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COTA SA E-NEWSLETTER
12 November 2025 | |
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What do you celebrate about getting older? | |
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"Today we celebrate freedom, choice, purpose and knowledge" IDOP 2025 attendee | |
With age comes wisdom, shaped by a diversity of experiences, lessons learned, and many skills we’ve developed along the way. International Day of Older Persons is the perfect opportunity to reflect on this.
At our 2025 International Day of Older Persons celebration, Ageing Well in Public (and Private) Life, we invited attendees to tell us what they celebrate about ageing - watch our short video to hear what they told us. | |
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AGM & Expert Aged Care panel discussion | |
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There are still a few spaces remaining for our 2025 AGM on Monday 24 November - members are invited to join us for our AGM where we will report on our achievements over the past year, present our financial statements, and share with you the impact of our work and future plans.
In addition to the AGM, we're pleased to be offering an expert panel discussion on the topic: The new era of aged care in Australia. We hope you'll join us!
If you are not already a member but would like to attend you can join via our website. | |
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COTA SA Conversations with Salisbury Seniors | |
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Thank you to everyone who joined us for our last Conversation with Salisbury Seniors of the year. As well as a delicious morning tea, the event included an entertaining presentation from Dr Morgan Pankhurst about our nutritional needs as we age, macro- and micronutrients, and how to eat well to meet our bodies' needs. Sharmilla from our The Plug-In team also took participants through the findings of a recent research project about the impact of cost-of-living pressures on older people. Watch this space for details of more Conversations in 2026! | |
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Reminder: Help us shape the future of ageing in South Australia | |
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There's still time to have your say! COTA SA is currently shaping our next strategic plan. Listening to our community is central to the way we work and we would value your feedback. We are seeking the perspectives of a diverse range of stakeholders to help shape our priorities for the next 3 to 5 years and you can share your thoughts in our short 5 minute survey. | |
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State election platform: Thank you | |
With the South Australian election approaching in early 2026, COTA SA is focused on ensuring the voices of older people are reflected in election commitments and in the policies that shape services and supports in the years ahead.
Thank you to everyone who took the time to complete our recent survey about your experiences of getting older in South Australia. Your insights will directly inform COTA SA’s policy positions and advocacy priorities. Watch this space for the release of our report shaped by you and your experiences. | |
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Future Living Code Amendment finalised | |
Last year, COTA SA welcomed the opportunity to provide a submission to the State Planning Commission’s Future Living Code Amendment Consultation. Part 2 of the new Future Living Code Amendment has now been adopted and come into effect.
This means that development applications for co-located housing can be lodged and assessed. The feedback COTA SA provided on these changes is reflected in the engagement report. | |
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Do you or a loved one have a life-limiting illness? | |
Share your experience to shape future care
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 sounds like something you are interested in we would love to hear from you. | |
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Co-designed Navigation program: Cost-of-living | |
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In 2025, The Plug-in engaged with South Australians aged 50+ to better understand cost-of-living challenges and to co-design a navigation program. We heard how the experience of cost-of-living is different for older South Australians - participants shared the impact to their health and wellbeing, and the overwhelming challenge of finding, accessing and applying for supports, concessions and rebates.
The program has now been co-designed alongside participants and COTA SA is actively seeking funding to support people aged 50+ struggling to understand and navigate supports and concessions. | |
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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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New Aged Care Act and Support at Home Program | |
The new Aged Care Act started on 1 November; this means that the Support at Home program has also now commenced, replacing Home Care Packages and the Short Term Restorative Care Program. The My Aged Care website has been updated to reflect these changes.
We know that people have questions about what has changed as part of these reforms – and what it means to them. Visit our website for links and resources to help you access the information and support you need. | |
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Community Forum: Accessing Aged Care Services at Home | |
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If you're in the area, you're invited to join Healthy Cities Onkaparinga at a Community Forum to hear about the new My Aged Care Support at Home program and other local services in Onkaparinga.
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Find sessions near you on our new website! | |
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Great news! Our Strength for Life Session Finder is now live on the new website, making it easier than ever to find local classes and connect with our welcoming community of providers. Explore your local providers now! | |
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Calling all Strength for Life instructors! | |
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Finish the year strong, register now for our final 2025 in-person training sessions
Our recent Stay Strong Tier 2 Full Training welcomed 23 new instructors into the Strength for Life community, a fantastic show of collaboration and passion. With the year drawing to a close, there’s still time to refresh your skills and expand your qualifications before 2026. Final 2025 in-person training: - Stay Strong Tier 2 & Aqua Update: 16 November, 2025 (registration closes today)
- Better Balance: 7 December 2025
In-person training is delivered by our SFL Manager, Sophie. We also offer flexible online training options including the Instructor Start-Up Initiative (applications closing soon), Stay Strong Tier 1 and Easy Moves. Finish 2025 strong and step into 2026 ready to make an even bigger impact! | |
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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. | |
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Our team of staff and volunteers enjoys getting out and about and meeting community members, sharing information about COTA SA and hearing about older people's experiences in their local community. Recently, it was great to connect with those from the electorate of Black at local member Alex Dighton's Seniors Forum on Friday 31 October; it was a full-house with around 200 people turning out to hear from Premier Peter Malinauskas. COTA SA was pleased to be part of the forum which brought together local services and community groups supporting older South Australians.
A big thank you to the organisers and everyone who stopped by our exhibit — we’re proud to continue advocating for older South Australians based on our regular engagements with them, including at events like this. | |
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Our Community Connect events team and staff are regularly out and about at expos and events. If you're in the area, please come and say hi!
What: Member for Davenport Erin Thompson MP - Davenport Ageing Well Forum When: Friday 14 November, 11am - 12:30pm
Where: Seeds Uniting Church - Aberfoyle Park, 42 Sunnymeade Dr, Aberfoyle Park
What: Member for Torrens Dana Wortley MP, Torrens Seniors Active Ageing Forum When: Tuesday 18 November, 10am - 12noon and 1 - 3pm
Where: North East Community House 27-31 Queensborough Avenue, Hillcrest
What: Minister for Health and Wellbeing and Member for Kaurna, The Hon Chris Picton MP, 2025 Seniors Forum When: Friday 28 November, 9:30 - 11:30am
Where: Seaford Ecumenical Mission, 611 Grand Boulevard, Seaford | |
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Rainbow Hub SA intergenerational lunch
A monthly lunch for members of the LGBTI+ community over 50.
When: 12noon - 1:30pm, Thursday 20 November and Tuesday 30 December (note change of day in December) Where: Treasury 1860, 144 King William Street, Adelaide
Booking: https://rainbowhubsa.com/connect/ or call 0487 033 684. For 20 November book directly via the FEAST website. It really helps the venue plan for catering. If you're new there will be someone to welcome you.
To mark the 50th anniversary of the decriminalisation of homosexuality in South Australia, Rainbow Hub SA is proud to co-host our November lunch with Flinders University Queer Collective and the University of Adelaide Pride Club. Step into a vibrant, welcoming space where LGBTQIA+ community members and allies can come together to connect across generations, share stories, and celebrate how far we've come. | |
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Rainbow Hub SA supporting Pride of the Hills
RHSA is delighted to be a partner of the Pride of the Hills events across the Mount Barker and Adelaide Hills regions - a joyful, vibrant community celebration of LGBTQIA+ pride, inclusion and visibility through a range of workshops and events. Come and say hello at their stall at the launch from 5pm Friday 14 November at Mount Barker Pop Up Park 21 Morphett St, Mount Barker.
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Senior Australian of the Year - SA | |
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Nominees for the 2026 Australian of the Year Awards for South Australia have been announced. The Senior South Australian of the year nominees include a meteorological researcher, a sound designer, a cookery teacher and an inspirational conservationist! Congratulations to all of them - read all about the nominees here. COTA SA was pleased to assist the Australia Day Council in the selection of the awards again this year.
The winners will be announced this Friday 14 November at 7pm, streaming live on the website. | |
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Invitation: Retirement village roadshow | |
The Retirement Villages (Miscellaneous) Amendment Act 2024 will commence in South Australia on 2 February 2026. To ensure residents and operators are well-informed about the new legislation, the Office for Ageing Well’s Retirement Villages Unit will be delivering targeted information sessions to retirement village residents and operators across the state.
You are invited to attend one of the upcoming Resident Information Sessions to learn more about the changes and what they mean for you. Sessions are coming up in the following regional areas in November and December: Fleurieu; Riverland; Murray Bridge; Limestone Coast; Barossa; Port Lincoln; Yorke Peninsula. Find details and book via Office for Ageing Well's Humanitix page. In addition Adelaide Metro sessions will be held in various locations in January 2026.
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Adelaide Metro: Try before you ride event | |
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This November, Adelaide Metro are hosting a free event at Mawson Interchange for passengers to build their confidence in using public transport. This bus-only Try before you ride is 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 you through each stage of a typical journey.
When: Friday, 21 November 2025, 10am - 2pm
Where: Mawson Interchange, Mawson Lakes
Register here: Try Before You Ride
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Capri giveaway:
Exhibition On Screen: Caravaggio
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Win a double pass!
Thanks to the Capri Theatre we have a double pass to give away to Exhibition On Screen: Caravaggio at the Capri Theatre, Goodwood on Sunday 16 November, 4 - 5:30pm
Five years in production, this is the most extensive film ever made about one of the greatest artists of all time – Caravaggio. Featuring masterpiece after masterpiece and with first-hand testimony from the artist himself on the eve of his mysterious disappearance, this beautiful new film reveals Caravaggio as never before.
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To win a double pass, click the button below and complete the form by 9am Friday 14 November. One entry will be randomly selected and we will email the winner on Friday 14 November. | |
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Capri giveaway: Phantom of The Opera (1925 Silent ) Accompanied by David Bailey on the mighty WurliTzer
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Win a double pass!
Thanks to the Capri Theatre we have three double passes to give away to Phantom of The Opera (1925 Silent ) Accompanied by David Bailey on the mighty WurliTzer at the Capri Theatre, Goodwood on Saturday 29 November, 6:30 - 8pm
In its centenary year, enjoy this original 1925 silent horror movie accompanied by David Bailey on the Capri’s WurliTzer theatre organ. David Bailey is a renowned Australian organist, well known for his brilliant performances and bringing silent movies to life.
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To win a double pass, click the button below and complete the form by 9am Monday 17 November. Three entries will be randomly selected and we will email the winners on Monday 17 November. | |
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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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