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COTA SA E-NEWSLETTER
25 September 2024

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In this edition...

In the headlines...

International Day of Older Persons 2024... and more 

   
Next week is a busy week! On Tuesday, 1 October, we look forward to celebrating the 2024 International Day of Older Persons (IDOP). which kicks off South Australia's Week of Ageing Well (1-7 October). 

We're delighted that our intergenerational celebration, Meaningful connections at every age is a flagship event which heralds the start of this significant week. Meaningful connections are a vital part of ageing well and of breaking down the preconceptions that lead to ageism.

You can find out more about South Australia's Week of Ageing Well, including the other events available as part of it, here.
   
   

Introducing our Supporting Partners

Events such as our Meaningful connections at every age event could not go ahead without the support of our proud sponsors.

Today we would like to introduce and extend our thanks to our Supporting Partners:
Resthaven, ECH and COTA Insurance
   
   
     

Listening Posts - we want to hear from you

We want to hear from you - and we’re ready and waiting to listen at a series of Listening Posts. Last Thursday we enjoyed hearing from you at Westfield Marion. This week and next you'll find us at:
  • Marden Shopping Centre, tomorrow, Thursday 26th September in the morning. We'll be in the middle of the mall adjacent Australia Post and Kaisercraft
  • Seaford Central, Friday 4th October in the morning. You'll find us near the entry to Drakes
If you're in the area come and say hello and share your thoughts. And watch this space - we're planning more Listening Posts in other areas 
     

What you told us in September - what you look most forward to in life?

Thank you to everyone who has completed our 'How are you going?' survey so far. We asked 'What do you look most forward to in life?' and you told us:

What you share in this survey helps us to ensure that our focus is on what matters most to older South Australians at the moment and we will continue to share insights from this survey in the coming months. 

This survey is ongoing and helps us to understand how you're going right now - and what issues matter to you so please continue to share your thoughts.
     
     

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: 

  • EquiVoices spreads the word about the mental health benefits of Strength for Life
  • Strength for Life on Sunday
  • Strength for Life in Waikerie
  • North Eastern CALD Network meeting

   
     
   
   
   

We want to hear from you!

   

The Plug-in is COTA SA’s specialist consumer engagement and insights consultancy and is currently working with COTA SA on the future of our Strength for Life program to ensure it is accessible and effective for all who want and need to leverage its benefits. Strength for Life is a tailored program for older South Australians to gain strength and stay fit and COTA SA is committed to the continuous improvement of the program.
  • Have you tried a Strength for Life fitness class but didn’t continue with the program? 
  • Is there something that stops you from joining a class? 
  • Are you not familiar with Strength for Life but think it may be something that would meet your needs? 
If you answered yes to any of these questions, then we would love to hear from you! Please fill out our short survey (up to 10 mins) to tell us more:

The Plug-in connects 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.

     

Policy & Advocacy

E-scooter advocacy update

Many of you have contacted us in recent months regarding the upcoming changes to e-scooter legislation, which will allow the use of private e-scooters on paths and roads. Via our survey, you told us that 70% of you don’t support the legislation, with safety being the main concern. 

We wrote to Minister Koutsantonis’ office outlining your concerns, and they have subsequently been in touch with us. The office has advised that the Statutes Amendment (Personal Mobility Devices) Bill 2024 has been tabled in Parliament and is waiting to be passed. Once the Bill has been passed, work will begin on developing the regulations. It is in the regulations that the specific issues we raised, for example on maximum speed, will be addressed. We have been advised that: 
  • The maximum speed is likely to be 15km/ hour
  • SA Police will be responsible for regulating bad behaviour/misuse of e-scooters 
When the regulations are being developed, the government will engage will concerned groups again, including the Australian Medical Association and COTA SA. We will continue to keep you informed as the legislation progresses.

We still want to hear from you – ambulance access for older people in SA

Have you experienced challenges in paying an ambulance bill? If so and you haven't already completed our survey, we'd love to hear from you. 

COTA SA has been advocating for the State Government to fund free ambulance services for people on the full Age Pension in South Australia. Our ongoing engagement with older South Australians has indicated that cost is a barrier for many in accessing this important health service. Your story will help us convey the lived experience of older South Australians
   

COTA Australia: on the introduction of the Aged Care Act

"The long-awaited introduction of the Age Care Act means the focus can now turn to ensuring Australians get the opportunity to scrutinise the detail to ensure it delivers the rights and protections older Australians deserve", COTA Australia says.

COTA Australia: Power of Attorney Law Reform Crucial

COTA Australia is urging immediate action from Federal, State, and Territory governments to standardise Power of Attorney laws following a revealing report by the Age Discrimination Commissioner. The report, “Empowering Futures: A national survey on the understanding and use of financial enduring powers of attorney,” exposes critical gaps in Australians’ comprehension of Power of Attorney laws, leaving many vulnerable to financial elder abuse.

     

Let's Talk Aged Care: 
Aged Care Reform – Support at Home

As stated above, the new Aged Care Act was recently introduced, find out more on the COTA Australia website.


You can read about recently announced aged care reform news and what it means for you on the Department of Health and Aged Care website


In addition, the following links go directly to Department of Health and Aged Care fact sheets and case studies for older people and your families:

Join an online Question and Answer session with the Department of Health and Aged Care tomorrow. Register here to attend.

     

Ongoing learning at WEA

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.


The list of available courses has been updated. Click below to see available courses and register your interest.

     

Upcoming events

   

Conversations with Salisbury Seniors October

Our next Conversation with Salisbury Seniors is coming up next month. 


Join us on 29 October at 9:30am for a conversation and to share ideas around the power of social connections and its incredible connection to wellbeing. 

   

Save the date: COTA SA Annual General Meeting 2024

Save the date for the 2024 Annual General Meeting of COTA SA which will be held on Monday 11 November 2024 commencing at 2pm. Our guest speaker will be The Right Honourable, the Lord Mayor Dr Jane Lomax-Smith. Members will be invited to attend; if you are not already a member you can join via our website, membership is free and open to people 50 years and over.

     

Stay in touch with Rainbow Hub SA


Rainbow Hub SA share news and updates in their regular e-newsletter. To support Rainbow Hub SA and stay up to date you can subscribe to their e-newsletter, visit their website and get involved with their events.

   

Rainbow Hub SA monthly lunch
Join Rainbow Hub SA at their monthly lunch for members of the LGBTI+ community aged 50+. If you haven't attended before there will be someone to welcome you.

When: 12noon – 1.30pm, Thursday 26 September and 24 October

Where: Treasury 1860, 144 King William Street, Adelaide

Bookings essential by the Thursday prior to the lunch. To book, email events@cotasa.org.au or call 08 8232 0422.

     

Fleurieu information for seniors

The Fleurieu Neighbourhood Network was originally established by COTA SA and is now operating an independent information service run by committed local volunteers with the support of COTA SA and the City of Victor Harbor. 

Their Victor Harbor Seniors Information Service offers: 
  • Support 
  • Connection 
  • Trusted free independent information on services for Fleurieu seniors

Drop in and say hello at the Victor Harbor Library Hub, 1 Bay Rd, Victor Harbor

Tuesdays 11am to 1pm

     

Disability Ageing and Lifestyle Expo

The next Disability, Ageing and Lifestyle Expo is coming up soon - 11-12 October. This free annual event at the Adelaide Showground is dedicated to promoting inclusivity, accessibility, and empowerment for individuals of all abilities and ages.

This year you can visit Adelaide Metro at the free DAL expo, people with mobility devices will be able to practice boarding a bus and manoeuvring in the accessible spaces. So, if you’ve ever felt nervous about catching public transport, now is your time to try it out safely and learn about all the places you can visit. Eventgoers will also get the chance to check out our cleaner, greener hybrid bus and get information on all things bus, train and tram. For more information visit the Adelaide Metro website.
     

Voluntary Assisted Dying SA speakers

Voluntary Assisted Dying South Australia welcome enquiries to attend your gathering to provide information on voluntary assisted dying in South Australia.

  • SA legislation and its limits
  • How to access VAD
  • The past and future of VAD in SA
  • VAD laws compared across states
Contact VADSA on 0421 305 684 or visit www.vadsa.org.au 
     

Adelaide Metro ticketing upgrade reaches trains

If you use trains to get around Adelaide, you might have noticed that new smart validators are being installed on board. While they might look different to the old validators, they still accept Seniors Cards and metroCARDs. The new smart validators are part of a broader ticketing upgrade that aims to make public transport simpler, safer and easier to use. By late-2025, train customers will have access to the same easy ways to pay that are already available on buses and trams. If you have a Seniors Card, you can continue to use it as usual for free public transport across on any type of validator on any bus, train or tram. Just remember to separate your Seniors Card from other payment cards and devices before you tap. Find out more on the Adelaide Metro website.
     

Chamber Music: Inkling Trio in Concert

Presented as part of South Australia's Week of Ageing Well, City of Unley are pleased to bring you free intergenerational Chamber Music concerts on Tuesday 1 October 12-12:45pm (at Goodwood Community Centre) and Wednesday 2 October 11-11:45am (at Clarence Park Community Centre). Inkling Trio, with mandolin, violin and cello, are a rhythmically infused innovative group with roots in traditional, folk and classical styles. Join them for a fun, energised lunchtime concert with child friendly introductions and a chance to see the musicians up close. Click the dates above for more details.
     

Capri Fundraiser screening of 'Kenny' with special guest Clayton Jacobson

The Capri Theatre, Goodwood

Sunday October 13, 3-5:30pm


The Capri supports us each edition with ticket giveaways to their shows. This month we're helping to promote their upcoming fundraiser event. They say:

"The pipework in the gents dunny at The Capri is corroding faster than Kenny’s arteries, so we’re hosting a little fundraiser to help cover the cost of restoring this sacred space in its original glory." 

The movie’s Director/Writer/Producer/Actor, Mr Clayton Jacobson, will join Dr Nick Prescott on stage post movie for a chin wag about the making of the film.
     

COTA TRAVEL

   

Christmas highlights, Melbourne, Macedon and the Coast

6 days | Escorted tour from Adelaide

Join us on our first Christmas rail tour. You stay at the delightful Rydges Hotel Geelong. Leisurely sightseeing is included to make your Christmas break a wonderful experience. Tour includes return travel from Adelaide to Geelong by rail on the comfortable Overland Train, the beautiful Forest Glade Gardens at Macedon, a spectacular performance of the musical Sister Act at the Regent Theatre, Great Ocean Road and Otway National Park tour, Memorial Cross at Macedon, hotel breakfast and dinner every day and 4 lunches. A special highlight is our magnificent lunch on Christmas Day.

22 December 2024 departure
$2,490 twin share from Adelaide
Single supplement from $750pp
6 breakfasts, 5 dinners, 4 lunches (1 being the traditional Christmas lunch)
Chauffeured transfers from your home (30km within Adelaide metro area)

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  
Office open to visitors Tues-Thurs 9am - 5pm, please call or email outwith these hours
P: 08 8232 0422   |    E: cotasa@cotasa.org.au
www.cotasa.org.au
ABN 28 426 218 58 

COTA SA receives a commission from all insurance sales in South Australia.