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COTA SA E-NEWSLETTER
12 April 2023

   

In this edition...

In the headlines...

COTA SA's State Budget submission in focus

Priority One: Cost of Living and Financial Security


The cost of living crisis is very real and very difficult for older people, especially those on low and fixed incomes. Through our engagement with older South Australians we hear many stories of how people are struggling to make ends meet and the difficult choices they make to balance a budget and cut spending. For example, a gentlemen in his 60s made the difficult decision to leave his family, friends and community to move to a regional area because he could no longer afford to live in a capital city.


“Due to ill health, I no longer can afford to live in a capital city anymore,” he told us.


“In between rent, food and groceries, medication, monthly and quarterly bills and expenses, I’m forced to make decisions on a daily basis about what to do.”


COTA SA’s first priority in our 2023/24 State Budget Submission is focused purely on measures to address cost of living pressures and financial security.


If funded, our proposals will help to alleviate the cost of living pressures currently faced by so many older South Australians.

   
     

Conversations: Growing older on the Yorke Peninsula

On 5 April, COTA SA’s Yorke Peninsula Advisory Group hosted an event on Narungga Country, Moonta about growing older on the Yorke Peninsula.

 

More than 40 South Australians aged 50 years and over came together for a rich and lively conversation about their individual experiences of ageing — the most joyful parts and the challenges of ageing in regional South Australia.

 

The insights from this conversation will continue to inform our policy and advocacy platforms and generate new ideas of how our Yorke Peninsula Advisory Group can best connect people to information about services and activities in the region, and to each other.

     

Taking action on fitness at 61

At 61, Penny knew it was time to finally do something about her fitness.


“Leisure activities such as bush walking and dancing, driving, housework, and my work as an Early Childhood Teacher, were all becoming more difficult because my body’s declining strength, range of movement and balance,” says Penny.


“I felt physically very weak and incapable.”

All the latest from Strength for Life

The Strength for Life community continues to grow, reaching more people and making a difference to the lives of thousands of older South Australians.


Read the latest news, community updates and how Strength for Life is going from strength to strength! In this edition of Strength for Life news: 

  • Intercultural Strength for Life in the City of Marion
  • Strength for Life at Hahndorf Institute
  • Strength for Life is for everybody!

     

Let’s talk about water in regional South Australia

Share your experiences and views about your water use and needs

 

The Plug-in is currently undertaking research to understand the water use and needs of people aged 50+ in regional South Australia.


You’re invited to complete a survey and share insights about your needs, usage and attitudes to water in your local area. You may have concerns about water, or you may not — either way, we want to hear from you!


This project will help us learn more about how water access and use affect older Australians in regional areas and findings will be used to inform COTA SA’s advocacy and help to develop policies and services that better meet the needs of older South Australians.

   

Project updates from The Plug-in


The Plug-in team has been busy engaging with a broad range of people from our influencer community on a range of projects.

Read all the latest from The Plug-in, including:

  • Project update: Guiding Principles for Creating Meaningful Social Connections
  • Project update: Video report of our findings from Navigating Change research
  • Results: COTA SA Communications Survey
  • Find out how you can get involved in future projects.


The Plug-in is COTA SA’s specialist consumer engagement and insights consultancy, connecting people with business, industry and researchers to generate insights that improve products, services and policies for the growing 50+ market.


If you would like to become part of The Plug-in’s community of Influencers, you can register with us online at theplugin.com.au/connect or over the phone on 08 8232 0422.

   
   

Fleurieu Neighbourhood Network

Take a tour of Sophie's Patch

Thursday 27 April 27, 10am
Sophie’s Patch, Mount Barker Springs.

Sophie Thompson will take our group on a personally guided tour of her garden. All visitors must be fit and able to walk as it is a three-acre rural property on a slope.

The cost is $30 per person and includes a delicious morning tea of homemade cakes made with Sophie’s home grown produce. Tour cost does not include transport.


Places are filling fast. To book, please email fnn@cotasa.org.au as soon as possible. Just let us know how many tickets you require and if you need gluten free.


Fleurieu Neighbourhood Network launches Neighbourly Group


The Fleurieu Neighbourhood Network has launched its FNN Neighbourly Group on Facebook — it's live now and ready for you to join.


A place to give and get within your local community, the group is a Gift Economy movement run by and for members of Fleurieu Neighbourhood Network.


Click here to join the group now!


Follow on Facebook, visit the website and sign up for free regular updates.

   
     
     

From Penola to Naracoorte, from Port McDonald to Millicent, and anywhere in between, you may have questions about keeping yourself independent at home.

John Moran is COTA SA’s Ageing Well Coordinator dedicated to supporting people in the South East and across regional South Australia to better understand the My Aged Care system and what services are available.


Ring John on 1800 182 324 for free independent advice regarding the My Aged Care system and the answers you’ve been looking for.

Make sure you get the most out of the services you may be eligible for. Learn more about our Let's Talk Aged Care service here.

   

Rainbow Hub monthly lunch
A monthly lunch for members of the LGBTI community aged 50+

When: 12 noon – 1.30pm, Thursday 27 April, 25 May and 22 June

Where: Treasury 1860, 144 King William Street, Adelaide

Bookings essential: By week prior, email events@cotasa.org.au or call 08 8232 0422



Silver Rainbow Training

Discounts available for CHSP providers!

 

COTA SA’s Silver Rainbow Training and Consulting Team helps organisations to better understand the needs of their Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex (LGBTI+) clients through a focus on diversity and inclusion training and organisational development. 

 

We work with aged care providers to help your managers, staff and volunteers to:

  • Understand the needs of LGBTI+ clients with an overview of our community and our stories
  • Engage with our history – decades of discrimination and the impacts on our health and well-being
  • Identify LGBTI+ inclusive practices and how such practices relate to the quality standards of your services and your organisation’s diversity action plan.
  • Explore what this means for your work and your workplace.

 

Special discounts are available to CHSP providers, including half-price training sessions for groups of 15–25 CHSP staff or volunteers. Discounts on consulting services may also be available before 30 June or until places book out.

 

Visit the Rainbow Hub for more information about our consulting services or contact us on 8232 0422 to make a booking for your organisation.



Rainbow social outing


Soak up the Autumn sunshine on the lawns of Government House Adelaide, when Her Excellency the Governor opens the grounds for the public to enjoy their lunch picnic-style, accompanied by local musicians.


Visitors are invited to explore the gardens and to bring their own food, beverages, chairs and picnic rugs. A joint activity of ECH, Rainbow Hub and Catalyst.


WHEN:  11.45am Friday 14 April 

WHERE: Meet outside Government House on North Terrace with your picnic, chair/rug, beverage. 

REGISTER: Please RSVP to ask@ech.asn.au or phone 1300 275 324 


     

COTA SA Community Connect

Our Community Connect volunteers will be out and about in the coming weeks - catch them at the following event:


Seniors Forum - Mark Butler MP, Minster for Health and Aged Care

Friday 14 April, 9:30  11:30am

19 Fitch Road, Fulham

     

Have your say: Retirement Villages Amendment Bill

The State Government is currently undertaking community consultation on proposed amendments to South Australia’s Retirement Villages Act 2016.

 

You are invited to submit your comments on proposed amendments to the Act, which have been made in response to review recommendations, to strengthen the operation of the Act, increase consumer protections and provide clarity for residents and operators.

 

Proposed changes include improving contract transparency by ensuring relevant information, including all fees and charges, is available to prospective residents to support informed decision-making.

 

Consultation closes Friday 19 May. More information and opportunities to have your say are available on the Government’s YourSAy website

     

Australian of the Year Luncheon — Book now!

Sandra Miller, South Australian recipient of Senior Australian of the Year 2023, will feature in a panel discussion at the upcoming Australian of the Year luncheon. More information about the speakers and panelists on the Australia Day website.


Friday 16 June, 12pm to 2:30pm
Adelaide Convention Centre

Tickets $150 per person + booking fee — Book here

     

Survey: Digital technologies and barriers to use

While digital technologies for health, such as Medicare Online, My Health Record and electronic prescriptions, have been developed to support better connected health and aged care, many older Australians do not use them. COTA Australia is conducting some research to understand why this may be the case, and they need your help by completing a short, anonymous survey that will take 5–10 minutes to of your time. Your feedback will help COTA Australia develop resources that may help older Australians and their families benefit from these technologies, and on ways to improve systems and communication with older Australians.

Complete the survey here — closes Monday 18 April

     

Mother's Day at Capri Theatre

Win one of two double passes!

Young at Heart

Sunday 14 May, 2 – 5:30pm

The Capri Theatre, Goodwood


Mother’s Day just happens to be the anniversary of Frank Sinatra's passing, so the Capri has organised a special celebration and on-screen tribute to ol' Blue Eyes.


Lucky winners will also be treated to afternoon tea at 2pm in the Capri Foyer followed by a performance on the Wurlitzer theatre organ and a screening of Young at Heart.

To win a double pass, be one of the first two callers to ring COTA SA on 8232 0422!

     

COTA TRAVEL

Two amazing day tours from Adelaide

Normally $120 per person, now only $85 for COTA members


Cruisin' the Murray

Departs 13 and 19 May 2023

Enjoy a fun day out on the Murray River at Mannum with a scenic river cruise that includes morning tea, lunch at Mannum Community Club Restaurant and a visit to Aussie Apricots for afternoon tea and a sample pack. Travel by luxury coach with Adelaide city centre and Mitcham pick up points.

*Special price departures are only on 13 and 19 May 2023.

Wonders of Safari

Departs 11 and 18 May 2023

Following a delicious morning tea at Mount Barker's Auchendarroch House, you will enjoy an exclusive safari around Monarto Safari Park — one of the world's largest open range zoos. You will experience and learn about the zoo's many animals including meerkats, white rhinos, chimpanzees and cheetahs, with an informative talk by a knowledgeable safari park keeper onboard the coach. Travel by luxury coach with Adelaide city centre and Mitcham pick up points.

*Special price departures are only on 11 and 18 May 2023.


For more information and bookings, phone 1300 896 282


     
     
   

Let us know how we are doing

At COTA SA we always welcome your feedback so we can improve our services to you. If there's something you'd like us to know,  please tell us using the button below.

   
   
   

COTA SA acknowledges the Kaurna people of the Adelaide Plains as the traditional custodians of the land our headquarters occupy. We also acknowledge all Aboriginal nations throughout South Australia. We honour Aboriginal peoples’ continuing connection to Country and recognise that their sovereignty was never ceded. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging and extend that respect to all Aboriginal people.

   

POSTAL ADDRESS 
 PO BOX 7024, Hutt Street SA 5000
STREET ADDRESS    
Kaurna Country Level 1/85 Hutt St, Adelaide SA 5000  
P: 08 8232 0422   |    E: cotasa@cotasa.org.au
www.cotasa.org.au
ABN 28 426 218 58