|
|
COTA SA E-NEWSLETTER 12 June 2024 | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
COTA SA's State Budget 2024-25 response | |
|
"While any relief is welcome, older people will be aware that in reality, this relief is at a similar level to what they received last year. While the relief level has barely increased, their energy bills and household expenses are continuing to skyrocket." Miranda Starke, COTA SA Chief Executive COTA SA has been eagerly awaiting the State Budget announcement and looking forward to seeing how the State Government has responded to the issues older South Australians told us matter most to them. Older South Australians on low incomes will appreciate the additional $243.90 cost of living payment this month. COTA SA is also pleased to see that renters and Commonwealth Senior Health Card holders will have their concession amount doubled to match that of homeowners. However, the State Budget has not gone far enough to ease the pressure on older South Australians amid a cost-of-living and housing crisis.
| |
|
|
What you thought: State Budget survey results | |
|
"The $243 will be a help in the short run, but of course will not last. In the meantime, prices will keep going up, no matter what we are told." Thank you to all who have provided their feedback so far in our most recent State Budget Survey - there's still time to have your say, take the survey here. These results will assist COTA SA in our advocacy, ensuring that the voices of older South Australians are heard.
A total of 225 older people completed our short survey to tell us how they felt about the June State Budget announcement. When asked about the 2024 State Budget, the overwhelming majority of respondents felt neutral or negative. Only 18% of respondents felt somewhat positive, and a small 3% felt very positive. Of those who felt it would have an impact on their life, only 11% felt this impact would be positive. Read the full summary below.
| |
|
Tackling Elder Abuse and Ageism | |
|
Older people have the right to safety, dignity, and autonomy and to be treated with respect, but ageist attitudes in our society may lead to their exclusion and underestimation.
Saturday 15 June 2024 is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, when we shine a spotlight on elder abuse - one of the most insidious forms of ageism. Also this week, Office for Ageing Well have launched their annual Elder Abuse Prevention Community Awareness Campaign; this year they are asking South Australians to check how they think and speak about ageing and older people and reminding them that ageist attitudes may lead to elder abuse.
Community members can check their own attitudes and beliefs about older people, and discover ways to challenge ageism, using the Age Positive Communication Toolkit and Bystander Action for Ageing Well Training at: Tackling Ageism | SA Health | |
|
Celebrating our volunteers | |
|
National Volunteer Week 2024
COTA SA took the opportunity during the recent National Volunteer Week to say a big thank you to our volunteers and celebrate their many contributions - both to our work and in the wider community through a celebration event. We were delighted to host our volunteers with morning tea and a film at the volunteer run Capri Theatre and by acknowledging the service of some of our dedicated visitors who volunteer in our COTA Visitors program. You can see a few more of the photos from the morning on our Facebook page here. | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
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: - A warm welcome to the Burundian community!
- South Australian Volunteer Awards 2024
- Staying up-to-date with Instructor Update Training
| |
|
|
Strength for Life in the city | |
Did you know that, due to popular demand, we now offer Strength for Life in the city. Due to popular demand, COTA SA's own fully accredited instructors are now delivering the only Strength for Life sessions in the Adelaide CBD at WEA Adult Learning on Angas Street. To register, email us on sfl@cotasa.org.au or call 08 8232 0422. | |
|
|
Engaging with older consumers in aged care and CHSP | |
How can your organisation engage with customers in a meaningful way that benefits both you and your customers?
This short presentation, developed by COTA SA's social enterprise, The Plug-in, shares useful information about consumer engagement in aged care and CHSP - why to do it, how to do it, and how The Plug-in can help. | |
|
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 & policies for the growing 50+ market.
If you’re an aged care provider that wants to gain valuable insights and understand older customers at a deeper level, get in touch with The Plug-in. | |
|
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.
| |
|
|
|
Rainbow Hub monthly lunch Members of the LGBTI+ community aged 50+ are warmly invited to this monthly lunch. If you haven't attended before there will be someone to welcome you. When: 12noon – 1.30pm, Thursday 27 June 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. | |
|
Rainbow Rights in Action Forum
A few spots left! You're invited to this free forum to launch our new toolkit to help the LGBTI+ community exercise their rights over a lifetime. The toolkit will also help build awareness amongst the people who will be part of their choices, supports and care.
Julie McCrossin AM will emcee and tease out the issues of particular relevance to the rainbow community with a panel of experts and people with lived experience, including the SA Commissioner for Equal Opportunity Jodeen Carney; lawyer Robert Lempens; trans activist and archivist Jenny Scott; Ben-Hur Winter, Project Officer, CONNECT, SAMESH; and end of life doula Shannon Beresford.
The event will include light refreshments, networking opportunities and lucky door prizes. The venue is close to public transport and free car parking is available. Supported by Office for Ageing Well, SA Health. When: 3 - 6pm Thursday 20 June Where: Kaurna Country, Adelaide Pavillion, corner South Tce / Peacock Rd, Adelaide Book: Essential for catering by 12 June, via eventbrite or call 08 8232 0422 | |
|
|
|
Understanding your energy usage and managing your energy costs | |
It can be hard to get a handle on understanding your energy usage at home. Bills are difficult to interpret and comparisons between energy retailers are notoriously complicated. In addition, determining the costs and benefits of making changes at home to reduce your energy usage is also tricky. For example, is it better to improve home insulation or put in energy-efficient appliances or use solar panels?
COTA SA's Climate Change Group recently offered its first webinar on this topic – Understanding your energy usage. We were pleased to co-host the webinar with the knowledgeable assistance of Jennifer Mann from the Energy Advisory Service. If you weren't able to join us or you'd like to watch it again, the replay is available to watch now. | |
|
|
Fleurieu Neighbourhood Network Hubs | |
Drop in and see us
COTA SA’s Fleurieu Neighbourhood Network Hubs are here for older people in the Fleurieu Peninsula. Visit our Hub to connect with others and enjoy the beauty of our local area together. | | | |
Drop in and talk with friendly local volunteers who are passionate about helping you connect with activities, groups and events that are of interest to you. Find us at: | |
Goolwa Library 11 Cadell St, Goolwa Tuesdays 10am to 12pm
| | Victor Harbor Library 1 Bay Rd, Victor Harbor Tuesdays 1pm to 3pm Thursdays 11am to 1pm | | | |
Hubs update: Please note, from 2 July the Goolwa Hub will cease operating, the Victor Harbor Hub will continue to be available on Tuesdays 11am-1pm. | |
|
|
Governor's Winter Conversations 2024 | |
|
The first of the Governor's Winter Conversation Series for 2024 was held last week with the topic 'Ageing Well'.
We are so pleased that our patron, the Governor, is using her voice to help us bring attention to the positives of ageing and the challenges, and that our Deputy Chair Anne Burgess was part of the panel discussion along with former Age Discrimination Commissioner Kaye Patterson. | |
|
|
|
|
ECH presents Dr Libby Weaver – COTA SA supporter ECH are partnering with Dr Libby Weaver, a nutritional biochemist who will deliver an inspiring and informative presentation. Dr Libby’s research focusses on helping people regain their energy and vitality by focusing on their health and nutrition.
Dr Libby Weaver will be hosted by ECH, at the Adelaide Convention Centre on Friday June 28th at 2pm, where she’ll present on the topic Live longer stronger: ways to expand your healthspan, not just your lifespan.
There is no cost to attend, however seating is limited so please RSVP by Thursday 20 June. | |
|
|
Chris McPhee & Rosie Hosking in Concert 'The Diva & The Organist' | |
Win a double pass!
The Capri Theatre, Goodwood Sunday June 23, 2 - 4pm
Thanks to the Capri Theatre we have 3 double passes to give away for an afternoon of magic as The Diva, Rosie Hosking and The Organist, Chris McPhee take centre stage at the Capri with a performance to excite your senses. From timeless classics to modern hits, this show will take audiences on a journey through a kaleidoscope of musical genres. | | | |
For more information, visit capri.org.au or call 8272 1177. To win a double pass, click the button below and complete the form by 9am Monday 17 June. Three entries will be randomly selected and we will email winners on Monday 17 June.
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
5 day holiday | Adelaide return
Adelaide ● Overland Corner Hotel ● Renmark ● Mildura ● Mungo National Park ● Broken Hill
Discover the sights & learn the secrets of our ancient outback
Enjoy a fabulous 5 Day Holiday and learn the incredible history of our two most vital rivers – The Murray and The Darling. We visit the world-famous Mungo National Park – known as the ‘Walls of China’. This historic place has been the location of a lost civilisation with relics of the oldest humans ever discovered. Follow the trail of the early river explorers and Australia’s most significant mining discoveries at Broken Hill. Tour Highlights include lunch at the Overland Corner Hotel, paddleboat Rothbury cruise, Mungo National Park, sightseeing Broken Hill, original Menindee Hotel visit and more.
From $1,890 pp twin share, from Adelaide. Single supplement available $620 from Adelaide and $1,090 from interstate. Interstate connections (including flights and 2 nights hotel stay in Adelaide) available. 25 September 2024 departure, from Adelaide. 4 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 4 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
www.cotasa.org.au ABN 28 426 218 58
| |
COTA SA receives a commission from all insurance sales in South Australia. | |
|