| |
| |
COTA SA E-NEWSLETTER
18 March 2026 | |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
Election day is nearly here | |
| |
South Australians head to the polls this Saturday for the 2026 SA State Election and early voting is already open. In the lead‑up to the election, COTA SA has continued to welcome a range of announcements from political parties that directly affect the lives of older South Australians.
As the state’s peak body representing South Australians aged 50+, COTA SA has outlined key priorities in our 2026 State Election platform and monitored party commitments as they emerge .
Many people may still be looking for clear, accessible information about their voting options. If you need more detail on how, where, and when to vote, you can read our voting information article here. | |
| |
| |
COTA SA welcomes funding commitment for dementia carers | |
COTA SA welcomes SA Labor’s election commitment to invest $500,000 in support for carers of people living with dementia.
While this funding is a positive step, COTA SA continues to advocate for a more coordinated, statewide approach to dementia and brain health, as outlined in our 2026 State Election Platform.
| |
| |
| |
Seniors Card expansion plan | |
COTA SA warmly welcomes the election promise from the Malinauskas Labor Government to expand access to the Seniors Card by removing the work cap, which aligns with COTA SA’s advocacy. | |
| |
| |
Other recent election commitments include | |
| |
| |
| |
COTA SA wins grant for regional transport project | |
"Better ways to get around can be life-changing"
COTA SA Chief Executive, Miranda Starke | |
COTA SA is pleased to share that we will be among the recipients of the government's recently announced Ageing Well Community and Research Grants. This will allow us to deliver our project, Getting Around Your Way: Codesigning Transport Options for Regional South Australia. The initiative aims to support older people in regional areas to better understand and explore alternatives to driving, and to be part of developing solutions shaped directly by community input. We will be heading out regionally later in the year - so watch this space! If this is a topic that resonates with you, we'd love to hear from you - email connect@theplugin.com.au.
| |
| |
| |
Finding ways to save and stay connected as fuel costs rise | |
| |
Many older South Australians are already feeling the pressure of rising living costs, and the recent spike in fuel prices is adding another layer of stress.
If you’re feeling the impact, you’re not alone. In the meantime, we've put together some practical supports, services, and ideas that may help right now. | |
| |
| |
Conversations in the City, 'The Art of Belonging' | |
| |
A big thank you to everyone who joined us for our latest Conversations in the City event, 'The Art of Belonging'. It was a full house and we were delighted to see so many of you there! The morning included engaging speakers, plus a fantastic sing-along with the community singers from Sing Australia Glenelg and Warradale. Watch this space for details of the next Conversation in the City!
| |
| |
| |
Does COTA SA’s e‑News make a difference for you? | |
| |
Whether it’s prompted action, changed your thinking, or simply kept you connected, we’d love to know. Tell us by answering 4 quick questions — it only takes a moment. | |
| |
| |
| |
New aged care beds welcome; deeper system reform still needed | |
Our colleagues at COTA Australia have welcomed the Federal Government’s recent announcement that it will invest $115 million into areas with the worst shortages of residential aged care beds, but note more must be done. Adelaide is among those areas due to the hundreds of older South Australians who are stranded in hospital due to the lack of appropriate aged care placements. This issue of stranded patients is one COTA SA has been advocating on for several years.
COTA Australia Chief Executive Officer, Patricia Sparrow says, "more must be done to fix the growing pressures across Australia’s health and aged care systems."
| |
| |
| |
| |
Co-designed Navigation program: Cost-of-living | |
We know that cost-of-living is a challenge for older people in South Australia and COTA SA is actively seeking funding for a Cost-of-living Navigation Program that was co-designed with community in 2025.
Riina's story helps us understand why it can be overwhelming to find information and supports in times of stress.
| | | |
| |
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. | |
| |
| |
Building confidence and wellbeing through Better Balance instructor training | |
| |
Our first Better Balance instructor training for 2026 has been completed, with passionate Strength for Life instructors taking the next step toward accreditation. Discover how this program is helping older Australians improve balance and confidence, and how to find a class near you. | |
| |
| |
COTA Visitors - we want you! | |
| |
The COTA Visitors program is making a profoundly positive impact on people’s lives. Since receiving visits from a volunteer as part of the COTA Visitors program, 97% of older participants report feeling more socially connected, 93% feel they have someone they can rely on, and 87% report having something to look forward to in life.
Join our team of volunteer visitors that make a difference in just one hour each week. Check out volunteer visitor stories here.
For further info or to apply visit our website. We look forward to welcoming you onboard.
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
RHSA Supporting Pride of the Hills | |
RHSA is delighted to be a partner of the Pride of the Hills launch - a free, joyful, vibrant community celebration of LGBTQIA+ pride, inclusion and visibility. With live performances, delicious food, rainbow craft activities and community information booths. Come and say hello at their stall, 5 - 8pm Friday 27 March at Stephen St and Mt Barker Town Hall. | | | |
RHSA nominated Community Group of the year | |
Rainbow Hub SA (RHSA) is delighted to have been nominated Community Group of the Year for the second year running at the 2026 South Australian Pride Awards. Find out more including how to cast your vote here. | |
| |
| |
Rainbow Hub SA lunch
A monthly lunch for members of the LGBTI+ community over 50.
When: 12noon - 1:30pm, Thursday 26 March; 23 April, 28 May 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.
| |
| |
| |
National Advance Care Planning Week | |
16-22 March is National Advance Care Planning Week which encourages us all to think about our wishes and plan ahead for our future healthcare.
Make your health care choices now with advance care planning – it eases the burden for your loved ones, and ensures your voice is heard.
| |
| |
| |
| |
Thursday 19 March is Close the Gap Day, a social justice campaign aimed at advocating for health and socio-economic equality for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It aims to close the 10–11 year life expectancy gap, focusing on health, education, housing, and justice through community-led initiatives. Visit the website to learn more about how you can support Close the Gap, including registering for the online launch of the 2026 Close the Gap Report. | |
| |
| |
Embolden, Lived Experience Advisory Network | |
| |
embolden is South Australia’s peak body for specialist domestic, family and sexual violence services. If you have lived experience of domestic, family and/or sexual violence, your insights can help shape better services and policies in South Australia by being part of their Lived Experience Advisory Network (LEAN). COTA SA knows from our research in this area how important it is that the voices of older South Australians are heard. If you are interested in sharing your experiences you can find out more on the embolden website. | |
| |
| |
| |
| |
This week is Harmony Week, the celebration that recognises our diversity and brings together Australians from all different backgrounds. It’s about inclusiveness, respect and a sense of belonging for everyone. You can wear orange to show your support, or you can attend/host a Harmony Week event. | |
| |
| |
Capri Giveaway: Chris McPhee Theatre Organ Concert
| |
Win a double pass!
Chris McPhee A.A.G.M., M.B.I.E., M.A.I.E. is a respected theatre organist. Based in Adelaide, Chris has performed at leading venues across Australia, New Zealand, the United States, and the United Kingdom.
With special guest Mark Oates (singer/actor), long-standing State Opera South Australia artist and in-demand concert artist, Mark tours nationally and internationally with Aerial Artists Australia. And featuring the 1921 Buster Keaton comedy ‘The Boat.’ | | | |
Thanks to the Capri Theatre we have two double passes to give away at the Capri Theatre, Goodwood this Saturday 21 March, 6:30-9pm.
To win a double pass, click the button below and complete the form by 3pm Thursday 19 March. Entries will be randomly selected and we will email the winners on Thursday 19 March. | |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
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. | |
| |
