the forum. I will.