|
|
COTA SA E-NEWSLETTER 28 May 2025 | |
|
|
|
|
|
Celebrating National Volunteer Week 2025 | |
|
Thank you to our active, highly engaged volunteers - we couldn't do it without you! | |
|
We were delighted to host a special thankyou event to celebrate National Volunteer Week 2025 at the volunteer-run Capri Theatre last Tuesday to celebrate and honour our incredible COTA SA volunteers. The day included a special presentation for a number of our COTA volunteer visitors, then we enjoyed a film and shared a delicious lunch and afternoon tea, generously donated by Vili's. | |
|
|
|
|
State Budget 2025-26: Coming soon | |
|
"We believe there are issues that can be addressed in this year’s State Budget that will lead to the improved health, wellbeing and life experiences of older South Australians." COTA SA Chief Executive, Miranda Starke | |
The 2025-26 State Budget will be announced next Thursday. Watch this space, we'll be sharing updates on what it might mean for older South Australians - and asking for your thoughts on the budget and how you feel it will impact you. Have you read our State Budget submission yet? It outlines exactly what COTA SA has been advocating for older South Australians — you can read it now on our website.
| |
|
|
Federal Election: What you told us | |
|
Following the Federal Election result, we conducted an online survey to hear directly from our community about the issues that influenced their vote in this Federal Election and explore what the result means to them. The results were clear: ‘Cost of living’ and ‘Access to health care’ were the two top issues for older South Australians this election. | |
|
|
Conversations in the City - Thriving in a digital age | |
|
The next of our popular Conversations in the City is coming up in June. The theme this time is Thriving in a digital age. It will be an opportunity to build on your digital knowledge, pick up useful tips, and stay safe in an ever-changing online world. We were delighted with the response to this event when we sent the invitation out last week - all spots were booked in less than a day; but if you're interested please do register to join the waiting list and we'll let you know if a spot becomes available.
When: Monday 23 June, 9:30am - 12 noon Where: Parkside room, Adelaide Pavilion, cnr South Terrace & Peacock Road Adelaide Registration: Essential, join the waiting list via Eventbrite or call us on 08 8232 0422
| |
|
|
|
|
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: - Fitness with a beach view
- Strength for Life: Fitness for every South Australian
- Strength for Life in action
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Do you or someone you care for live with a life-limiting illness?
Seeking participants to share their experiences.
The Plug-in has partnered with the University of Adelaide to support with recruiting for an important statewide project. Your insights will help shape the provision of palliative care in the future and help families get the support they need to live well for as long as possible.
We are now recruiting individuals who are living with a life limiting illness and their carers across SA, including people from rural areas, low socio-economic backgrounds, and culturally and linguistically diverse communities. Your experience matters. If this is you, and you are interested in sharing your experience, we would love to hear from you. | |
|
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. | |
|
|
|
|
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 submissions:
| |
|
|
Ageing, Wellness and Diversity Expo | |
|
COTA SA was delighted to attend the Ageing, Wellness and Diversity Expo hosted annually by Multicultural Aged Care (MAC). We were joined by a large number of other agencies and services, a great opportunity to network and to be able to showcase COTA SA’s services and programs with community members from all over the globe. Many thanks to the staff at MAC for their amazing hospitality and special thanks to COTA SA’s CALD Strength for Life volunteer, Elaine Delgado for coming along! | |
|
|
|
Dementia Care Allied Health Symposium | |
|
Janette and John from our Let's Talk Aged Care team were excited to attend Dementia Training Australia’s National United for Dementia Care Allied Health Symposium at Adelaide Oval recently to promote COTA SA and our services. Janette and John support vulnerable older people to navigate the aged care system, and get aged care services and supports that meet their often-complex needs, when there are no family or others to help them. | |
|
Transition to Support at Home | |
The new Support at Home program starts this year.
When will it start? It will replace the Home Care Packages (HCP) Program and Short-Term Restorative Care (STRC) Program from 1 July 2025. The Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) will transition to Support at Home later, no earlier than 1 July 2027. | |
|
|
Member exclusive: Ongoing learning opportunities | |
COTA SA is delighted to be partnering with WEA Adult Learning and Skills SA to provide our members with funded additional learning opportunities through WEA’s program of short courses. As well as developing new skills, lifelong learning can contribute to ageing well with benefits including promoting brain health, staying active and engaged and making new social connections. If you’ve been considering taking a course at WEA this could be the opportunity for you to take a fully subsidised course. | |
|
|
Webinar for aged care providers: Effective Ways to Engage with Older Consumers | |
CHSP providers across Australia are invited to join The Plug-in and COTA SA for a free webinar to learn all about effective ways to engage with older consumers. This one hour webinar will include a presentation plus the opportunity to ask specific questions you may have about consumer engagement and how you can best engage older people to enhance your CHSP service. | |
|
|
Conversation with Salisbury Seniors: Shining a Light on Your Rights | |
|
The next Conversation with Salisbury Seniors, delivered in partnership by City of Salisbury and COTA SA, is coming soon. Join us for a conversation about your rights in key areas of life. As we age circumstances change, understanding your rights is important in everyday life. Come and find out more about your rights and share ideas with others. Discussion will be around rights to with money, legal areas, aged care, making your future wishes known and where to get help if you need it.
Free event with morning tea and pre-entertainment, we hope to see you there.
| |
|
|
City of Salisbury Men's Health Week 2025 | |
Blokes Over 50: Shoulder-to-Shoulder, connecting for health
Men's Health Week is coming soon. Blokes over 50 can join City of Salisbury for a day dedicated to your health and wellbeing!
Enjoy health checks, classic car displays, interactive activities, and a buffet lunch. Hear from expert speakers on mental health, easy health tips, and fascinating stories. Arrive before 10 am for a special prize draw!
When: Friday 20 June 2025 9.30am to 2pm Where: Jack Young Centre (JYC), 2 Orange Ave, Salisbury Cost: $15 Bookings: Required, call 08 8406 8525 or register online | |
|
|
|
|
Rainbow Hub SA monthly lunch A monthly lunch for members of the LGBTI+ community over 50.
When: 12noon - 1:30pm, Thursday 26 June Where: Treasury 1860, 144 King William Street, Adelaide Booking: https://rainbowhubsa.com/connect/ or call 0487 033 684. It really helps the venue plan for catering. If you're new there will be someone to welcome you. | |
|
Rainbow Dog Action Group
Rainbow Hub SA are planning to get the Rainbow Dog Action Group together in June. Email info@rainbowhubsa.com if you would like to get involved. Find out more here.
| |
|
|
National Reconciliation Week 2025 | |
|
This week is National Reconciliation Week 2025, and this year's theme, Bridging Now to Next, urges us to look ahead and continue the push towards a more united and respectful nation. Visit the National Reconciliation Week website for more information, including ideas of how we can all get involved to act today to build a more just, equitable and reconciled country for all.
There's also an events calendar on the website - you can show your support by heading along to an event near you. | |
|
|
Moving Right Along: Obligations and opportunities for older drivers | |
|
Older drivers are generally safe, experienced and careful. However, aspects of the ageing process can affect driving skills. A valuable resource when considering this is the Moving Right Along: Obligations and Opportunities for Older Drivers booklet which has recently been updated.
The booklet provides information about issues facing older drivers, driving safely and alternatives to driving. | |
|
|
Adelaide Metro: Try before you ride 2025 | |
This June, Adelaide Metro are hosting two free events to help you build confidence and skills when using public transport. Join them on 4 June, 1-2:30pm at Adelaide Central Bus Station or 13 June, 10am-2pm at Glanville Railway Station.
These sessions are free to attend and open to everyone - whether you’re new to public transport, need a refresher, or would benefit from extra support to travel independently. Friendly staff will guide participants through each stage of a typical journey, covering topics such as ticketing, journey planning, safety, and accessibility features designed to make travel easier for all. | | | |
|
|
|
Consumer and Business Services (CBS) has received reports from consumers about tradespeople who’ve over-charged, exaggerated the need for extra work, performed shoddy work and pressured customers to immediately sign a contract.
Don’t let this happen to you! If you need to call a plumber, gas fitter, electrician or builder for work at your place, CBS has some important advice to help you avoid things going terribly wrong.
| |
|
|
Capri giveaway - An Afternoon with: Tony Fenelon | |
Win a double pass!
The Capri Theatre, Goodwood Sunday 15 June, 2-4pm
Thanks to the Capri Theatre we have two double passes to give away to An Afternoon with: Tony Fenelon.
A musical feast on the Capri’s Wurlitzer organ and grand piano. Hear Saint Saëns’ Symphony No. 3 (the movie Babe), the Gigue Fugue by J S Bach through to the theatre organ masterpieces of Buddy Cole and much more. No one will leave disappointed!
| | | |
Tony is one of Australia’s grand masters of the theatre organ and an outstanding pianist. He played the Capri’s Wurlitzer at its inauguration in 1983 and has appeared regularly over the years. Find out more on the Capri website (or book your tickets if you don't win!)
To win a double pass, click the button below and complete the form by 9am Monday 2 June. Two entries will be randomly selected and we will email the winners on Monday 2 June. | |
|
|
|
|
|
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 Office open to visitors Tues-Thurs 9am - 5pm, please call or email outwith these hours www.cotasa.org.au ABN 28 426 218 58
| |
COTA SA receives a commission from all insurance sales in South Australia. | |
|