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COTA SA E-NEWSLETTER
July 2026 | |
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Making the ageing experience better, together Our new Strategic Plan | |
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Our new Strategic Plan 2026-2031, which we launched earlier this month, sets a clear direction for how we will make the ageing experience better for South Australians, guided by our community, along with our vision, purpose and values.
Our new strategic plan is built around three priorities: - Trusted authority on ageing – strengthening our advocacy, policy, research, programs and services so we can translate the lived experience of older South Australians into meaningful change.
- Age-inclusive South Australia – challenging ageism, promoting age inclusion, and building understanding and respect across the community.
- Strong and independent COTA SA – ensuring we remain financially sustainable, influential and well positioned to create lasting impact.
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New financial year brings expanded Seniors Card and PATS eligibility | |
July marks the start of the new financial year with several new State Budget measures coming into effect. These include the expansion of the Seniors Card Scheme and of the Patient Assistance Transport Scheme, both reforms that were strongly advocated for by COTA SA:
Did you know? Seniors Card holders can defer their council rates With the removal of the work hours limit for eligibility more people now have access to the benefits and discounts available through the Seniors Card such as free public transport and fuel discounts. If you haven't already applied, you can learn more about the Seniors Card and apply here.
One benefit for members is the opportunity to defer paying council rates. This could be of help to older South Australians looking for practical ways to manage their expenses at this time when cost-of-living pressures continue to affect household budgets. | |
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Expanded Patient Assistance Transport Scheme (PATS) for regional South Australians Earlier this year, COTA SA welcomed the State Government's promise to expand the PATS scheme delivering improvements that will ease financial pressures for regional South Australians. These include: - The accommodation subsidy for a patient will be increased to $110 per night.
- The accommodation subsidy for a patient and authorised escort will be set to $154 per night. 
- The transport subsidy will be expanded to include patients accessing renal or oncology care three times per week and travelling 50-100 km one way (i.e. 300 minimum cumulative travelled per week when calculated across eligible trips).
Learn more about PATS here. | |
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We've reached the halfway of the year and are well into the chill of winter. We'd love to hear how you're going right now. Take our short survey and give us a quick snapshot of your current life experiences to help us keep our finger on the pulse and continue to focus on what is most important to our community. | |
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Support the work of COTA SA | |
For more than 60 years COTA SA has been working with and for older South Australians — and we simply couldn't achieve all we do without the generous support from our community. You may not know that one way you can support our work is to donate. If you're able do do so, we're grateful for donations of any amount. As a registered charity, every gift supports our work with older South Australians, and donations of $2 or more are tax deductible. You can donate online or contact us by phone and we'll be happy to talk about it with you. | |
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Ageing Well Expo in Maitland | |
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The COTA SA team enjoyed catching up with people on the Yorke Peninsula at the Maitland Ageing Well Expo on 25 June. Organisers told us that around 100 people who joined us on the day, and we spoke with many people about their experience of ageing in the region - what they love, and what they would love to change.
We heard that the strong sense of community - including volunteering, church and community groups - are what people appreciate the most, and the issues that were of most concern were access to healthcare, ageing well in regional SA and online scams. It was also wonderful to meet many of the other organisations who were there on the day.
Thank you to all of the people who came to talk with us on the day, and also the organisers for inviting us to take part.
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New submission to Preventive Health SA Draft Strategic Plan for Preventive Health Action 2026–2034 | |
COTA SA welcomed the opportunity to provide feedback on the draft Strategic Plan for Preventive Health Action 2026–2034. We strongly support Preventive Health SA's vision of "Healthier South Australians across generations." It reflects an important recognition that prevention is a lifelong endeavour and that improving population health requires action across every stage of life, and for all ages, including older people. | |
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Could you benefit from a Visitor—or become one? | |
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COTA Visitors brings volunteer visitors together with older people. The program has a profoundly positive impact on people's lives - both volunteers and those they are visiting. Volunteer visitors bring conversation, news, new interest, friendship, and a special connection through a shared language, life experience or cultural understanding.
If you're experiencing feelings of loneliness and isolation and could benefit from a friendship - or if you know someone who might – get in touch with us. Our COTA Visitors service could be just what you need. On the other hand, if you would like to make a positive difference to someone's life and could spare an hour a week or fortnight for coffee and a chat, why not consider volunteering to be a COTA Visitor. | |
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What does ageing well look like in the City of Charles Sturt? | |
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In partnership with the City of Charles Sturt, The Plug-in has been working alongside residents to understand what will support ageing well in the local community.
These workshops have been vibrant and informative opportunities to hear about the experiences of local communities in the western suburbs.
If you live, or regularly use council services, in Charles Sturt, there will be a community wide survey available in August. You can register your interest to keep up to date with the latest project information. | |
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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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Turning passion into action with Strength for Life Easy Moves | |
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Well done Tanya, one of our new Easy Moves Instructors. Since hearing about the program in November 2025, Tanya has completed her Easy Moves training and built a vibrant community of up to 20 participants in her classes with incredibly positive feedback. Read all about Tanya and her journey to establishing a successful Strength for Life community in her local area. | |
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Rainbow Hub SA lunch
Join Rainbow Hub SA for some winter warmth - their monthly lunch for members of the LGBTI+ community over 50.
When: 12noon - 1:30pm, Thursday 23 July, 27 August, 24 September Where: Treasury 1860, 144 King William Street, Adelaide
Booking: https://rainbowhubsa.com/connect/ or call 0427 084 265. Booking helps the venue plan for catering. If you're new there will be someone to welcome you.
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New website: Silver Pride Navigator
Empowering older people to understand their rights is fundamental to realising an aged care system in which the human rights of all older people are fully respected. To support this, LGBTIQ+ Health Australia has created the Silver Pride Navigator — a website that contains information for LGBTI older people, their families and their carers on their human rights and the services available to them.
Silver Pride Navigator provides information on which services older people may be eligible to access in the Commonwealth-funded system; information about how their rights will be upheld, including being fully welcomed as an LGBTI person with their dignity respected; as well as information about support services that can provide LGBTI culturally sensitive services.
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Seniors Card photographic competition and exhibition
Through the Lens 2026 is open for entries now, closing 14 August. Part of International Day of Older Persons celebrations, this competition and exhibition promote ageing well by celebrating the skills of older South Australians through the art of photography and demonstrate that people can learn and create at any age.
With the expansion of the Seniors Card scheme, Through the Lens is now open to more people than ever before offering the opportunity for Seniors Card members to share photos that they have taken, that reflect their diverse lives and interests.
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Adelaide Metro Try Before you Ride | |
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Adelaide Metro is hosting a free ‘Try Before You Ride’ event on Tuesday, 28 July 2026, 1-4pm at Playford Civic Centre. If you haven't travelled on an Adelaide Metro bus before, or if it's been a while, this session could be useful to you.
This is a chance to practice using an Adelaide Metro bus in a safe and supportive environment. Staff will guide you through a bus journey on a stationary vehicle and explain: safety on board; ticketing and fares; journey planning; and accessibility features that can make traveling easier. You'll also have the chance to speak with Passenger Service Assistants from Keolis Adelaide about travelling on Adelaide Metro trains. | |
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Australian of the year awards | |
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Do you know the next Senior South Australian of the year? We all know an everyday Australian doing extraordinary things. In every community, there are people who quietly make a massive difference. They lead, innovate, lift others up and challenge what’s possible. Their incredible contributions shape the lives of those around them and they deserve to be celebrated.
Nominations are open for the 2027 Australian of the Year Awards, it just takes a few minutes to nominate someone but the recognition can last a lifetime.
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Australian Taxation Office (ATO) and ‘myGov’ impersonation scams
Tax time is here and Scamwatch and the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) are reminding Australians to be aware of any communications claiming to be from the ATO or ‘myGov’.
Scammers make phone calls, send fake emails, texts, or messages, and even create fake websites that look like the real thing but they’re not. They attempt to create a sense of urgency so that we click or respond without stopping to check if it's legitimate - stay safe, always: Stop, Check and Protect. | |
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Census jobs available now
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The 2026 census is coming up soon. If you're looking for a flexible opportunity to earn extra money and contribute to something meaningful they're hiring Field Officers now. | |
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Reshaping the Future of Ageing
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There are limited spots left for Reshaping the Future of Ageing next Wednesday 22 July at U City, presented by The Australia Day Council of South Australia. Join internationally recognised dementia and brain health expert Professor Henry Brodaty AO as he shares the latest insights into reducing risk and reshaping the conversation around ageing and brain health. If you're a COTA SA Member, you can access a discounted ticket price for this special event. If you aren't already a member you can visit our website to join. | |
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Capri Giveaway: Tony Fenelon & John Giacchi - Duelling Keyboards!
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Prepare for an unforgettable afternoon as the Theatre Organ Society Australia (TOSA) presents two of the world’s finest keyboard masters in a high-energy ‘Duelling Keyboards’ event. This isn’t just a concert; it’s a masterclass in virtuosity and showmanship, featuring the legendary Tony Fenelon and John Giacchi.
A program not to be missed! The duo will command the mighty WurliTzer alongside the brilliance of virtuoso solo piano, bringing a lively and diverse repertoire to life.
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Win a double pass! Thanks to the Capri Theatre we have three double passes to give away to see this at the Capri Theatre, Goodwood Sunday 2 August, 2pm.
To win a double pass, click the button below and complete the form by 9am Tuesday 21 July. Entries will be randomly selected and we will email the winners on Tuesday 21 July. | |
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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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