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COTA SA E-NEWSLETTER
13 June 2023

   

In this edition...

In the headlines...

   

Focus on addressing social and digital exclusion

COTA SA's State Budget submission in focus

With the State Budget announcements fast approaching, today we are highlighting Priority Five in our State Budget Submission: Social Connections and Digital Inclusion. Invisible yet prevalent, social and digital exclusion has become a pressing issue for older people, especially in the wake of the disruptive COVID-19 pandemic. 


Staying connected to the community and active in mind and body is important for maintaining overall health and well-being. This can be achieved by improving access to technology, transportation, and support when significant changes are experienced, such as moving homes, retirement, or the illness or death of a loved one. To address these concerns, COTA SA has highlighted a number of recommendations to the State Government. Read these recommendations and more in the COTA SA 2023/24 State Budget Submission.

   

Ageing on the Fleurieu Peninsula

What does your future look like on the Fleurieu Peninsula? What do you want to see change or be implemented to improve your experience of ageing? You're invited to join us for a conversation about growing older on the Fleurieu Peninsula. 


Hear from COTA SA’s Chief Executive, Miranda Starke and the team about initiatives that COTA SA is delivering and advocating for on behalf of older people living in regional South Australia. Importantly, we’ll be calling on you to participate in a conversation and workshop about your experiences and expectations. This will ensure that future advocacy efforts of the COTA SA are meaningful and relevant.


Free morning tea will be provided.


When: 27 June 2023, 9:30-11:30am
Where: Carrickalinga House, Torrens Street, Victor Harbor

   
   

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

Every year, 15 June marks World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD). This internationally recognised day is an opportunity for us to highlight and oppose elder abuse. With 1 in 20 older people experiencing some form of abuse, this is a pernicious form of ageism which can lead to serious physical and psychological consequences. Together we can make a difference - by raising our voices, attending events and informing ourselves.

Every year, Aged Rights Advocacy Service holds an online WEAAD conference. This year's theme is 'Elder Abuse - perception vs reality'. The forum will be held on Friday 16 June, 10am-12.15pm and there's still time to book your spot.


 SA Health's Stop Elder Abuse page has a number of resources where you can find out how to spot the signs of elder abuse and what to do next.
     

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: 

  • International Men's Health Week 2023 - Healthy Habits
  • Strength for Life in Mount Gambier
  • Strength for Life visits Grenville Hub
     

Do you live in the City of Adelaide Council area?

If you are aged 50+ and live in Adelaide or North Adelaide, we’d love to hear from you! 

In partnership with City of Adelaide’s Healthy Ageing team, The Plug-in is seeking to understand what council programs and activities older residents would value to support a positive ageing experience in the city. 

Take our short survey to share your thoughts:  

The Plug-in is COTA SA’s specialist consumer engagement and insights consultancy, connecting 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.

   
   

Meet the team

We understand that it can be a struggle for older people to access aged care. We often support people who are facing language and communication barriers, have difficulty understanding government and aged care information, and may not have a family member or carer to support them. 


We are building a compassionate and caring team at COTA SA to support the many hundreds of older people to get the services and support that helps them to live as independently as possible. Rebecca, Julie and Oxana (L-R pictured) are working with vulnerable older people to support and help them understand and access aged care, interact with My Aged Care and connect with other relevant supports in their community.


COTA SA is delighted to be funded by Adelaide PHN to deliver the care finder service in the Adelaide metropolitan region alongside ten other care finder agencies. 


Find out more by calling COTA SA on 08 8232 0422 or 1800 182 324 (country callers) or visit https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/help-care-finder.

Fleurieu Neighbourhood Network

Gardening Group


Do you enjoy gardening, but prefer to have company? Then join our Gardening Group. 

Members to invite other members of the group to join them for a working bee, followed by morning or afternoon tea. Share ideas, plants and your time for mutual enjoyment. 

If interested, text Marilyn Henderson 0438840294

Strollin' on the river


Join us every Wednesday at 10:30am for this weekly slow walking group designed to be accessible for all levels of fitness including people using walking aids.

Please meet in the carpark opposite the Riverview Cafe, Liverpool Road, Goolwa

Stay up-to-date


Follow Fleurieu Neighbourhood Network on  Facebook, visit the website and sign up for free regular updates.

   
   

Rainbow Hub monthly lunch
A monthly lunch for members of the LGBTI community aged 50+

When: 12 noon – 1.30pm, 22 June, 27 July and 24 August

Where: Treasury 1860, 144 King William Street, Adelaide

Bookings essential: By week prior, email events@cotasa.org.au or call 08 8232 0422

Pride Month SA Champion


June is Pride Month and, throughout the month, SA Rainbow Advocacy Alliance (SARAA) is celebrating those who do great work in and for the LGTIQA+ community. Visit the SARAA Facebook page to see all the champions.

Among those highlighted so far is Rainbow Hub's own Jackie Wurm who "has done a brilliant job in developing initiatives to support LGBTIQA+ elders through enhanced social connection".


Responding to negative behaviours

...from residents in independent retirement villages and their families

 

The second in a two-part series, Robyn Lierton, Diversity Manager ECH will be in conversation with Peter Jones of COTA SA’s Silver Rainbow Team, to discuss responses that address diversity, including LGBTI+ issues. Discussion and afternoon tea will follow.

When: 3 - 4:30pm, Thursday 22 June
Where: in. Studio + Cafe, Pirie Street, Adelaide 

 

For more information and to register visit our website.

   

Winter Conversations at Government House

Government House is hosting a series of free winter events to hear inspirational South Australians in conversation with the Governor.

On the fourth Friday of June, July and August, our Patron, Her Excellency the Hon Frances Adamson AC, Governor of South Australia will engage notable South Australians in conversation on topics pertinent to the success of South Australia and the wellbeing of its people. There will be an opportunity for attendees to ask questions of both Her Excellency and the guests. 

The first session will be held on Friday, 23 June, and will feature Order of Australia recipients academic Marnie Hughes-Warrington AO and Tokyo Olympic gold medallist Darren Hicks OAM. Visit the website to find out more and book your spot.

   

Planning seminar at Centennial Park

Embrace planning so you can get on with the joys of life. You're invited to Centennial Park for a free seminar, where you can explore the benefits associated with end-of-life planning, particularly focusing on the legal considerations, while planning your celebration and farewell.

Led by a specialist Lawyer, the seminar will delve into topics like Wills and Estates planning, Advance Care Directives, and nominating Powers of Attorney. 


Take advantage of this unique opportunity to have your questions answered and to discover the stunning Jubilee Complex.

Saturday 24 June 2023 12.30pm to 2pm
Jubilee Complex, Centennial Park 760 Goodwood Road, Pasadena 


Ready to take the next step? Visit the website to book now.

     

To Hal and Bacharach 

Half Price Ticket Offer!

Saturday 17 June at 2pm

The Regal Theatre, 275 Kensington Road, Kensington Park


Featuring JD Smith (Ten Tenors) and Cosima De Vito (Australian Idol) "To Hal and Bacharach," is an homage celebrating the legendary songwriting duo, Burt Bacharach and Hal David. 

Widely considered to be among the most influential and successful songwriting partnerships in music history, their unique blend of catchy melodies and heartfelt lyrics has resonated with audiences for decades. The concert promises to be an unforgettable afternoon of music, with JD Smith and Cosima De Vito bringing their unique styles and personalities to each performance. Whether you're a longtime fan of Bacharach and David's music or simply love great music, "To Hal and Bacharach" is not to be missed!

HALF PRICE TICKET OFFER FOR FIRST TWENTY PEOPLE TO BOOK

Simply enter the code word COTA when you go through the booking check out.

     

COTA TRAVEL

WILDFLOWER WONDERLAND

13 days – Perth return

Departs 23 August, 8 September and 4 October


An unforgettable journey around beautiful Western Australia in spring. A specialist wildflower guide onboard will help you discover all of the wildflower highlights along the way. Discover some of the state’s iconic highlights such as Nambung National Parks famous Pinnacles, the interesting Wave Rock formation and beautiful Coalstream National Park. Walk among the treetops at the Valley of the Giants, explore a fascinating cave, go wine tasting in Margaret River and visit Busselton Jetty. Australia’s longest jetty. Our new Wildflower Wonderland tour is the best way to discover all that Western Australia has to offer. Also included, is the pre and post tour accommodation in the vibrant city of Perth, luxury coach travel with 2 night stop at all motels throughout the tour and more!


$5,490pp twin share from Adelaide and Melbourne.
$5,550pp twin share from Sydney.
$5,640pp twin share from Hobart.
$5,650pp twin share from Brisbane.
Single supplement from $1,270pp
Twelve breakfasts, ten dinners included.


For more information and bookings, phone 1300 896 282


     
     
   

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  
P: 08 8232 0422   |    E: cotasa@cotasa.org.au
www.cotasa.org.au
ABN 28 426 218 58