COTA New South Wales

The Council on the Ageing (COTA) NSW is the leading not-for-profit organisation representing people over 50 in NSW. We work closely with members and volunteers to promote the rights and interests of Australians as they age.

We would love to hear from you if you have some time to spare and would like to contribute your skills towards advancing the positive ageing agenda. You will join a committed community of trained volunteers whose knowledge is valued and utilised. Activities include opportunities to represent COTA NSW, and your peers, as community speakers, at external events and expos, and as subject matter experts in your field of expertise.

Please email [email protected] to express your interest.

As we age our nutrition needs change. In the next in our webinar series COTA Conversations, we'll take a look at the latest science and information on the link between healthy eating and ageing well. Register now to join us on Thursday 22 August at 10:30am at https://ow.ly/484v50STujM

NSW Health

Want to know more about how a changing climate and an increased demand for services mean we need to think about water differently?

Sydney Water invites you to join a free webinar series looking at our sustainable water future. Learn more about dams, desalination and why Sydney Water is investigating the use of purified recycled water as a future water source.

Webinar 1: Thinking about water differently
Mon 12 August 2024 at 2-3pm

Webinar 2: Diving deep into PRW (purified recycled water)
Date options: Thu 22 August 2024, 2-3pm and Mon 26 Aug 2024, 6:30-7:30pm

Register for your free tickets at https://ow.ly/Rmnl50SPIOe

Inaccessible housing leaves people isolated, at an increased risk of injury, and unable to age well at home. Along with our sector partners, we urge the NSW Government to adopt mandatory accessibility standards for new homes.

All other states and territories (except WA) have signed up for the design standards that require developers to build step-free access to the home and shower; and wider doorways and corridors.

Without fit-for-purpose accessible housing, many Australians cannot live in a home appropriate to their needs across their lifespan. People with disability, older people, people with injuries – anyone with loss of mobility will benefit.

Visit https://ow.ly/cIyV50SQPBx to sign the Open Letter to NSW State Leaders.

​​Building Better Homes Campaign

Our CEO, Gohar Yazdabadi, represented COTA NSW at the NSW Legislative Assembly Select Committee Hearing into the Residential Tenancies Amendment (Prohibiting No Grounds Evictions) Bill 2024 at the Parliament of NSW.

We welcome the efforts to prohibit no-grounds evictions and invest in more social housing; however, COTA NSW is disappointed by the ongoing oversight and invisibility of the needs and special concerns of older people in the NSW housing policy landscape.

Ahead of , it's crucial to highlight the experiences of older people experiencing ageism in the rental and housing sector in our state. We urge the committee to keep their experiences and their needs top of mind as this inquiry continues.

🌟Thanks to our friends at STUDIOCANAL Australia we have 3 family passes to giveaway to the Australian animated feature film 200% Wolf. Rated PG and in Cinemas from August 8, you can learn more about the film at https://ow.ly/5qci50SONQ3

💻Email us at [email protected] with 'Film Giveaway' in the subject field for your chance to win tickets and treat the grandkids!

💡 Our team enjoyed attending Mosman Community Care's Providers Forum to spread the word about COTA NSW and what we do.

🌟 Thanks to our fabulous volunteers, Maxine, Dagmar, and Pete who were on hand to answer lots of questions and share information on some of our key advisory topics, including choosing a better energy deal and making your home more energy efficient.

💻 If you’re interested in becoming a volunteer with COTA NSW please email us at [email protected]

Dying to Know Day is a national campaign that supports Australians to improve death literacy and plan for end-of-life. COTA NSW member and dying well advocate Jill Nash joins a panel of speakers at this Chatswood seminar on Thursday 8 August, hosted by Kylea Tink for North Sydney & Carers' Circle.

For more information and to register to attend the event go to https://ow.ly/Y4gy50SIQb3

"About one in six baby boomers don't own their own home." Our Board Director, Associate Professor Myra Hamilton, joined a recent SBS INSIGHT episode on The Boomer Economy, to share her research expertise on gender, ageing, and care.

"The idea of the wealthy generation is not the reality for some baby boomers," she told Insight. Read more of her comments and watch the episode in full at https://ow.ly/juc350SFJiv

Have your say via COTA Australia - for older Australians

WOULD you like to share your voice and experience on a range of issues affecting Australia’s over-50s to help us create better policy and advocate more effectively for your interests?

COTA Australia is planning to run a series of workshops, activities and focus groups on the following issues and would love to hear your thoughts and advice:
1. Elder Abuse
2. Home Care – Self Management of a Home Care Package
3. Oral and Dental Healthcare
4. Cost and Regulation of Aged Care

Your involvement is vital to help us to create a more inclusive and better-informed process, more appropriate policy and more effective outcomes for older Australians.
If you can help us with any of these activities, please click on this survey link: https://bit.ly/45Wq3Po.

This includes more details about the projects and activities we are planning. The survey also asks you to choose the activity or activities you’re interested in.
We are not yet able to provide the dates of the proposed activities, but can confirm they will start in July and be completed by November. We will update you on the dates of the activities as they come to hand.

We know your online security is of utmost importance, therefore, any information you enter will be viewed only by COTA Australia’s Policy and Engagement team and will be erased as soon as we have extracted the information related to your preferred activity.

Great work from Older Women's Network NSW.

Older Women's Network NSW The Older Women's Network NSW aims to promote the rights & dignity of older women.

is an opportunity for all Australians to learn about First Nations cultures and histories and participate in celebrations of the oldest, continuous living cultures on earth.

Support and get to know your local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities through activities and events this week and beyond. Search for events in your local area at https://ow.ly/FCmy50Sv98X

"I wasn't able to catch the webinar live but have just watched it. Such excellent information. Thank you." Great to receive such positive feedback on our recent Beating Scams webinar given that people in the 65+ age group are still disproportionately affected by scams.

Catch up with the webinar now to hear the fantastic tips from the ACCC's National Anti-Scam Centre on how older people can stay safe and confidently engage online. Plus, role-play examples to help you spot and protect against scams!
💻 WATCH online now at https://ow.ly/Kmk350SufYF

Our team also enjoyed sharing our work at the Mosman Community Care Forum. A great presentation from Dr Suraj Samtani UNSW Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing that was full of insights👏
Thanks for also hosting us Mosman Council

Meet John, a former human resources professional, who is settling into retirement from paid work and is navigating the next stage of his life, including as a volunteer with COTA NSW.

In our monthly newsletter, we celebrate a NSW resident aged 50+ who is making a positive impact in their community.

Read more of John's story at https://ow.ly/byLy50Sm6rS

Bowel cancer is Australia’s second biggest cancer killer. If it is detected early, it can be successfully treated in more than 90% of cases. A bowel cancer screening test is posted to people aged 50 to 74 every two years.

Do the test when it comes in the post. Early detection could save your life. Learn more https://ow.ly/G14c50Sm7gF

📣 Want to feel more confident about spotting and avoiding scams? Don't forget to register for the next in our COTA Conversations webinar series at https://ow.ly/hROg50Slk8J📣

We’ll hear from the ACCC’s National Anti-Scam Centre with the latest information, tips, and advice on how to best protect yourself against scams.

We'll also delve into the psychological tactics scammers use and offer practical strategies for identifying and countering scams, with time for your questions and comments as well.

📅 Date: Wed 26 June 2024
⏲️ Time: 10.30 - 11.30 am

Influenza (flu) is serious, but your yearly flu vaccine offers the best protection against getting really sick - so you can keep doing the things you love.

Getting a flu vaccine is quick, easy, and recommended for everyone aged 6 months. It's also free for many older people.

Book your flu vaccine at your doctor or local pharmacy or find your nearest service at https://ow.ly/3vCC50ShI04

Elder abuse is everyone’s business. COTA NSW is proud to work with and advocate for those aged 50+ in NSW. We stand together against the abuse, mistreatment, and neglect of older people.

For assistance and to access resources in 20 different languages visit https://ow.ly/jCBj50SgCvi

Australian Human Rights Commission COTA Victoria

It’s always easier to get through a tough time when you’ve got the support of a mate. Be there for your mates by checking on them and asking if they’re doing OK.

For advice on mental health services, you can call the NSW Mental Health Line 24/7 on 1800 011 511. If you need crisis support, call Lifeline Australia any time on 13 11 14.

Men can also call MensLine Australia 24/7 on 1300 78 99 78 for free telephone counselling, or visit their website for online counselling options: https://mensline.org.au/phone-and-online-counselling/

📣 Webinar: COTA Conversations - Beating Scams 📣 Are you tired of feeling stressed and unsure about how to spot scams? It's time to take control and feel more confident.

Join us for an important webinar featuring the latest information, tips, and advice from the ACCC's National Anti-Scam Centre on avoiding and better protecting yourself against scams. There’ll be time for your questions and comments.

📅 Date: Wed 26 June 2024
⏲️ Time: 10.30 - 11.30 am
Register at https://ow.ly/7sur50S9e2I

🌟 Do you know someone who needs companionship? The Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme (ACVVS) connects older people with friendly volunteers for regular visits. Whether it's sharing a cup of tea, going for a walk, or working on a hobby together, these visits make a world of difference. Anyone can refer an older person, and government-funded care recipients are eligible.

Spread the love and find out more at https://ow.ly/qW5f50S1xoW 🌟

Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care

👏Thanks to the Older Women's Network NSW for their excellent online series Planning for the Unexpected.

🌟This free, online series provides helpful tips to help approach planning for the unexpected positively and proactively. It covers topics like what you need to organise, from writing a will to how to approach decluttering and how to have difficult conversations with your family.

Learn more and start watching the series at ⬇️ https://ow.ly/V7yM50S88qQ

�Healthy teeth and gums are crucial to your quality of life. A healthy mouth helps you smile, speak, eat, socialise and feel good about yourself.

Daily brushing, regular dental check-ups and choosing healthy foods and drinks can help you maintain oral health as you age.

�Check out Healthy Ageing Online Learning for tips on how to keep your gums, teeth, and eyes healthy at https://ow.ly/cu2P50S1xkg

Visit Get Healthy NSW at https://ow.ly/LMpp50Ruier for more information, or call them on 1300806 258.

Healthy Eating Active Living NSW

We were delighted to welcome representatives of the u3a NSW Network to discuss our work to promote the rights and interests of people aged 50 and older in NSW.

u3a is a volunteer, not-for-profit organisation dedicated to encouraging lifelong learning where members share their knowledge, learn from others, socialise, and have a passion for education.

Pictured are: (L to R) COTA NSW CEO Gohar Yazdabadi, President of u3a NSW Denis Simond, and President of Milton Ulladulla u3a Laurene Mulcahy with COTA NSW Board President and Chair Dr David Scott.

SYDNEY u3a