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COTA SA E-NEWSLETTER
6 SEPTEMBER 2022

   

AGEING: It's time to re-write the rules

You're invited to COTA SA's event to celebrate the International Day of Older Persons.

Hear from COTA SA’s guests, Maggie Beer AM, Keith Conlon OAM and Polly Sumner Dodd, about their experiences as they age – what works, what doesn’t, what they love, what they hate, what they wish was different – and engage in conversation about what it means to age well in 2022.

Join us for a FREE event in Adelaide
Friday 30 September 2022
9:30am - 12pm (please note the updated time)
U City 43 Franklin St, Adelaide

To help COTA SA shape its program and build the picture of ageing in 2022, please share your experience of being an older South Australian and complete our 5 minute survey.

Live regionally but still want to join us?

To help regionally based people attend this event in Adelaide on 30 September, we are providing up to $450 towards travel and accommodation costs for four individuals, thanks to the support of Office for Ageing Well and Seniors Card. 


To be considered for one of these places, please complete an expression of interest  using the button below.

To be eligible you must be 50+ and live within a postcode not included or partly included in the ABS greater Adelaide definition. The post codes listed here are considered to be in Regional South Australia.

The winners will be chosen at random and must be willing to feature in post event promotions by COTA SA. This may include sharing their profile, thoughts and experiences on ageing, offering feedback on the event, and having their comments communicated to Office for Ageing Well.

     

UPDATE TRAINING

It was wonderful to have seven Strength for Life Trainers complete their ‘Update Training’ this weekend. 


A great opportunity to network and share their experiences delivering the SFL program. 



GERMAN SENIORS' INTEREST IN FALLS PREVENTION

The German-speaking Aged Services Association, with a strong interest in Strength for Life, have recognized the importance of the subject of falls prevention for their community members. Strength for Life and falls prevention strategies go together like peas in a pod! COTA SA is delighted to work with German-speaking Aged Services to bring this valuable information to their various Seniors groups in Metropolitan Adelaide. 

The first session took place in West Croydon, when the two presentations were delivered by

  • Rosemary Crane, Strength for Life Fitness Instructor. 
  • Clara Tait Cultural Diversity Officer, who presented Strength for Life

 A big thank you to Katherin Spreitzer from the German Speaking Aged Care Services for hosting this wonderful event, Rosemary Crane for her excellent presentation and the community members themselves for their interest and their warm welcome.



FILIPINO GROUP IN SALISBURY!

Over the past few months it has been a privilege to work with Cory Allesa, Group Social Support Coordinator from the AMRC (Australian Migrant Resource in Salisbury) in planning Strength for Life sessions in Salisbury for Filipino community members.

It was so exciting that the first session took place on 30 August 2022. A huge thank you to Cory Allesa, Sophie Beers (Manager of Strength for Life) and Kylie Calvert (Fitness Instructor) for their wonderful enthusiasm that contributed to the success of the day!

     

CCTV CONSULTATION

How do you feel about CCTV and other surveillance and monitoring technology in aged care?

 

The SA Government’s Office for Ageing Well is seeking your views about surveillance and monitoring technologies in residential aged care facilities. This is an important way you can have your views heard to inform a report to the Minister for Health and Wellbeing.

The consultation is open until 16 October 2022.

Find more information here: Technology in Aged Care | YourSAy

 

COTA SA will also be making a submission on this important topic. If you would like to share your views with us, we would love to hear from you. Reach us on 08 8232 0422, 1800 182 324 (Country Callers) or at cotasa@cotasa.org.au.

     

COTA VISITORS

We are still seeking volunteers to be part of our COTA Visitors program. 

Do you have a spare hour a week or fortnight to catch up for a coffee and a chat with an older person who may be lonely or isolated? Share stories, talk about world events or play a game together. What you do is up to you both. You will be matched with someone who lives local to you, and has similar interests. 

For more information click here or call 08 8232 0422.

     

DO YOU LIVE IN COUNTRY SA?

Are you perplexed or unsure about My Aged Care, what it offers and how you can access it? Information around the multi layered My Aged Care System can be overwhelming for many people and the numerous assessments and approvals required to access services, can be extremely confusing.  


John Moran [pictured below] can give you free, independent assistance over the phone to help you or a family member get started with accessing My Aged Care.

If you are having difficulty navigating My Aged Care or simply want to run things by someone with an in-depth knowledge of the system, call John!

John Moran Ageing Well Coordinator [Country]
FREE CALL 1800 182 324

John will work with you until you understand how to move forward with My Aged Care or other aged care supports that may benefit you. John's service is free and independent.

     

INFLUENCERS SHAPE TOWN OF GAWLER'S AGEING WELL FRAMEWORK 


Over the last 9 months, The Plug-in has been undertaking work in partnership with Town of Gawler to develop an Ageing Well Framework. 


We conducted focus groups in December last year, followed by two surveys and a community forum. During this time, The Plug-in researchers were able to gather insights on what those aged 50 and over enjoy about Town of Gawler, what they would like to see improved, and what is important to them in the future. 


We had a great time with our participants and were able to directly use the experiences and feedback of local residents to shape the content for the Ageing Well Framework. This document sets out the areas of focus for Council to support older people to continue to live healthy, enriched and connected areas. Recommendations are made for continued support and improvements to the physical environment, transport and infrastructure, social inclusion, community participation and public services. 


The final Ageing Well Framework was adopted by Council on the 26th of July. You can read more about the project and download a copy of the Ageing Well Framework document on the Town of Gawler website here


Thank you again to those who took part and to the Town of Gawler Council for providing input, support, and venues for us to conduct this important research. 


If you would like to become a Plug-In Influencer, you can register your details to be notified of our upcoming projects through our sign-up page here


If you think that your Council would benefit from an Ageing Well Framework or similar strategic planning, The Plug-in can assist! Please contact our team on 08 8224 5526 or via email: connect@theplugin.com.au. You can also get in touch about any other research needs with people aged over 50 through our contact page here.

Mayor Redman with The Plug-in team members Elyse and Sharmilla

     

RAINBOW HUB MONTHLY LUNCH

A lunch for members of the LGBTI community aged 50+

DATE:                     Thursday 22 Sept, 27 Oct, 24 Nov  12 noon - 1:30pm

WHERE:                 Treasury 1860, 144 King William Street, Adelaide

BOOKINGS:           By Thursday before - events@cotasa.org.au or call 08 8232 0422. 
Please note:         Attendees need to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.


Check our Facebook page for updates if the COVID-19 situation changes in South Australia.



SATURDAY AFTERNOON SESSION AT THE COLONEL LIGHT 
Monthly session for LGBTIQ+ people of all ages. Tullula Bright and staff serve coffee, cake, mocktails and cocktails for purchase. 

WHEN:                   3:00pm - 5:00pm, Saturday 17 September

WHERE:                 Colonel Light Hotel, 141 Currie St, Adelaide

BOOKINGS:          Optional - events@cotasa.org.au or call 08 8232 0422. 



SILVER RAINBOW COMMUNITY OF PRACTICE - Making our practice more inclusive 

Cris Davis will speak about a framework for thinking about practice and changing it.  Then Marianne Zanelli will talk about Eldercare’s process for increasing LGBTI+ inclusivity in the care of residents. Followed by discussion and afternoon tea. Cris is a member of the COTA SA Silver Rainbow Training Team and Marianne is Project Manager Marketing, Eldercare.

WHEN: Tuesday 20 September, 3:00 - 4:30pm 

WHERE: The Joinery, 111 Franklin St, Adelaide 

RSVP: For catering and COVID numbers; or to join by zoom, via events@cotasa.org.au or ring 08 8232 0422.

Download the flyer here.


For more information, about our training and consulting services, see Silver Rainbow • COTA SA

 


 

RAINBOW HUB WRITING GROUP

LGBTIQ+ people of all ages are welcome to participate. More info here.

WHEN: 2 - 4pm, Saturday 8 October

BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL: Via events@cotasa.org.au or ring 08 8232 0422



WATERSHED ONLINE UNTIL 25 SEPTEMBER

The world premiere of the amazing Watershed: The Death of Dr Duncan Oratorio was at the 2022 Adelaide Festival with State Opera SA, initiated by Feast Festival.

Catch up on an interview with Alana Valentine, Christos Tsiolkas and composer Joe Twist (part of the creative team) responsible, as well as a recording of the Oratorio itself available online here, until around 25 September 

     

OUT AND ABOUT WITH COTA SA

Where we are going....

HEALTHY CITIES ONKAPARINGA: END OF LIFE WELLNESS AND CARE EXPO  
WHEN: Thursday 22 September, 2 -6pm 
WHERE: Woodcroft Neighbourhood Centre, 175 Bains Rd, Morphett Vale 

UNDERSTANDING AGED CARE SERVICES – A WORKSHOP FOR FORGOTTEN AUSTRALIANS/CARE LEAVERS 
WHEN: Thursday, 29 September, 10am-1pm
WHERE: Aged Care’s Harrison Court Community Activity Room, 54 Buxton St, North Adelaide
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE FLYER



Where we have been...

COMMUNITY CONNECT  

WHEN: Friday, 26 August 2022

EVENT: Seniors Information Forum, hosted by Hon Zoe Bettison MP

WHERE: Salisbury Bowling Club, Orange Avenue, SALISBURY SA 5108

PEOPLE ATTENDED: approx. 50-60

VOLUNTEERS PRESENT: Carmen Walker-Galpin, Jan Provis, Terry Boswell

   

COTA TRAVEL

SUNNY OASIS

Adelaide * Naracoorte * Mount Gambier * Casterton * Hamilton * Robe


Enjoy a fun tour to the cool south-eastern corner of South Australia, travelling along the picturesque Limestone Coast. Staying 3 nights in the heart of Mount Gambier. Be amazed by the Sinkhole Gardens and experience the bluest lake you will ever see! Stunning volcanic landscapes, Casterton the home of the Kelpie dog, lunch and the amazing botanic gardens in Hamilton, Sir Reginald Ansett Museum, a delightful scenic cruise on the Glenelg River and more.

 

8 October 2022 departure.
$1350 pp twin share, from Adelaide.

Return transfers included from your home – if you live within 30km of Adelaide CBD.
Interstate connections available. Single supplement available. 
3 breakfasts, 1 afternoon tea, 1 lunches and 3 dinners included.

CALL NOW to book or to find out more 1300 896 282 

   

FATAL FIVE - DRINK AND DRUG DRIVING 


Drink and drug driving are major contributors to death and serious injury on South Australian roads. Alcohol and drugs reduce your ability to drive safely, with some common effects being:

•  slow reaction time

•  poor judgement

•  impaired vision and hearing

•  poor physical coordination

•  over-confidence.


   


In South Australia it is an offence to:

•  drive under the influence of intoxicating liquor and/or a drug

•  drive while having the prescribed concentration of alcohol in blood

•  drive with a prescribed drug in oral fluid or blood

•  refuse or fail to comply with directions from a police officer in relation to submitting to an alcotest, breath analysis, drug screening test, oral fluid analysis or blood test.


The penalties for drink and drug driving include fines up to $2900, imprisonment, licence disqualification, loss of demerit points, vehicle impoundment or forfeiture.

 

Don’t drink and drug drive. Make sure you plan ahead and consider:

•  nominating a designated driver

•  organising someone to transport you to and from the venue

•  catching public transport

•  catching a taxi or consider ride sharing

•  staying the night

•  allowing yourself enough time before you drive again.

 

For more information on SAPOL’s Road Safety Centre programs and resources visit www.police.sa.gov.au/road-safety


   

TAKE THE GRANDKIDS TO THE MOVIES!

DISCOUNTED
School Holiday Deal

Sit back and relax in Goodwood's heritage-listed Capri Theatre and watch a movie with the grandkids these school holidays.
Our scoopon offer is a fantastic way to keep the little ones entertained with films DC League of Super-Pets, Paws Of Fury: The Legend of Hank and The Railway Children Return. 

The mighty Wurlitzer theatre organ will play for 15 minutes before the sessions on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Grab multiple vouchers and treat the family to a fun flick again and again! Here's the link to access the deal.

For further information, please contact Capri at capri.org.au or Phone 8272 1177

   

Thursday 8 September is R U Ok? Day - where we are reminded to check in with family, friends, neighbours and colleagues and ask "Are you ok?" and really listen to the answer.
If you yourself are not feeling ok, then please seek help, there are some resources here.
A conversation can change a life.
To find out more about R U Ok? Day, click here.

   

ACCC WARNING AS “Hi Mum” SCAMS SPIKE

Scamwatch is urging the public to be wary of phone messages from a family member or friend claiming they need help, following a significant rise in “Hi Mum” scams in recent months.

More than 1,150 Australians fell victim to the so-called “Hi Mum” scam in the first seven months of this year, with total reported losses of $2.6 million. The vast majority of these scams were reported in June and July 2022.

Known as “Hi Mum” or “family impersonation” scams, victims are contacted - most often through WhatsApp - by a scammer posing as a family member or friend.

The scammer will claim they have lost or damaged their phone and are making contact from a new number. Then, once they have developed a rapport with their target, the scammer will ask for personal information such as photos for their social media profile or money to help urgently pay a bill, contractor or replace the phone.

These requests continue the ruse of a lost or broken phone with the justification that the funds are needed because they can’t access their online banking temporarily.

Click here to find out more.

   
   

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.

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