U3A wrote to Mayor Duncan Gair late last year, requesting funds to host the annual NSW U3A Network Conference in the Highlands as part of the group's 20th anniversary celebrations.

"The letter requests a total of $3000 and it also says they would be appreciate if council could cover two thirds of the cost, so the amount they are requesting is $2000 to $3000," Cr Gair said.

Councillor Graham McLaughlin put forward a motion for council to provide $2000 in funding for the event. "They do spend more than $28,000 a year hiring our venues so in a small way it's an acknowledgement," Cr McLaughlin said.

"The spin offs financially of people coming here well outweigh what we are giving away as a token gesture."

Councillor Larry Whipper seconded the motion and said it was a good opportunity to promote the shire. "This would be consistent with the aims and objectives of promoting the shire and supporting those within the community that contribute so much," Cr Whipper said. "I think this $2000 donation is just acknowledging the status of this group which is quite a significant community based organisation, which contributes greatly promoting our shire."

However, Councillor Holly Campbell said she would be more inclined to support the donation if it was for educational purposes. "They are asking for this money for food and drink, it's for a party," Cr Campbell said. However, councillors voted unanimously to provide $2000 support to U3A Southern Highlands. The group's 20th anniversary is this year and it will be celebrated from April 29 to May 1, with the opening night function at the Bradman Museum in Bowral.