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COTA SA E-NEWSLETTER
15 April 2025 | |
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What We Want: COTA Australia's federal election agenda for older Australians | |
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"This Federal Election is a chance for our politicians to not just show they understand the challenges facing older people, but that they’re ready and willing to take action to address those challenges – not just for the older people of today, but for everyone" - Patricia Sparrow, COTA Australia | |
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Our colleagues at COTA Australia have recently released their federal election agenda outlining the issues that will make the most difference to older Australians, and their recommendations for the major parties as we approach the May Federal Election.
When COTA SA invited older Australians to respond, in our Federal Budget Survey, to the recent Federal Budget we also asked them if it had influenced how they planned to vote. While many said the budget had no impact on their voting intentions, 15% of respondents said they were considering changing their vote and another 16% remained unsure of how they would vote. Many respondents shared that they would be waiting for more information, and in some cases right up to election day, to make their final decision:
"My decision will only be made on voting day, after the deliberations leading up to it" - survey respondent | |
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Older people respond to the Federal Budget | |
Following the Federal Budget announcement on 25 March, we asked older Australians for their views on the Federal Budget. A total of 222 older people completed our short survey to tell us how they felt about the March Federal Budget announcements and almost half of survey respondents felt negatively about the 2025 Federal Budget.
For many survey respondents, this year’s Federal Budget represented another missed opportunity for meaningful relief. The overwhelming sentiment underscores a growing sense of frustration and uncertainty about whether current federal budget will address the evolving needs of the ageing population. | |
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COTA SA's 2025-26 State Budget Submission
Priority Spotlight | |
Extend the PATS scheme to the Fleurieu Peninsula for older people accessing medical help | |
“Cost and availability of transport to and from medical specialists is a barrier to gaining specialists services,” Fleurieu Peninsula resident
COTA SA is calling on the State Government to extend the Patient Assistant Transport Scheme (PATS) fuel subsidy to Fleurieu Peninsula communities. The scheme currently provides financial assistance towards fuel and accommodation costs when people living in regional areas are required to travel 100km or more each way for specialist medical services. The journey from Goolwa to the Royal Adelaide Hospital is around 85km. Reforming the PATS scheme this will create a fairer system and relieve cost of living pressures for older South Australians in the Fleurieu Peninsula, which has the oldest demographic in South Australia.
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A big thank you to everyone who took the time to chat with us at our recent Listening Posts in the Yorke Peninsula and the Fleurieu Peninsula. We love getting out and about in the regions and hearing you talk about your experiences of ageing in your area. Conversations like these help to inform our policy and advocacy work - such as the priority in our State Budget Submission to extend the PATS scheme to the Fleurieu Peninsula (see above).
Pictured left are Tahlia and Sharmilla from our Plug-in team, along with Policy Council members, Elaine and Peter. Pictured right is Tahlia with a member of the public who stopped for a chat. | |
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ABC Adelaide Drive and inDaily | |
Recently our Chief Executive Miranda Starke has been featured in InDaily and interviewed on ABC Adelaide Drive talking about COTA SA's advocacy for free ambulance services for South Australians on the full aged pension.
"South Australia is the most expensive place to be if you're a full aged pensioner and you need an ambulance", Miranda said when she joined Nikolai Beilharz on Adelaide Drive on 1 April (skip to 2hrs 3 minutes to hear what Miranda had to say).
InDaily also featured an opinion column by Miranda on this issue: "Facing bill shock on a tight and fixed budget and experiencing a medical episode that needs urgent care are two of the most significant and constant worries for many older South Australians."
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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: - Our new team member out & about
- Creative connections at Turramurra, Highbury
- Provider call-out - how do you get creative?
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The Plug-in project opportunity: Co-designing a cost-of-living support program
At COTA SA, we continue to hear the mounting financial pressures being experienced by people aged 50+. The Plug-in’s latest project is to understand the experiences of people who have lived in, or currently experience, financial hardship in South Australia. The aim of this project is to co-design a program that supports people aged 50+ experiencing cost-of-living pressures to access peer guidance and support that will help individuals take steps to regaining financial control.
If you have experienced financial challenges and feel comfortable to share your experiences, we’d love to hear from you. | |
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The Plug-in is COTA SA’s specialist consumer engagement and insights consultancy. We connect 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. | |
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COTA SA regularly makes submissions on behalf of older South Australians to governments, regulators and other bodies on a broad range of topics to influence the decisions and actions that affect them. Recently we have made the following submission:
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COTA SA's Climate Change Group | |
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Solar made simple webinar
A big thankyou to everybody who joined us on 2 April when our Climate Change Group hosted its latest webinar, Solar Made Simple, co-hosted with the Mayor of the City of Mitcham, Dr Heather Holmes-Ross. We discussed solar energy and City of Mitcham's community energy program which has substantially reduced barriers to entry for solar by providing a simple, cost-effective way for their residents to make a difference.
If you weren't able to make it - or you'd just like to watch it again, we're pleased to be able to share that the recording of this webinar is available to watch now.
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Climate Change Group event at Burnside library
If you're in the area, you can join members of the Climate Change Group at Burnside Library for Reducing Your Energy Costs and Emissions. Hosted by City of Burnside, this event features information shared in our February webinar with members of the group who have had a go at both reducing energy costs and their greenhouse gas emissions sharing their insights and experiences. If you'd like to attend and hear about it live you can register below. | |
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New Board and Policy Council members | |
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We're pleased to extend a warm welcome to our newest Board Director, Rajendra Pandey who previously featured as a panelist at our Meaningful connections at every age event in celebration of International Day of Older Persons 2024.
We're also pleased to welcome our three newest Policy Council members: - Hanna Law, Greg Mackie and Linda McCabe who had the opportunity to join us for their first Policy Council meeting last week.
Pictured above, Rajendra in conversation with fellow panelists at our Meaningful connections at every age event | |
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Statement of Aged Care Rights
The new Aged Care Act will put the rights of older people first. It includes a Statement of Rights for older people accessing aged care services and, from 1 July 2025, this will replace the current Charter of Aged Care Rights.
Find a plain language summary of those rights here.
You can also watch a recording of a recent OPAN webinar discussing the Statement of Aged Care Rights here. | |
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Rainbow Hub SA monthly lunch
A monthly lunch for members of the LGBTI+ community over 50.
When: 12noon - 1:30pm, Thursday 24 April and 22 May Where: Treasury 1860, 144 King William Street, Adelaide
Booking: https://rainbowhubsa.com/connect/ or call our new phone number 0487 033 684. It really helps the venue plan for catering. If you're new there will be someone to welcome you. | |
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Rainbow Hub SA's new website
Have you checked out Rainbow Hub SA's revamped website? You can book lunches and events, donate, download resources, read the latest news, see past newsletters and more…
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Have your say on draft Retirement Villages Regulations | |
Statewide consultation open now
Now is your chance to share your feedback about proposed amendments to the Retirement Villages Regulations 2017; consultation is open until Sunday 11 May at 5pm.
The proposed regulations cover topics including: - updated Codes of Conduct for operators, staff and residents of retirement villages
- requirements for additional information to be provided to prospective residents in contracts and disclosure statements
- minimum requirements for emergency procedure and safety planning of villages
- updating dispute resolution processes and resident committee obligations
- arrangements for raising and considering alterations to residence rules.
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Have your say: Murray Mallee Regional Plan | |
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The Murray Mallee Regional Plan (the Plan) maps the government’s long-term planning vision for the Murray Mallee region to 2051 and beyond - and consultation on the plan is open now until 17 June. See the Plan here. | |
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Survey: Accessibility of Adelaide's rail network platforms | |
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The 2024 / 2025 Knowing Community Project involves the Department for Infrastructure and Transport graduates working collaboratively to research, engage and propose alternatives to how passengers who use mobility aids, like wheelchairs and scooters, access the passenger rail network.
Currently the height of several older train platforms are below the state’s current rolling stock height of 1200mm above the top of rail, varying by up to 235 mm, as they were designed to cater to the rolling stock in service when the stations were built. | |
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Australian of the year luncheon | |
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Book now for an inspiring afternoon at the Australian of the Year Luncheon, celebrating the remarkable achievements of Neale Daniher AO, 2025 Australian of the Year. A true testament to resilience and leadership, Neale is co-founder of FightMND, a charity that has raised and invested over $115 million into medical research to find a cure for motor neurone disease (MND).
When: Friday 20 June, 12 - 3pm Where: Adelaide Convention Centre Bookings: Essential, visit the website for more information and to purchase your ticket | |
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School holiday movies family pass | |
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Win a family pass!
The Capri Theatre, Goodwood
Book in for some School Holiday Fun at Capri. Take your seats in the heritage building for a limited-time screening of A Minecraft Movie, Dog Man or The Day The Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie – perfect viewing for the whole family.
Thanks to the Capri Theatre we have a family pass to give away to see one of these fun family movies during the school holidays. Valid until 27 April. (Family Pass = 2 Adults + 2 Kids or can be 1 Adult + 3 kids)
To win a family pass, click the button below and complete the form by 9am Thursday 17 April. One entry will be randomly selected and we will email the winner on Thursday 17 April.
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Win a double pass!
The Adelaide Repertory Theatre ARTS Theatre 53 Angas Street, Adelaide 5000, 24-27 April and 30 April-3 May
Thanks to the Adelaide Repertory Theatre we have 3 in season double passes to give away to see this gripping and emotionally charged play that explores themes of memory, loss, and the complexities of the human mind.
Don't miss this unforgettable theatrical experience brought to life by The Adelaide Repertory Theatre Company.
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SPECIAL EVENT: Following each Matinee a Q&A session will be held with the Director and cast and invited panellists from organisations that provide services and assistance in the field of Dementia, and other cognitive health issues.
To win a double pass, click the button below and complete the form by 9am Tuesday 22 April. Three entries will be randomly selected and we will email the winners Tuesday 22 April. | |
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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. | |
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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. | |
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POSTAL ADDRESS
PO BOX 7024, Hutt Street SA 5000
STREET ADDRESS
Kaurna Country Level 1/85 Hutt St, Adelaide SA 5000
Office open to visitors Tues-Thurs 9am - 5pm, please call or email outwith these hours www.cotasa.org.au ABN 28 426 218 58
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COTA SA receives a commission from all insurance sales in South Australia. | |
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