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COTA SA E-NEWSLETTER
18 February 2026 | |
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State Election 2026: What older South Australians need now | |
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"We know that these priorities will make a difference to older South Australians."
COTA SA Chief Executive, Miranda Starke | |
What do older South Australians need now? The 2026 SA state election is coming up next month and COTA SA has identified five key priority actions which will make a difference to older South Australians.
Check the page regularly, we'll share updates and announcements from the parties on the issues impacting older South Australians.
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Party election commitment updates | |
COTA SA has welcomed a number of announcements from the major parties in areas that impact older South Australians: - Labor have announced their re-election commitment to a four-year $16m expansion to the Patient Assistance Transport Scheme (PATS).
- The Liberal party has announced one-off stamp duty concession of $15,000 for people aged 55+ wanting to downsize their home if they meet particular criteria.
- SA Labor has committed to deliver 1,300 new aged care beds in South Australia, including the transformation of the former Women’s and Children’s Hospital site in North Adelaide into a specialised aged care precinct with more than 600 public and private beds.
- The Greens Robert Simms MLC and Independent Jing Lee MLC have both called for free ambulance cover for SA pensioners, aligning with COTA SA’s push for free ambulance services for South Australians on the full age pension.
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Voting. It's a good thing. | |
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With the election coming up you may be looking for the voting option that best meets your needs. The good news is that voting is now easier and more accessible than ever - with a range of options available you can choose the one that works best for you to cast your vote and have your say.
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Does COTA SA’s e-News keep you informed? | |
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Launch of Ageing Well Plan: the Next Decade | |
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COTA SA was well represented at the launch of South Australia's Plan for Ageing Well: the Next Decade. Prepared by the Office for Ageing Well, this plan was produced in consultation with older people around South Australia, and provides direction for supporting older people over the next 10 years. Minister for Seniors and Ageing Well and Minister for Human Services Nat Cook MP launched the strategy, and renowned demographer Bernard Salt AM provided an address highlighting some of the opportunities for SA in the coming years, as our population ages. The Plan has 4 priorities: - Being safe and well
- Having peace of mind
- Feeling valued and visible
- participating in society
COTA SA looks forward to collaborating with the Office for Ageing Well, the Government more broadly, and the community to deliver on the priorities that older South Australians have identified matter most to them. | |
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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 made the following submission: | |
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South Australian Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Prevention Forum | |
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Our Policy and Advocacy Manager, Allison, joined the South Australian Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Prevention Forum at the Adelaide Convention Centre on 3 February. Minister Katrine Hildyard set the scene for the conversation that followed. Speakers from a wide variety of organisations and workplaces - from the Port Adelaide Football Club to aged care provider, and COTA SA Supporter, Eldercare spoke about what they are doing to make a difference. A key takeaway from the day is that we all need to do what we can in our own sphere of influence. | |
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State of the Older Nation | |
Our colleagues at COTA Australia recently released their 2025 State of the Older Nation report.
COTA SA welcomes the release of this report, which powerfully reinforces what we hear from older South Australians every day. | | | |
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Your superannuation and investments can help combat climate change | |
Our Climate Change Group members regularly share stories and information with our community that they find useful with the hope that you'll find it useful too! In this edition, the group shares information about how your superannuation and investments can help combat climate change. | |
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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, we have new and exciting projects coming up this year, join us to get involved. You can register with us online at theplugin.com.au/connect or over the phone on 08 8232 0422. | |
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COTA Visitors - we want you! | |
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Join our team of volunteer visitors that make a difference in just one hour each week. Visit in an aged care facility or a person’s home and bring joy to someone’s world.
Check out the friendship between Sunita & Barbara here.
For further info or to apply visit our website. We look forward to welcoming you onboard.
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Community strength in action at Hallett Cove | |
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What does long-term commitment to strength and balance training look like? At Fit 4 Everyday Hallett Cove, some participants have attended more than 650 Strength for Life classes, helping build a strong, welcoming community. With classes expanding in 2026 to meet growing demand, this inspiring story shows the real impact of staying active, connected and strong as we age. Read the full story on the Strength for Life Latest News page. | |
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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 Cheltenham Joe Szakacs MP - Seniors Forum When: Tuesday 24 February, 1 - 3pm
Where: Grange Recreation Reserve, Military road, Grange | |
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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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Late last year Rainbow Hub SA (RHSA) launched a film “Decriminalisation of Homosexuality in South Australia 1975” hosted by the Hon Ian Hunter MLC at Parliament House followed by afternoon tea. The Hon Nat Cook MP was also able to join in briefly. As part of the 50th anniversary of the decriminalisation of homosexuality in SA, RHSA commissioned Monty Khizam and Edwin Kemp Attrill to record its impact with some older members of our community.
Photo caption, from left: Hon Nat Cook MP, Hon Ian Hunter MLC, Hugh Macindoe, Will Sergeant, Anton Jarrett, Ivan Wooller, Neil Whittenbury, Edwin Kemp Attrill and Desmond Ford | |
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Rainbow Hub SA lunch
A monthly lunch for members of the LGBTI+ community over 50.
When: 12noon - 1:30pm, Thursday 26 February; 26 March; 23 April Where: Treasury 1860, 144 King William Street, Adelaide
Booking: https://rainbowhubsa.com/connect/ or call 0487 033 684. Booking helps the venue plan for catering. If you're new there will be someone to welcome you.
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Grandcarers SA – Supporting Grandparent Carers | |
Around 3,500 children in SA are being raised full-time by grandparents, mostly under informal arrangements that offer little legal, financial or practical support. Without these carers, many children would enter an already overstretched child protection system. Grandcarers SA is a small not-for-profit supporting more than 1,000 grandparent carers across SA, who together provide safe, stable homes for almost 2,000 vulnerable children. Support includes a telephone helpline, peer support groups at 12 locations, and limited financial help for essentials such as school uniforms, sports equipment and laptops.
Grandcarers SA also advocates for policy reform to improve support for carers, many living on pensions or superannuation. Ahead of the election, it calls for funded support for carers and increased operational funding. | |
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Adelaide Metro ticketing update | |
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From Friday, 20 February 2026, paper MetroTickets will no longer be sold or accepted on Adelaide Metro buses, trains, or trams.
Customers now have quick, easy and contactless options on all transport with: - metroCARD - including Seniors Card which has built-in metroCARD technology
- Tap and Pay (Visa, Mastercard, or American Express bank card or digital wallet)
- Buy & Go app (free from the App Store and Google Play)
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Helping Hand's Age Old Problems: New Aged Care podcast
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Are you navigating the wide range of aged care services and in-home support? Then turn to Age Old Problems: New Aged Care, a friendly podcast from aged care provider Helping Hand, that offers practical advice and acts as your personal guide.
COTA SA Supporter, Helping Hand is breaking down the complex system into simple, easy-to-understand conversations, making sure you feel confident about the care and services available to you or your loved one. | |
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New service: 1800MEDICARE | |
You can now get free health information and advice anywhere in Australia, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, by calling 1800MEDICARE (1800 633 422). If you’re feeling unwell, caring for someone, or unsure whether to seek medical help, call 1800MEDICARE and a registered nurse will: listen to your concerns, assess your symptoms, and advise on next steps. | |
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Palliative Care regional workshops | |
Palliative Care SA are offering of free workshops in regional areas this March. In Last Aid, topics covered include dying as a normal part of life / planning ahead / relieving suffering and final goodbyes. In TLC Connector Training it's all about how to talk, listen and connect with people who are experiencing a serious illness, dying, grief or caregiving. | |
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Sunday 22 March, 8am -11am
Meet Henley Square, Henley Beach SA
The Australian Melanoma Research Foundation is once again hosting the Adelaide Melanoma March in collaboration with Melanoma Institute Australia (MIA). It’s a family friendly charity walk from Henley Square to Grange Jetty and return, 4km in total along the coastal path.
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Capri Giveaway: The Rocky Horror Picture Show
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Win a double pass!
Not up for the usual midnight showing of Rocky Horror? Join the Capri Theatre in March for an earlier timeslot.
Nat Ermer will belt out the songs you know and love, accompanied by Claire Baker, rocking the mighty WurliTzer. They’ll also be Time Warping, judging your costumes and giving away a Haigh’s Hamper for the best dressed. The rest is up to you!
Bar opens 8pm; singsong + Time Warp + Parade at 9pm, the show starts at 10pm | | | |
Thanks to the Capri Theatre we have two double passes to give away at the Capri Theatre, Goodwood on Friday 13 March, 9-11:40pm.
To win a double pass, click the button below and complete the form by 9am Monday 23 February. Entries will be randomly selected and we will email the winners on Monday 23 February. | |
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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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